THE latest Skoda Octavia is now rolling on to garage forecourts - but the company is keeping the current vRS estate model on the books for 2005 and it's easy to see why.
This is a real gem of a motor offering performance with the practical benefits associated with an estate.
The new Octavia models rolled out so far have earned rave reviews - but they can't hold a candle to performance figures of 0-60mph in eight seconds and a reported top speed of 143mph offered by the vRS estate.
In short there are few faster ways to haul the family and its luggage around the country. Skoda know it so this Octavia will continue to be part of the line-up until the end of the year when a new vRS is expected.
The car may burn up the tarmac but it's easy on the wallet with average fuel consumption a shade above 35mph.
Seeing the car for the first time those harshest of critics - my kids - were impressed. They regularly give their views, mostly unsolicited, on the relative merits of the vehicles I test.
The Octavia estate earned an immediate thumbs up for rear seat room and comfort while my six-year-old son admired the sleek exterior - in his words it looked 'cool'.
His dad agrees as the estate is smoother than the Cresta Run.
Volkswagen's influence on Skoda is never better illustrated than on the Octavia which is based on the same platform as the Golf and shares its excellent engines with relatives from the VW group.
The vRS has a distinctive look helped by the ride height being reduced by 15mm compared to the standard car. The addition of a rear spoiler also gives the car presence.
The alterations also mean the car grips the road like a mountaineer on a rockface which makes cornering a pleasure not normally associated with large estate cars.
The interior's leather and mesh seats hug the body while head and legroom - for adults as well as kids - are excellent.
The catch you would think would be a lack of luggage capacity - but the estate has oodles of space to spare.
Goodies on the car include air conditioning, central door locking, front and rear electric windows, electric door mirrors that are also heated, power steering, a CD/Radio stereo system, tinted glass and split/fold rear seats.
The vRS also has sports badging, a stainless steel exhaust, brake callipers painted in Skoda's famous racing green livery, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear knob.
With a car this nippy safety is important and the Octavia is fitted with ABS and traction control. There's driver and passenger airbags in the front plus side impact bars.
To deter the light-fingered members of society deadlocks, an immobiliser and an alarm are fitted and all parts are marked. Etched windows, a visible VIN and locking wheel nuts mean your 16-inch alloy wheels and the car they're attached to should be safe.
The Skoda gets clear controls, a decent driving position and good range of seat and steering wheel adjustment.
As a value for money option this estate is exceptional. The vRS is a snip at just under £16,000 making it one of the best buys around - especially when an excellent warranty is thrown in.
FAST FACTS
Skoda Octavia 1.8 vRS Estate
Price: £14,690
Mechanical: 180bhp, 1,781cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 5spd manual gearbox.
Max speed: 143mph
0-62mph: 8 secs
Combined mpg: 35.3
Insurance group: 16
CO2 emissions: 192g/km
BiK rating: 24%
Warranty: 3yrs/ unlimited mileage; 10yrs anti-rust; 3yrs paint