The Octavia cabin is comfortable and robust but the grey plastics are rather dull and the design a little uninspiring. However on the plus side the layout is simple and all the controls intuitive. Overall there’s a really solid feel to the cabin and the driving position is excellent too with plenty of adjustment in the steering column while the seats offer good support.

Revised models from early 2009 come with a newly designed steering wheel along with fresh stereo and air con controls, giving it a more sophisticated and modern look.

Skoda Octavia estate comfort levels are excellent throughout the car. The front passenger has plenty of head and legroom and benefits from a supportive and adjustable seat. It’s good news for rear passengers, too. Three can sit in the back in some comfort – although it’s better with two, as the transmission tunnel restricts leg and footroom – and there’s a decent amount of legroom.

Thanks to the forgiving ride the Skoda makes a great long distance cruiser but the ride on models with 17-inch wheels can prove a little firm due to the low-profile tyres. Wind and road noise are low, but the TDI engines can create quite a din at higher revs.