14: Skoda Octavia – An Irish favourite just starting to show its age

Skoda’s hatchback is as sensible as a pair of Clark’s shoes, and pretty much as comfortable too, but it is just starting to feel its age a bit now, and some of its thunder is likely to be stolen by the new, slightly smaller, Scala which arrives next year.

Nevertheless, the Octavia continues to sell in big numbers in Ireland (astronomically big if you remember where Skoda stood in most people’s estimations a mere two decades ago) and it’s not hard to see why. The Octavia is beautifully built, roomy, reliable, has a massive boot (even if you don’t go for the Combi estate.

You really should do, though) and is very pleasant, even engaging at time, to drive. Downsides are a slightly dowdy cabin (unless you spend big on options) and a recent four-headlight facelift that robbed the Octavia of some of its handsomeness. RS model, in either petrol or diesel forms, is massively enjoyable to drive.

Best model: Octavia Combi 1.0 TSI DSG Style for €29,025