In 1938 Czechoslovakia switched from driving on the right to driving on the left. It was just another bizarre episode in Czechoslovakia's automotive history; a history that saw many noble companies go from riches to rags in the political upheaval that followed the demise of the former Austro-Hungarian Empire. The second-world war didn't help; in the space of a decade, Skoda went from building luxury Hispano-Suiza cars under licence and cars of its own design, to becoming an unwilling cog in the Nazi war machine and was re-named Reichwerke-Hermann-Goring. The manufacturing factory at Mlada Boleslav suffered the retribution of allied bombers, and by 1945 was hardly more than a pile of rubble, made worse by the actions of the retreating Germans who destroyed what little remained.Undaunted, the Czechs set about rebuilding the factory and within months the company could boast of a working production line, off which rolled a range of rugged, no-nonsense cars that eventually included the Octavia and later the Estelle. The rear engine range became the butt of ill-informed humour and was fated never to escape its lowly image. But in1989 in the new free market environment, Skoda Auto, started looking for a strong foreign partner in order to survive in the extremely competitive global market and in December 1990, the German Volkswagen group decided to take over Skoda Auto. The rest is history, and the latest Octavia, which is a long way removed from the basic, 40 bhp model of the 1950's, is a firm tribute to VW's perseverance.
The Octavia Estate 1.8 TSi represents great value for money, offers excellent performance with a 0-62mph time of just 8.2 seconds and generous levels of standard equipment. Plus, the FSI Direct Fuel Injection petrol engine proves that pace need not come at the expense of efficiency. On top of all that, there’s a superb driving experience, plenty of cabin space and impressive build quality. On the move, the car pulls strongly from low revs, and provides ample overtaking punch. With a long sixth gear, refinement and motorway cruising are great. Unlike the sporty vRS, the 1.8 TSi doesn’t get stiff suspension settings, so while it’s still a capable performer; its ride is comfortable and relaxing. The steering remains impressively accurate, and there’s plenty of grip on offer. As ever with the Octavia, passengers get loads of space, and with a boot that measures 560 litres with the seats in place and 1,350 once they’re folded, luggage is equally well catered for. It looks as if Skoda has another guaranteed customer-pleaser on its hands.
