Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

The Carpets being white, are very difficult to keep clean.

Octavias are a pain to reverse due to the crap rear view afforded by the high boot lid.

The plastics used in the interior have a nasty cheap feel compared to VWs. Why couldn't they have put more money into the styling of the car rather than waste it on things like over the top brakes and white carpets?

The car is fast, but wheel spins in 3rd gear which is good for impressing boy racers, but indicates poor traction even in the dry.

The handling is generally good, for a big barge of a car like this. It certainly isn't a sports car - more a large family saloon with delusions of grandeur and aspirations beyond it's means.

At the end of the day, Skoda have come a long way, but this car will always be a Skoda. It just fails to inspire. I regret buying this car because it tries too hard to be something it's not. You can modify it until you are blue in the face, but your mates are only impressed for a short time before they're secretly thinking "Yes, very nice dear, but why on earth did you buy a Skoda".

The Car represents excellent value for money, for a new car. But just think what £16K can buy these days - if you don't mind owning a three year old car for example.

Faults:

The rear windscreen washer pipe came adrift from the rear door spigot, meaning washer fluid in the inside of the tailgate and boot floor. Dealer fix in 20 minutes under warranty.

General Comments:

A Volkswagen Bora / Golf, Audi A3/TT, Seat Leon, for Skoda money.

Faults:

Faulty switch on tailgate causing door open warning light to come on whilst driving.

The above is just a minor new car fault. Based on the experience of several friends with Skoda's, I anticipate ultra reliable motoring.

General Comments:

Quite simply the excellent VW standard build quality and value for money stand out when you are spending your OWN money on a car.

The TDI engine happily ambles along in high gear with just a 1000 rpm on the tachometer in town. As soon as you want to go faster, block change down a few gears to kick in the turbo and the car simply surges forward with minimal effort. Whats more it is very quiet for a diesel.

Economy is 50+ plus mpg which I am reliably informed it will get even better once fully run in - Usually at least 10,000 to 15,000 for a VW diesel.

The front seats are excellent. I am tall, my wife short yet we can both get very comfortable settings. Rear seat legroom a little restricted, but acceptable.

The dual floor in the estate gives a level loading platform and space underneath to hid valuables and other belongings from general view.

The suspension gives a supple ride over speed humps and poor quality surfaces. - very comfortable - but may not suit a sporty driving style.

The car is full of clever features, but not in anyway flashy, just well thought out and functional. In other words it won't date either!

Dealer Service has been outstanding so far.