WHEN it comes to pure value for money, then few competitors can match up to Skoda for style, specification and performance.
It's always easy to hark back to the bad old days when a Skoda attracted nothing but mockery and the only star it could attract the attentions of was Czech tennis player Jana Novotna - the one who blubbed hugely after blowing the Wimbledon final from what seemed to be an unbeatable position.
But, those days are long gone and today's Skoda is a looker, performer and truly reliable brand name.
Let's face it, little gets past a shrewd cabbie and thousands of them are vying their trade in a Skoda nowadays.
The main reason - it's a practical vehicle. For a reasonable price, you get a whole lot of car and all the fancy specifications that add the thousands onto rival makers are generally standard on a Skoda.
The test model boasted a whole host of top-of-the-range features including dual air con, sat nav, heated seats and an excellent sound system all controlled from a clear, easy to navigate facia.
And believe me, with its V6 2.5-litre engine, it is certainly no slouch. In and around town, its handling is sharp and responsive and the excellent all-round visibility makes driving the Superb a delight.
On the more open road, it oozes plenty of power and hugs the road on tight corners. If I had to find fault, then there seems to be a bit of a lull between third and fourth gears, which at times left me flooring the accelerator for some response.
But that aside, what a ride. There is ample room for five adults and plenty of luggage space too. And in addition, despite clocking up hundreds of miles, the fuel gauge barely wavered.
Based on a parent VW group Passat floor pan, the top-line Superb Laurin and Klement model - named after the prestigious coach building firm - proved to be up to any challenge and it's easy to see why sales are soaring in the UK.
FAST FACTS
Skoda Superb Laurin & Klement 2.5 V6 TDI auto
Price: £22,540
Mechanical: 160bhp, 2,496cc, 6cyl diesel engine driving front wheels via 5spd automatic gearbox
Max speed: 135mph
0-62mph: 10.3 secs
Combined mpg: 36.2
Insurance group: 13
CO2 emissions: 206g/km
BiK rating: 29%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles, 3yrs paint, 10yrs anti-rust