Octavia reaches out from the past

But this is not a bad thing. While the Roomster provides a snapshot of where this fledgling new company is heading, the Octavia is its backbone. And it is fitting that Škoda chose the Octavia to fill this role. Its roots reach far back into the 110-year history of Škoda Auto. The new version is a quality car that shows how much Škoda has improved under VW guidance, in terms of quality, reliability and technology.

The medium-sized car is available in two body styles, several engine and transmission combinations and two and four wheel-drive. Škoda Australia boss Matthew Wiesner believes it will be the volume seller as Škoda re-enters the tough Australian market. When it arrives here in October, it will be available as a sedan (which is really a hatch) and a wagon. There also will be a choice of four engines two diesel and two petrol, with the choice of a six-speed manual, auto or DSG transmission, depending on the powerplant. There also will be three specification levels and a sporty RS version powered by a 2.0-litre turbo FSI engine.

Like the Roomster, safety will be a key, with features such as anti-lock braking, electronic stability control front and side airbags all part of the package. Sit in this car and the first thing you notice is the comfort and quality. There are lots of VW and Audi design cues, but they blend to create a nice ambience.

Roominess again is a key, with the cargo area of both the hatch and wagon virtually the same size. The rear seats fold down and flip up in both models and a flat floor, about 180cm long, can be created in both. They also have a plethora of smart storage solutions, Basically it gets down to choosing which style you prefer, with the wagon offering a slightly bigger opening to the cargo area than the hatch. While there obviously is a difference in the performance of the various engines, the ride and handling in each was similar, The suspension is a firmer, sportier setting in the RS, but it still was compliant, absorbing most of the bumps on the secondary roads we tested the car on.

Like anything new, the key for Škoda will be getting people to put this car on their shopping list, which will make the pricing important. It will be aimed directly at cars such as the Mazda6 and Honda Accord Euro, and on first inspection and drive, it stacks up against both in terms of quality, safety, features and dynamics. If Škoda prices it right, it should start about $30,000 and could prove to be a worthy contender.