RUNNING cost experts are predicting the Skoda Octavia will be cheaper to run than entry-level upper-medium cars.

Emmox Carcost quotes the £13,800 Octavia 1.9 TDI Ambiente at 29.16 pence per mile over three years/60,000 miles while the range-topping diesel, the Octavia 2.0 TDI Elegance is rated at 34.06 pence per mile.

Glass’s Guide claims the Octavia 1.9 TDI will retain 38% of its value over three years/60,000 miles, compared with 29% for the Vauxhall Vectra 2.0 DTi and 35% for the Peugeot 407 1.6 HDi.

The Octavia is larger than most lower-medium cars and Skoda expects it will be a viable alternative for many upper- medium cars.

John Rooney, Skoda head of business sales, said: ‘We are confident the new Octavia is the right choice for fleet decision- makers.’