SKODA has built a motoring miracle - a car that mimics a luxury model for a budget price.
I've driven cars twice the value of the £15,990 Skoda Octavia Sport that are not half what this is.
The original Octavia was launched in 1998 - the result of a £4 billion investment in the Czech firm by German owners Volkswagen. It helped transform Skoda from the butt of a thousand jokes to an award-winning marque.
The latest Octavia takes that progress to a new level.
Based on the latest VW Golf platform, the new car is a gem to drive helped by a sports suspension that handles bumps without the thumps.
The ride is silky smooth, the handling is agile and the car feels incredibly stable whatever the conditions - with anti-lock brakes, electronic brakeforce distribution, and electronic stability control all available if needed - while the electro-mechanical steering is light and accurate.
Passengers benefit from an increase in interior space - particularly rear leg room - and the car is incredibly quiet with little wind noise or tyre roar reaching the cabin.
The interior plastics are better than the previous version and more expensive competitors would relish the fit and finish achieved. The design is user-friendly and modern without being overstated.
The steering wheel and driver's seat are fully adjustable allowing the perfect position to be achieved behind the wheel and all-round vision is excellent. The dashboard is logically laid out and the centre console oozes quality.
Equipment levels are excellent with the Octavia Sport boasting 17-inch alloy wheels, electric front and rear windows with a child safety switch, powered and heated door mirrors, fog lights, six CD autochanger, remote central locking, air conditioning and tyre pressure monitoring.
However, the exterior looks pretty much the same as the old Octavia, save for the enhanced chrome grille at the front which gives the car a striking pose.
The boot space is cavernous and suffers from no intrusions with enough room to pack away clothes and provisions for a decent-sized family holiday without ever having to go near a roof rack.
However, one rare quibble is that with the 60/40 split-folding rear seat tipped forward there's an awkward step in the cargo area floor.
The two-litre FSI petrol engine generates 150bhp that sends the Octavia from 0-62mph in under ten seconds to a claimed top speed of 132mph.
The engine uses direct fuel injection technology to improve economy, emissions and refinement allowing the Octavia to achieve in excess of 37mpg.
There are four other engines to choose from including 1.4 and 1.6-litre petrols and 1.9 and 2.0 litre turbodiesels.
Skoda has a good reputation for safety and the new Octavia boasts an impressive array of equipment. There are twin front and side airbags, plus side curtain airbags and ISOFIX child seat mounts.
This is quite simply one of the best - value and quality - family cars now on the market.
FAST FACTS
Skoda Octavia Sport 2.0 FSI 5dr
Price: £15,990
Mechanical: 150bhp, 1,984cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 6spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 132mph
0-62mph: 9.3 secs
Combined mpg: 37.2
Insurance group: 11
CO2 emissions: 182g/km
BiK rating: 23%
Warranty: 3yrs/ unlimited mileage; 3yrs paint; 10yrs anti-rust