Faults:

In nearly a year the only defect has been the rear screen washer. This stopped working and water leaked from under the tail-gate cover, indicating a pipe off or broken. This was fixed under the warranty without fuss.

General Comments:

This car is quick and economic, miles per gallon average out at 52 mpg. This is the true figure, not that from the trip computer which is optimistic by around 2%.

The climate control ensures comfort in all weather conditions and there is an electric sunroof, if the need for natural sunlight is felt.

At first the seats appear very hard, this is a Germanic trait, but one soon gets used to this and on longer journeys the firm seats actually add to comfort.

The instruments are very clear and controls fall easily to touch. The panel light is adjustable and there is a headlamp level control. The only drawback is the heater is poorly sited, not too much of a problem once you can remember where the controls are. Because the system is largely automatic the settings can be entered and forgotten, anyhow. The cigarette lighter point is also poorly sited and the left hand has to reach back to activate it.

The six Cd magazine works well and the sound from the 8 speaker stereo is superb. Automatic volume for speed differences is standard and is a 'set and forget' item.

Speed and handing are excellent, this car will out accelerate many petrol cars and cruises effortlessly at motorway speed. On a run 60 to the gallon is easily achievable, making it the most economic car I have owned.

The service interval, using fully synthetic oil, is 30,000 miles. This is the one aspect I am doubtful of, such a long service interval encourages neglect, in my opinion.

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

The Carpets being white, are very difficult to keep clean.

Octavias are a pain to reverse due to the crap rear view afforded by the high boot lid.

The plastics used in the interior have a nasty cheap feel compared to VWs. Why couldn't they have put more money into the styling of the car rather than waste it on things like over the top brakes and white carpets?

The car is fast, but wheel spins in 3rd gear which is good for impressing boy racers, but indicates poor traction even in the dry.

The handling is generally good, for a big barge of a car like this. It certainly isn't a sports car - more a large family saloon with delusions of grandeur and aspirations beyond it's means.

At the end of the day, Skoda have come a long way, but this car will always be a Skoda. It just fails to inspire. I regret buying this car because it tries too hard to be something it's not. You can modify it until you are blue in the face, but your mates are only impressed for a short time before they're secretly thinking "Yes, very nice dear, but why on earth did you buy a Skoda".

The Car represents excellent value for money, for a new car. But just think what £16K can buy these days - if you don't mind owning a three year old car for example.