SKODA'S new-found respectability means that it can afford to broaden its appeal by branching out into new sectors of the market, including offering a model aimed at those in search of a sophisticated four wheel drive estate car.
The Octavia 4x4 Estate is based on the Elegance version, and arrived three years ago with a price tag of £16,200.
This made it more expensive than Subaru's 4WD Impreza and Legacy models, although it was £550 less than the Legacy estate, and £6,500 less than Volkswagen's 4WD Passat estate.
Three years later the Octavia's list price stays the same, with actual transaction prices of about £800 less, at around £15,390. This makes Subaru's two-litre Impreza Sports Wagon still its biggest rival, at about £1,000 less.
In the case of the Octavia there is the Volkswagen Group's acclaimed 1.8-litre turbocharged engine, with 150bhp for a top speed of 130mph.
Visually it looks little different from the standard Octavia estate in upmarket Elegance form, complete with 16-inch alloy wheels, a larger fuel tank, and a sophisticated combination of electronically-controlled brakes, suspension and ride control.
The underside of the car is 23mm higher from the ground, and the Haldex coupling system automatically sends power to those wheels with most grip.
Standard features include air conditioning, electric operation of the sunroof, front and rear windows and heated door mirrors, CD player, and remote central locking. For added safety there are front and side air bags, anti-lock brakes and traction control, plus the niceties of alloy wheels and a CD player.
The 20-valve engine generates 155lb ft of torque, or pulling power, giving a 0-60mph acceleration time of about nine and a half seconds. The figure for CO2 emissions is 214g/km, whilst economy ranges from 23mpg to 40mpg.
It all adds up to a highly desirable package, which offers more benefits than many families may appreciate.
The advantages of four wheel drive are significant, and often make the difference between reaching your destination and becoming stuck.
Not everyone wants a fully-fledged off-road vehicle, and indeed very few of those who do ever actually take them off-piste. However, with four wheel drive in everyday conditions, there is far greater traction than with a conventional front or rear wheel drive car.
It may seem a long way off now, but the first frosts of autumn are actually just around the corner. Road surfaces become slippery, and are often followed by snow, which is when 4WD vehicles really come into their own.
Throw in the useful carrying capacity of the estate car format, and the Skoda Octavia 4x4 estate becomes a very attractive package.
However, desirable though it is as a new car, it is an even better bet on the second-hand market, with examples usually well cared for. Expect to pay around £8,000 for an X-registration one with 30,000 miles on the clock, in pristine condition.
A 51 registration with 10,000 fewer miles should cost in the region of £9,750 in top nick, whilst a one-year-old with 10,000 miles showing should be yours for £11,200.
And that's a lot of metal for the money.
FAST FACTS
Skoda Octavia 4x4 Estate
Price: £16,200
Mechanical: 150bhp 1,781cc 4cyl petrol engine driving all four wheels via 5-spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 130mph
0-62mph: 9.4 secs
Combined mpg: 31.7
Insurance group: 13
CO2 emissions: 211g/km
BIK rating: 26%
Warranty: 3 yrs/ unlimited mileage; 10yrs anti-rust; 3yrs paint