Model tested: Skoda Octavia Estate 4x4 2.0 FSI
Price: £17,270
Tested: September 2006
Road tester: Keith Collantine

Overall rating: 79%
To an informed car buyer, 'Skoda' means 'Volkswagen build quality at a lower price'. To the unenlightened it's still the punchline to dozens of rubbish jokes about Communism. But is this 4x4 model a niche too far?

1. Looks
The Octavia is plain but not unappealing. The 4x4 has greater ground clearance than the standard Octavia but the higher stance spoils the profile of the car.
8/10

2. Looks inside
Typical Volkswagen quality abounds inside – from the reassuring solidity of the switchgear to the intuitive controls on the stereo. But while there's nothing to hate, there's nothing to love either.
7/10

3. Practicality
The Octavia is all about practicality, particularly the estate with its voluminous boot that offers up to 1,620 litres. The revised 4x4 system is smaller, so no luggage space is lost to the extra differential.
8/10

4. Ride and Handling
The Octavia shares its platform with VW's Golf so the ride is great, although the handling isn't as sharp as the standard Octavia's because of the slightly raised suspension. But the 4WD endows it with superb traction.
8/10

5. Performance
The 2.0 litre FSI petrol engine gives 150bhp and a 0-60mph time of 9.7 seconds, maxing out at 126 mph.
8/10

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6. Running Costs
The petrol engines puts out 214g/km of CO2 but the fuel efficiency is poor at just 31.7 mpg on the combined cycle. The diesel manages a far more acceptable 47.1.
7/10

7. Reliability
The badge says 'Skoda' but everything else says 'Volkswagen', and that's all you need to know.
9/10

8. Safety
As well as ESP, the Octavia packs traction control, allowing you to get the most out of its four-wheel drive. Side and curtain airbags are standard and the bumpers are designed to minimise potential injury to pedestrians.
8/10

9. Equipment
Standard equipment includes heated mirrors and two ISOFIX mountings for child seats in the rear. The door storage pockets sculpted to hold water bottles are a smart touch, and also standard on the 4x4 is dual-zone climate control.
8/10

10. X-Factor
The Octavia is a great car for the money and has deservedly won acclaim for its quality construction at a low price. But the 4x4 isn't as frugal as the base models, nor as sporty as the vRS. But it's pleasingly distinctive and definitely a smart purchase.
8/10