USED Skoda Octavia Hatchback (04 - )

My car

I have just taken delivery of the 2.0 TDi Elegance. I have only done about 130 miles so far but it's a joy to drive.

I have had the optional 17-inch alloys with sports suspension. This makes it look good and gives sharper handling, but the ride is still very acceptable. The leather seems good quality, although I'm no real judge as I have never had leather before.

The upgraded stereo and 12 speakers ensure quality music, especially as it plays MP3 discs in the intergrated six-CD changer. I have sold my five-year-old Octavia so have noticed the quality improvements and extra space, not that you notice when looking from the outside.

I thoroughly enjoy the car, and I bought it from a dealer and got £1300 off list. I did have to wait five months from order to delivery, though.

My car

Whilst waiting for my company car to be delivered, the local hire company have supplied me with a Skoda Octavia 1.9 TDI. I'm not too sure at the moment they will ever get it back. What a fine piece of kit. The 1.9 TDI seems to have the balance of whoosh with keeping vey good MPG alongside a very comfortable ride, a pleasure to drive. One minor annoyance can be the slight wind noise at mach 4 on the motorway, but this can be counteracted by the good CD player.

My car

My previous car was an Omega 2.2 - (22mpg as well!) but very comfortable, and very unreliable - £600 in mechanical repair bills within six months of the warranty expiring. (Of course, this was all my own fault, according to dealer.)

I was apprehensive about losing that comfort level but needn't have worried. My new Skoda Octavia Hatchback 2.0 TDI DSG Elegance is the best car I've driven. It has more toys than Santa can get into his sack, brilliant economy, brilliant performance, and the first time I put my foot down, my hands nearly came off the steering wheel!

I was quite unprepared for such acceleration. The DSG gearbox is stunning. I have only one minor quibble - without my glasses I can't read the tiny info display on the dashboard, and I can't wear glasses to drive!

My car

I think this car is very good value for money.