Czech out a load-lugger that is likeable and affordable; Alistair Coull tests the latest Skoda Octavia 4x4 Estate 2.0TDI 140.

Byline: Alistair Coull

WITH sales of 140,000 and counting, the Octavia has been Skoda's most successful car in the UK.

The backbone of the model range throughout the Czech firm's design and engineering renaissance, the Octavia has won the hearts of critics and buyers alike, and it continues to be the driving force behind the brand.

Thirteen years after the birth of the original, a new Octavia has taken to the streets, building on the strengths of the mid-nineties car.

Designers have reworked the Octavia to make it better looking, with stronger performance and even better value for money.

Available as a hatchback or as an estate, the 2009 car has been given a bold new front which moves it into line with other Skoda family models - Fabia, Superb and Roomster.

Inside, the cabin has been updated with new trim materials and neater instruments and controls. The car's entertainment system has also been upgraded with all bar entry-level models having touch screens.

The car on test was an Octavia Estate with four-wheel-drive and powered by an economical 2.0-litre turbo-diesel mated to a six-speed manual gearbox.

As a family motor, it makes a lot of sense.

It is now accepted without question that Skoda cars will be of a high standard. Long gone are silly jokes about quality.

The test car comes near the top of the range, and it certainly gave a glimpse of the VW-owned marque as being something special.

Build quality is outstanding and the cabin, admittedly augmented by the inclusion of a pounds 1,500+ satnav and entertainment system, is easily something you wouldn't be surprised to find in a more upmarket marque.

All you really have to decide is whether you need an estate and, if you do, does it need to be a 4x4? MPVs are so common these days that it is easy to forget the virtues of a good old-fashioned estate. But they still make good sense to me. If you want to drive a car-like car, and not a van with windows, but want the practicality of carrying something large in the boot when you have to, then an estate fits the bill perfectly.

The boot is fairly big, even with the rear seats in place - 580 litres - but it is absolutely cavernous with the seats folded flat - 1,620 litres. That's more than some full-size MPVs.

The four-wheel drive system is a clever one capable of delivering varying amounts of power to each individual wheel, depending on need. Lots of people are turning away from chunky off-roaders but still like the idea of having 4x4 security available. The Haldex system fitted to the Octavia certainly adds to the confidence level.

The engine's good as well, but it should be, as it's one of the latest generation two-litre direct-injection VW-sourced units that are smooth to drive and frugal to run. In the combined cycle, the car returns almost 45mpg.

It's not all that quick and doesn't encourage sporty driving. With a top speed of 123mph and a 0-62mph acceleration time of just under 10 seconds, it's a comfortable, sensible, very well made five-seater with a large boot.

THE FACTS Skoda Octavia 4x4 Estate 2.0TDI 140 PRICE: pounds 22,045 MECHANICAL: 140bhp, 1,968cc, 4cyl TDI driving all four wheels via 6-speed manual gearbox TOP SPEED: 123mph 0-62mph: 9.9 seconds COMBINED MPG:44.8 INSURANCE GROUP: 10 CO EMISSIONS: 165g/km BIK RATING: 20% WARRANTY: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles VERDICT THE Octavia estate is well-equipped, well-built and one of the biggest estates in its class. Best of all, it comes at almost bargain prices. The high boot lip could make loading difficult

CAPTION(S):

The Octavia has been given a bold new front which moves it into line with other Skoda models The Octavia estate is one of the biggest load-luggers in its class