Skoda Octavia Hatchback (98 - 04) review

You can tell this Octavia apart from the later model because it has a much smaller, less prominent grille than the newer one. It's still a handsome car, though, and practical, too, with a big boot. However, long-legged back seat passengers are severely short of sprawling space.

Because the Octavia borrows most of its switchgear from the Volkswagen Golf, quality is good. The controls are clear, the range of driving positions impressive, and the seats supportive and comfortable.

There's a wide range of engines to choose from, beginning with a 75bhp, 1.4-litre petrol and culminating in a 180bhp Turbo vRS version. Although the ride can be firm at town speeds, it's pretty comfortable elsewhere.

The Octavia's handling - even on the faster versions - is competent rather than exciting; okay, but not in the Ford Mondeo league.