Skip advert
Advertisement

Ford Mondeo ST TDCi vs Octavia vRS

Hot diesels from Skoda and Ford are bargains right now. Which is our choice?

Switching to diesel power to reduce your fuel bills doesn’t mean you have to compromise on performance – as the Ford Mondeo ST TDCi and Skoda Octavia vRS TDI 170 prove.

Over the years, Auto Express has heaped praise on both cars in standard guise. And these frugal but punchy top-of-the-range variants offer the same practicality in a much more entertaining package. Adding
to the appeal for second-hand buyers is the fact that depreciation hasn’t been kind to either model. Both have lost a great deal of money since new, so they now represent excellent value.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Fitted with the VW Group’s 168bhp turbodiesel unit, the Octavia is the more potent car, with a healthy 15bhp advantage over the Mondeo. And while its tuned powerplant isn’t as refined and smooth as many modern oil-burning engines, it’s got grunt by the bucketload, which means overtaking is a breeze.

The vRS sits 12mm lower than the standard Octavia, and comes with 17 or 18-inch alloy wheels, so the ride is a little on the firm side. But it handles with nimble precision and the steering is responsive. What’s more, the interior provides masses of space. The boot can swallow an enormous 560 litres of luggage, while passengers in the rear have plenty of room.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

Octavia

2020 Skoda

Octavia

20,133 milesManualDiesel2.0L

Cash £13,787
View Octavia
Octavia

2019 Skoda

Octavia

72,753 milesAutomaticPetrol2.0L

Cash £13,087
View Octavia
Octavia

2020 Skoda

Octavia

27,280 milesManualPetrol1.5L

Cash £11,663
View Octavia
Octavia

2021 Skoda

Octavia

8,980 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £14,700
View Octavia

Although the Skoda costs more to buy, stronger residuals make it a much safer place for your money. Don’t discount the Mondeo, however. It’s just as capable, and the low price tag is very tempting – especially considering it would have set you back £4,625 more than the Octavia new.

The longer wheelbase of the Ford means extra room in the rear, while sporty styling is carried over from the petrol version of the ST – you get 18-inch alloy wheels and a bodykit as standard. Find a post-2005 facelifted model, and it will look even fresher.

The Mondeo has a 230cc advantage in engine capacity, and this translates into more torque: 400Nm from 1,800rpm. The potent oil-burner also helps the Ford strike a great balance between performance and cruising refinement. So although it’s not quite as quick as the Skoda, it makes a better all-round proposition.

And that’s the key. The Ford is great to drive, more spacious and better value than its Czech rival, and so has to be our choice.

Extra Info

Skoda Octavia vRS TDI
2006 to date
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl
Power: 168bhp
0-60mph: 7.5 seconds
Insurance group: 14
Economy: 46.3mpg
CO2: 157g/km
Prices: From £9,000
Why? Raucous turbocharged engine, sharp handling and much stronger residuals than the Ford. It’s more powerful and faster, too – although this comes at a price.

Ford Mondeo ST TDCi
2005-2007
Engine: 2.2-litre 4cyl
Power: 153bhp
0-62mph: 8.7 seconds
Insurance group: 13
Economy: 48.7mpg
CO2: 161g/km
Prices: From £6,000
Why? Better all-rounder of the pair. Not only is the Mondeo significantly cheaper, it offers a more tempting blend of practicality and driving appeal than the Czech contender.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Skoda Octavia

Skoda Octavia

RRP £21,495Avg. savings £2,212 off RRP*Used from £12,695
Skoda Superb

Skoda Superb

RRP £35,925Avg. savings £2,880 off RRP*Used from £13,480
Skoda Scala

Skoda Scala

RRP £19,520Avg. savings £1,807 off RRP*Used from £8,895
Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,820Avg. savings £4,640 off RRP*Used from £14,895
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Car finance firms losing "hundreds of millions” in EV depreciation want Govt support
Car and money

Car finance firms losing "hundreds of millions” in EV depreciation want Govt support

The BVRLA says the disparity in supply and demand for electric cars is resulting in weaker-than-expected residuals, which is costing firms millions
News
11 Apr 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Elegant Mazda 3 hatch for a preeminent £178 per month
Mazda 3 front corner right

Car Deal of the Day: Elegant Mazda 3 hatch for a preeminent £178 per month

Fluid handling and even more flowing styling are the selling points of the Mazda 3 in this affordable deal
News
12 Apr 2025
New Denza Z9GT 2025 review: super estate has BMW and Mercedes in its sights
 Denza Z9GT - front tracking

New Denza Z9GT 2025 review: super estate has BMW and Mercedes in its sights

The new Denza Z9GT hybrid estate is on the way to the UK. Should BMW, Mercedes and even Porsche be worried?
Road tests
11 Apr 2025