WHILE there is no denying that Skoda's Octavia is an impressive family hatchback the dilemma can be deciding which model to buy.
For many families the diesel models make the most sense but there will always be low mileage drivers for whom the extra money is simply not worth it.
Diesels offer better economy and retain more of their initial value but they are more expensive in the first place.
In the case of the Octavia the most obvious alternative to the 1.9-litre turbodiesel version is the 1.6-litre petrol model, which costs £400 less.
It is slightly more sprightly and has a higher top speed but the penalty for that is a 13mpg reduction in economy.
Obviously, it will take some time to make up the £400 price difference but then there is the inconvenience of having to refuel the petrol model more frequently.
In hatchback form with Ambiente trim and equipment the Octavia 1.6 FSI has a list price of £12,990 although dealers are currently shaving about £1,000 off that in discounts.
With 115bhp on tap the performance of the petrol model is adequate for everyday use, especially with just a driver or single passenger onboard.
However, the figure for the engine's torque, or pulling power, is just 114lb/ft in comparison to 144lb/ft for the diesel model, which means that it struggles when fully loaded.
This makes the diesel version more ideally suited to family motoring, especially as the Octavia is quite a large car in its class anyway.
As the diesel model produces lower carbon dioxide emissions it incurs a lower tax liability for company car users although they are both in the same insurance group.
I would opt for the diesel model but they are both impressive packages for the money, especially if you manage to find a so-called dealer demonstrator with even more money knocked off.
FAST FACTS
Skoda Octavia Ambiente 1.6 FSI 5dr
Price: £12,990
Mechanical: 115bhp, 1,598cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 5spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 123mph
0-62mph: 11.2 secs
Combined mpg: 40.4
Insurance group: 7
CO2 emissions: 168g/km
BiK rating: 20%
Warranty: 3yrs/ unlimited mileage; 3yrs paint; 10yrs anti-rust