Skoda Octavia 1.9 TDi: It's well built, good value, with plenty of room for 2.5 kids and life partner. So why did Skoda's new Octavia leave us so bewildered?
Partly because of its parentage: here's a car from VW's Czech partner that looks as sturdy as the Passat, is virtually as big, and will likely match it for reliability. Yet it's nearly €5,000 cheaper.
The only conclusion is that the Czechs wooed VW executives into sampling Prague's pleasures, striking a deal when heads were clouded with Budvar beer.
The Czechs may be new to the EU, but they've sized up psyches, desires, prejudices and preferences. The about-turn from austere eastern bloc puppet state to trendy European is symbolised by home-grown Skoda, which has gone from laughing stock to rock-solid big seller.
As we've come to expect, sturdy practicality characterises this latest Octavia. It hits the nail on the head - today's Skoda owners are practical people who know about value, the sort of folks who dismiss as infantile those of us who day-dream about whether we'd prefer a Pagani Zonda S or a Ford GT - they're the sort you're glad to have as neighbours but hope they don't call round too often in case they start on about mortgages again.
The new Octavia has had no radical exterior overhaul, perhaps partly due to the success of the older model - and, we suspect, because VW is not going to let Skoda get too sexy when its own models are criticised for being ultra-conservative.
In the VW family, Skoda's role is the rock-solid value proposition. Yet, with its large grille and revised front light clusters, the car looks every bit the stylish family saloon.
Overall fit and finish, not something where there were many complaints on the previous model, has been upgraded, bringing it on to a par with its German equivalents.
Many dismiss the Passat/ Octavia comparison. "Why, you poor misguided motoring hack, the Octavia is built on the Golf platform." Our response: so what? It doesn't matter if it was built on the platform of a Sinclair C5; when it comes to interior space, motorists are concerned about being able to stretch out in the front without elbowing granny in the face, and being able to sit in the back without having to chew knees.
The family set - and taxi drivers - will be delighted to hear that rear legroom is improved, thanks to the extra 66 mm on the wheelbase. The luggage compartment is up 36 litres to 560 litres. That's more than the Toyota Avensis, the Passat or the Opel Vectra. The new Octavia also has a wealth of cubbyholes and pockets.
Yet the new model is not all about spacious functionality. There's the new stylish Lexus-style dials and sturdy central controls. (There's that word sturdy again).
The engine range offers two petrol versions, a 1.4-litre and 1.6-litre, and two diesels, the 1.9-litre TDi which was in our test car, and a 2-litre version. Our 1.9-litre came mated to VW's superb new DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox). It's really two gearboxes in one - a double-clutch system first developed for motorsport prepares the second gearbox to take on the next gear before you need it. The result is super smooth changing when using the six-speed tiptronic manual change option, and no mid-change lurch in automatic. Even Michael Schumacher couldn't match its speed.
The only downside was the fact that, with no steering wheel controls, you have to use the chunky gearlever each time you want to change in manual. This is the third model we've driven that features VW's DSG system, and each time we've been astounded by its silky smooth performance.
As good as the gearbox is, it's up to the engine to pack the punch. The 1.9-litre VW engine didn't let us down. It has all the torque and pulling power you need for everyday motoring, with consumption averaging 47 mpg over an intensive week. It will pull away from any traffic lights with aplomb, with a claimed 0-62mph of 12.2 seconds seeming excessively conservative when you're behind the wheel.
But there's the rub: while you're sitting at the lights, waiting to reveal your street-racer streak, your image is somewhat dented by the rumbling diesel, reaching an agricultural crescendo as you pull away. When cruising, the engine quietens to a gentle rumble but tyre noise is significant. Skoda may have saved a few euro by cutting down on sound-proofing, but it lets down an otherwise impressive motor.
However, many will not be as pedantic on the noise issue as we are. Match its strong fuel economy for such a large car with the relatively small premium Skoda asks over its petrol equivalent, and it's enough to see off any criticism, particularly from fleet managers and high-mileage motorists.
The new car feels solid on the road and, though it leans a little in corners, it holds its line well. Braking is smooth and secure.
In some way VW is beating itself at its own game. We can only guess at the strategy, but there are some clues. The new Passat, due next summer, will be more upmarket, according to VW sources, taking some design cues from the less-than-successful Phaeton flagship. Thus the way will be left open for Skoda to further build on its value-for-money position.
Could this mean that current Passat owners will be wooed by the Octavia? We can't see why not.
Resale prices may never be as strong as VWs, but that's more about snobbery than reality.
The days when Skodas were for left-leaning lecturers promoting their socialist credentials, penniless first-time motorists and keen amateur mechanics are over. Today's owners are as likely to be sensible business people who barely know how to find the petrol cap. We reckon they've finally found a worthy Czech mate.