IT'S A measure of the turnaround in Skoda's fortunes that a colleague of mine recently chose an Octavia for a company car - and delighted he is with it too.
On a recent trip to Barcelona I noticed that it is the favoured means of transport of many of the taxi drivers at the airport - and it's not often taxi drivers get it wrong.
Skoda must be getting it right if it can convince these people. The Czech manufacturer offers products with sensible pricing, style and reliability - even if the prices are starting to creep up.
The latest offering in the Octavia range is the 130bhp turbodiesel, and after driving it for a week I can now confidently say it is my favourite of the range - even in front of the mighty vRS.
It is not the quickest. It completes the 0-60mph dash in a shade under 10 seconds and has a top speed of around 130 mph. But is has tremendous torque, or pulling power, 310Nm at only 1,900 rpm. In plain English this means there is neck wrenching acceleration right through the gear range and impressive towing ability.
From pottering along at 30mph, you can be up to the legal limit in just seconds. Such is the pulling power that you find it difficult ever to get into sixth gear except when cruising on the motorway.
The question is, at just under £15,000, is it worth the extra money over the 90bhp model, which is nearly £3,000 cheaper and also a good performer?
Obviously Skoda is confident that that is the case, and as well as delivering superb performance, the 130bhp engine has excellent economy. Skoda claims 52 mpg and during my week long test, the fuel needle stubbornly stayed above half way. Low C02 emissions of 146 g/km also make it attractive to company car users.
The diesel engines are from the VW parent group and are some of the best on the market. The Pump Duse (PD) technology allows the fuel to be pumped to the engine at high pressure, which increases performance, reduces emissions and gives better economy.
For such a price you would expect a fair amount for your money and the Octavia doesn't disappoint
It offers two body styles, hatchback and estate, and both are good looking cars. The estate is more practical, though the boot on the hatchback is simply cavernous, its 528 litres swallows everything plus the kitchen sink.
Inside rear legroom is only adequate but the car feels solidly built with simple but easy-to-use controls. All the seats are comfortable and plastics and upholstery show little evidence of rattles or squeaks.
Standard kit on the Elegance version includes alloy wheels, driver, passenger and side airbags, electric sun roof, electric windows and electrically operated and heated door mirrors, plus climate control a six-CD changer and loads of other bits and pieces.
Safety is also a key factor and ABS is supplemented by electronic differential locks and anti spin regulation to keep the car on the straight and narrow, even if the driver is over enthusiastic.
On the road the ride is firm, but comfortable, easily absorbing humps and bumps. It cruises effortlessly on the motorway and ample soundproofing means road and engine noise are kept to a minimum .
Handling is excellent and the car clings on well when pushed through corners. Steering is light and accurate and has a good feel.
The Czech manufacturer saysl the Octavia is the car that finally turned public opinion in favour of Skoda. It's not difficult to see why.
FAST FACTS
Skoda Octavia 1.9 TDI Elegance
Price: £14,990
Mechanical: 130 bhp 1,896cc 4 cyl turbocharged diesel engine driving front wheels via 6-spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 129 mph
0-60mph: 9.8 secs
Combined mpg: 52.3
Insurance group: 11
CO2 emissions: 146 g/km
BiK rating: 18%
Warranty: 3yrs/ unlimited miles; 10yrs anti-rust; 3yrs paint