THE last time I drove an Octavia I commented, following a short break to Barcelona, on the number of Spanish taxi drivers who chose the Czech company's mainstream product.
As they rely on their vehicle for their business to survive there are perhaps no shrewder or harsher judges of a car's capabilities. Those same taxi drivers must be licking their lips at the prospect of getting their hands on the new model.
Skoda just keeps getting better and better. So much so that their VW parent company must be wondering what they have done in making a potential competitor to key models like the Golf and even the Passat.
On the outside little appears to have changed in the latest version of the Octavia. There is a wider, more imposing grille with increasingly familiar Skoda logo even more prominent.
But, disappointingly, it retains its rather staid look. Skoda appears to have missed a trick by not giving the Octavia a sexier makeover but, as the wise man once said, looks aren't everything.
This hatchback is wider and taller than its predessor and it also comes armed with a brilliant new diesel engine. The two-litre, 140bhp turbodiesel on the test model offers accleration and power plus economy.
Not only is the car bigger - 65 mm longer, 38 mm wider and 31mm taller - than its predecessor, its already cavernous boot now offers a further 22 litres of space. It is faster, more economical and greener - all for around the same money.
It is clean, emissions are only 157g/km, and it meets Euro IV emissions regulations, so company car drivers avoid the three per cent car tax penalty.
The interior was good before, but now it is even better. It is still simple, but the high-quality materials exude an air of quality and robustness.
Everything feels well built and there are now neat touches with cleverly concealed cup holders and oddments trays scattered throught the interior.
The centre console blends into a tunnel that passes between the front seats and extends to the rear where it ends in a storage box (or an optional ashtray); the Ambiente and Elegance has a Jumbo-Box - a large air-conditioned storage box with adjustable outlets for air distribution to the rear seats.
The box lid can simultaneously be used as an adjustable armrest. A useful storage box is located in the centre of the instrument panel above the central console.
On the road the gutsy and flexible diesel is an able performer, if a shade noisy, and the six-speed gearbox it is mated to is a delight.
The ride is superb, smooth, but firm enough to give a good driving experience. It handles all tarmac terrain extremely well and the occupants are well shielded from road and wind noise. Handling is also excellent and the steering, via a stylish new steering wheel, feels well balanced.
The 140bhp engine is lively as well, propelling the Octavia from 0-60mph in under 10 seconds with a top speed of 130mph. This is not at the expense of economy and 45mpg is easily achievable.
The three equipment specifications have been preserved for the new Skoda Octavia: Classic, Ambiente and Elegance.
The test model features an Aladdin's Cave of goodies including ABS, air conditioning, cruise control, electric windows and door mirrors, a classy entertainment system, all round air bags, tinted glass and alloy wheels, to name just a few.
The range starts with the 1.4 petrol engined Classic at £10,750, rising to t £16,400 for the top of the range 2.0 TDI Elegance.
No doubt we'll see a few more on the taxi ranks. The Octavia, already a force to be reckoned with, has simply got better.
FAST FACTS
Skoda Octavia 2.0 TDI PD Elegance 5dr
Price: £16,400
Mechanical: 140bhp, 1,968cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving front wheels via 6spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 129mph
0-62mph: 9.6 secs
Combined mpg: 47.9
Insurance group: 10
CO2 emissions: 159g/km
BiK rating: 17%
Warranty: 3yrs/ unlimited mileage; 3yrs paint; 10yrs anti-rust