Skoda Octavia review

The Octavia hatch starts at £26,775 in the UK for the 1.5-litre petrol engine and a manual gearbox in bog standard spec. Prices rise to £28,815 for the mild hybrid and DSG box, while the base-spec 1.5-litre manual diesel starts at £29,320. The estate meanwhile costs around a grand extra like-for-like.

What's the kit list like?

Well, you’ve three to choose between – SE Technology, SE L, Sportline – discounting the schporty vRS.

But even SE Technology isn’t very base-spec. It includes 16in alloys, LED front and rear lights, electric folding and heated door mirrors, a 10.25in virtual cockpit, 13in infotainment display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging with inbuilt cooling function, heated front seats, and keyless start/stop.

SE L spec adds bigger 17in alloys, LED rear lights with animated indicators, a two-spoke heated leather multi-function steering wheel and heated windscreen, artificial leather upholstery, adaptive cruise control, lane assist plus, electrically operated boot with virtual pedal, and keyless entry.

Top-spec Sportline trim models get metallic paint, 18in alloys and gloss black styling, sports suspension (lowered by 15mm), progressive dynamic steering, sports seats with fabric and artificial leather upholstery.

Which one should I go for?

We’d be tempted by the 1.5-litre petrol mHEV with the DSG gearbox - which offers the best of both worlds in terms of performance and economy - in the commendably well equipped SE Tech trim. There, you’re looking at £28,815. Or better yet £29,975 for the estate. Go on, you know you want to.

A three-year/60,000 mile warranty is standard, and Skoda still includes neat touches like the umbrella hidden in the drivers’ door and an ice scraper behind the fuel filler cap. Very clever, and part of why modern Skodas are so endearing.