IT WAS 13 years ago when I was part of a somewhat cynical group which visited a brand new factory on an industrial complex near the Czech capital Prague to witness the birth of a new generation Skoda.
I say cynical because at that time Skoda was not exactly the most desirable automotive marque to be seen in your driveway.
Previously its models had been typical Eastern European offerings with a sad record for build quality. Little wonder because nationalisation and Cold War politics had left the brand hopelessly out of touch with automotive trends.
But in 1991 Skoda became part of the Volkswagen Group and many pundits pondered on the wisdom of such a move. But Volkswagen was doing great things with its Spanish SEAT brand and there was a high degree of sunshine on the horizon for Skoda.
But few were prepared for the sensation of the new-generation Skoda's unveiling. The car, named Octavia rolled off the line as a high quality VW-inspired product and heralded the rise of Skoda's reputation from zero to hero which took place over a very short timespan.
Skoda is now back where it belongs building quality, delightful-to-drive cars - just like it was in 1925 when the company merged with Laurin and Klement to turn out some of the best automobiles in Europe. At the time even that most exclusive of manufacturers, Hispano Suiza granted Skoda a licence to build its top-notch cars.
The Octavia still stands proud as the car which heralded this new age and it is now Skoda's most successful model ever with total UK sales of 140,000 and counting - not to mention a list of automotive awards which left the rest of the industry agape.
The range received a facelift earlier this year and now delivers improved looks, stronger performance and more value for money.
Visually Octavia does signal some VW heritage, but the brand's strong and individual styling ensures that it can not be confused with anything else.
This drive was in a hatchback Elegance model which exceptionally well equipped as standard and powered by a 1.4 four-cylinder petrol engine.
This direct-injection turbocharged unit changes the perception that small engines deliver small power outputs. It is more powerful and faster than the 1.6 FSI engine it replaces, yet is also significantly more fuel efficient and cleaner.
It develops 122bhp yet returns an average mpg figure of 42.8 and can sprint to 62mph in just 9.7 seconds, with a CO2 readout of 154g/km. These are the sort of stats you would normally associate with a larger capacity diesel so the fact that Skoda has achieved this level of efficiency with a turbocharged petrol is remarkable.
FAST FACTS
Skoda Octavia Hatch 1.4 TSI
Price: £16,100
Mechanical: 122bhp, 1,399cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 5-speed manual gearbox
Max speed: 126mph
0-62mph: 9.7 seconds
Combined mpg: 42.8
Insurance group: 8
CO2 emissions: 154g/km
BIK rating: 15%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles