Try telling your child a Skoda joke and they won’t get it. And neither should they, because the strange-looking, rear-engine cars of yesteryear have nothing in common with today’s well-engineered offerings.

The transformation of Skoda since falling under Volkswagen’s ownership has been nothing short of remarkable. And arguably the most important element of that revolution has been Skoda’s mid-range family car, the Octavia.

Originally launched in 1996 in Skoda’s home market, the Czech Republic, it was two years before the Octavia went on sale in Britain. With the choice of hatchback and estate, it appealed to the cost-conscious buyer, offering good levels of equipment and plenty of space. More than a million have been made, and this year heralds the introduction of an all-new, second-generation model.

Sharing many components with its more expensive siblings at Audi and VW ensures that the Octavia is a well-made car. The range-topping 1.8T RS even comes with the 180bhp engine found in the Audi TT.

Because it is a relatively large car, your choice of engine is critical. If your mileage is low then a petrol unit will be cheaper to buy and should still provide reasonable economy. But buy the 1.4 litre, 75bhp at your peril as the lack of power means it wouldn’t be my first choice for a long motorway journey.

Similarly, the normally aspirated 1.9 diesel may look like good value second-hand but with only 68bhp the 0-62mph time of 19.2sec will frustrate even the most pedestrian of drivers. You are better off looking towards one of the turbocharged diesels. The 90bhp 1.9 litre transforms performance, shaving six seconds off the 0-62mph time and returns better overall fuel economy than its less powerful sibling.

Top of the tree is the 110bhp diesel fitted to the Elegance model. The €890 premium you’ll pay over the 90bhp cars seems even better value when you consider that it also gets alloy wheels as standard.

Despite its Czech origins the Octavia feels very Germanic. The cabin is dark and a little austere, the seats are firm and for some people lack a little support. But its space is good and many of the switches are sourced from the VW parts bin. Despite its saloon-like proportions the car is a hatchback: lift the tailgate and you have one of the largest boots on the market — at 528 litres it’s larger than an S-class Mercedes.

Research among owners reveals the Octavia to have few vices, 95% of customers declaring that it had lived up to their expectations. And few owners feel it necessary to call upon the new car’s three-year/60,000-mile warranty. The 10,000-mile/12-month service interval is also better than some and dealer service costs are generally inexpensive.

With a new Octavia due out in July, now is a good time to haggle a deal on a used one. But it’s best to avoid base model LXs, which lack antilock braking. Be sure to check the car’s history carefully and examine the paperwork for signs of clocking. The utilitarian interiors shrug off high mileages and diesels are a popular choice with minicab owners, both of which make clocking more attractive. Looking at the vehicle registration document may give clues about previous owners, especially if you see a company name appearing.

A minor facelift in October 2000 saw revisions to the bumpers and spoilers. The large front grille gained some chrome and the indicator lenses became clear plastic. Cosmetics aside, these cars have few advantages over earlier, cheaper models, so don’t pay a hefty premium. Be more concerned with acquiring a car with few owners and a good service history.

VITAL STATISTICS

Model: Skoda Octavia 1.9 TDi Elegance
Engine type: Four-cylinder, 1896cc
Power: 110bhp
Transmission: Five-speed manual
Fuel: 54.3mpg (combined)
Acceleration: 0-62mph: 11.1sec
Top speed: 119mph

Bodywork: Galvanised body comes with a 10-year warranty so any sign of corrosion usually indicates a poorly concealed repair

Boot: Hatchback's massive 528-litre capacity shames the competition

Stereo: Prior to 2000 facelift most cars had cassette player but no CD

Residual values: Once a nightmare for Skoda, the Octavia's popularity has meant second-hand prices hold firm

Fuel consumption: 110bhp diesel as economical as 90bhp diesel

Warranty: Three-year, 60,000 mile warranty on new cars

Servicing: Every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever is sooner

Brakes: ABS standard on all but base 1.6LXi model

Air-conditioning: Standard on Elegance, SLX and Turbo petrol models

Seats: Both front seats are height-adjustable

Indicators: Clear lenses added in the October 2000 facelift

Gearbox: Five-speed manual comes as standard but four-speed automatic was optional on many petrol engines and 90bhp diesels

Water pump: Plastic impeller fitted on early 1.8 20-valve cars fails and needs to be replaced with new pump with metal impeller

Total sold in Britain: 62,800

THE ONE TO BUY

Skoda Octavia 1.9 TDi Elegance with five-speed manual gearbox, 2000 X-reg with 30,000 miles. Pay £7,450 at a dealer with 12-month warranty, or £6,750 privately.

OR FOR SIMILAR MONEY...

1999 S-reg VW Golf 1.9 TDI SE 90
2001 Y-reg Ford Focus 1.8 TDdi Ghia
2002 51-reg Vauxhall Astra 2.0 DTi 16V Comfort
2001 51-reg Peugeot 307 2.0 HDi Style
2001 51-reg Nissan Almera 2.2 Di SE



Source: estimates based on confidential CAP black book prices. ‘Trade’ is what a dealer would pay to buy your car; ‘Retail’ is what you would pay a dealer.