SKODA shed its joke image many years ago.
So it would be childish of me to make the kind of quips that gave the Czech manufacturer such a bad name back in the 80s and 90s prior to its link-up with Volkswagen.
Here goes then. Heard the one about the Skoda that looks as classy as a Mercedes and drives like a sports car?
It's called the Octavia vRS.
OK, so it's not very funny. But, hey, motor manufacturing is serious business these days - and this is a seriously good car.
Skoda is enjoying success at the moment. While the fleet market was down 2.1 per cent in 2003, Skoda bucked the trend, increasing business sales by an impressive 8.1 per cent.
The mini-boom in business sales could have a lot to do with the 180bhp vRS, which is selling well as it looks great and performs even better.
Just on the looks for a minute, the Octavia has been named German magazine Automobilia's Most Beautiful Car for the mid-size category for 2004.
Now I'm not sure I'd go that far, but the car is definitely a head-turner and its sleek, smooth lines did remind me of a Mercedes.
But it is what's under the bonnet that really counts. The growling 180bhp engine provided a 0-62mph time of eight seconds, which is very impressive for its size.
What would be interesting to know is the 0-30mph figure which must be on a par with a NASA space rocket! Put your foot down from a standing start and you're literally thrown back into your seat.
But as well as power, the vRS also feels very sporty.
This probably has something to do with the fact its chassis is 15mm lower than the standard Octavia, the large rear spoiler, the stainless steel exhaust and the funky-looking 17in alloy wheels.
The interior is also impressive with leather and mesh seats and a leather-wrapped, adjustable, steering wheel and gearknob.
It also has electric windows and electrically-adjusted and heated door mirrors, central locking and climate air control.
The five-speed gearbox and clutch are smoother than a polished snooker ball and driving this car was almost effortless.
There's also enormous bootspace in the Octavia. In fact, it was so expansive I was easily able to fit two full-sized suitcases and a couple of carry bags into it as I dropped my dad and his girlfriend off at the coach station.
The Octavia, which was re-launched in 1998 and was named Best Family Car in 2003, is available in three trim levels and a choice of five engines with prices starting from just £10,750.
The vRS is slightly more expensive at £13,990. But believe me, it's well worth paying the extra for this Czech supermodel - and that's no joke.
FAST FACTS
Skoda Octavia 1.8 vRS
Price: £13,990
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; 3yrs paint; 10yrs anti-rust