Reviews - Skoda

Overall Rating

Lots of positives recommend the Octavia, which is roomy, well priced and has a range of good Volkswagen engines. It promises low running costs, and it's well-built and nice to drive.

• Keenly priced for its size and quality
• Estates are practical load-luggers
• Good fuel economy and reasonable running costs

• Not much image and starting too look dated
• Many rival family saloons are roomier
• 1.9 SDi is seriouslyn underpowered

Octavia is the model that made British buyers take Skoda seriously. Basing on the Volkswagen Golf was certainly a good start. Nicely designed, it's a good-looking, practical family car. It's also a quality one, with fine panel gaps and a feeling of solidity. Inside it looks a little sombre, but the materials used in the cabin are of impressive quality. Five adults can fit, although rear legroom is on the tight side. However, the boot is massive. For maximum space, choose one of the excellent estates; arguably, they are even more handsome. VW's petrol and diesel engines are sturdy and willing; the larger ones accelerate eagerly, although the 1.4 struggles. The high performance RS is a welcome surprise with its lowered suspension and 146mph top speed. Avoid the basic cars which do not have very impressive specifications. 1.9 TDi turbodiesel models with air conditioning are the pick of a strong range.

JD Power stars: 5

NCAP: 4

Best Models: 1.8 T, 1.9 TDi

Worst Models: 1.4, 1.6 LXi 75bhp

Replacement: 2004 by current Octavia

• Nissan Primera (1999-02)
• Toyota Avensis (1997-03)
• Vauxhall Vectra (1995-02)