SKODA'S revamped Octavia may be a completely new car, but the Czech manufacturer hasn't gone overboard in the styling department.
Truth be told, you might be hard pressed to notice much difference from the facelifted model that has replaced the original of four years ago.
But then when you're holding a winning ticket, why risk changing it?
Earlier this year, the Octavia became the first Skoda to pass the one million production mark - testament to its success as the model that has proved such a milestone in the Volkswagen-owned company's modern history.
The latest Octavia is a bit bigger than its predecessor and has a face more in keeping with the flagship Superb range, otherwise there's not much to rave about visually.
The really good news is that in keeping with Skoda's strategy of delivering "an extra bit of car", this latest Octavia represents terrific value for money.
For starters it's extremely practical. Interior space sees improved head, shoulder and legroom all round, the only criticism being that the centre rear passenger has to sit with a leg either side of the transmission tunnel and in a slightly perched position.
Much thought has gone into storage so that compartments, boxes and cup holders are dotted around the car and there are neat B-pillar hooks too.
And for those needing serious carrying capacity there's a long, deep boot which, when the folding rear seats are down, offers an estate-like 1,350 litres of space.
Even in base level Classic trim the Octavia provides a pleasant environment featuring attractive charcoal coloured seats with pale grey inserts, simple grey/black fascia and robust fit and finish all round.
The test car housed the least powerful in what's at present a five-engine line-up ranging from 75bhp 1.4-litre petrol to the 140bhp 2.0 TDI PD direct injection diesel expected to account for 70 per cent of UK sales.
The former is a frugal unit best suited for city and suburban traffic, but it lacks any real kick and has a rubbery feel to the gearshift.
Otherwise it's a car that performs well with positive dynamics - it's built on the same chassis as VW's latest MkV Golf - and lovely feedback from the steering, which has an electro-mechanical booster that ensures optimum feel.
Clearly there's been no skimping on kit, every Octavia coming with four airbags, anti-lock brakes, central locking, tilt and reach adustable steering wheel, electric front windows, single shot CD player and indicator lights in the door mirrors, to name but a few of the goodies.
At £10,750 there's definite value to be had with the cheapest Octavia, though opting for the excellent 115bhp 1.6-litre FSI - or Fuel Stratified Injection - in upgraded Ambiente spec, will also prove popular at £13,540 on the road.
FAST FACTS
Skoda Octavia 1.4 Classic
Price: £10,750
Mechanical: 75bhp, 1,390cc, 16-valve petrol engine driving front wheels via 5spd manual gearbox
Max Speed: 106mph
0-62mph: 15.5 secs
Combined mpg: 40.4
Insurance Group: 4
CO2 emissions: 166g/km
BiK rating: 19%
Warranty: 3yrs/60,000 miles; 3yrs paint; 10yrs anti-rust