Skoda boasts a badge of quality

If this gig teaches you anything, it’s that logic intrudes on new-car purchase decisions to about the extent it does with the luxury car tax. It takes the smallest thing to unhitch common sense. Usually it’s about 10cm in diameter and most often found on the grille, with another stuck on the rump.

It’s called a badge, and it can be worth tens of thousands of dollars.

Regular readers probably realise that we rate the Mazda6. As does everyone with a clue, for Mazda has achieved near-perfect synthesis of driver’s car and family device.

In fact, we agree with a certain English hack (a species known for loving Japanese cars)
who asserts the 6 to be what a BMW would be if the Bavarians did front-wheel-drive. Other than the mini, that is.

But is anyone with the extra $30K to blow on a 323i going to consider a 6? That’s not to deride the Bimmer buyer. That badge is worth however much you like it to be worth and, if it makes you feel all right, go your hardest.

But sometimes the comparison between perceived prince and pauper is enough to make you wonder who’s holding the sceptre.
Skoda’s Octavia sedan (really a liftback) and wagon are built on the Volkswagen Golf Mark V platform that carries most of the current VW range and Audi’s A3 and TT. It shares most of the same engines and transmissions as smaller Audi’s and VWs.

Built in the Czech Republic, the Octavia is dowdily anonymous to look at and not as pleasant within as its German relatives.

Skodas, however, are recognised as being more reliable and better built than either of its more auspicious stablemates.

It’s also slightly cheaper than a VW and glaringly more so than an Audi. Indeed, the $30,990 Octavia 1.8 TFSI runs the same 118/kW/250Nm direct-injection turbo petrol engine as a $50,900 Audi A4.

So, logically… see what we’re saying?

Ignoring issues of perception and continuing anonymity, the Octavia falls short for having no automatic transmission – which is sales death in this country.

Still, this excellent engine – which presents all its torque from a diesel-like 1500rpm and closes in on oiler economy – requires a minimum of cog-swapping.

With an optional sports kit that includes 17-inch alloys and tautened suspension, the Octavia becomes a drive to challenge the Mazda6. And, with leather upholstery, it gives very little away to the Golf.

In 2009, moreover, it receives the further option of the new seven-speed DSG. As we saw at the Euro launch of the Skoda Superb, also due in 20009, this twin-clutch transmission with full auto mode is a perfect match with the 1.8.

So, if you’re prepared to close your eyes to the badge and let the left side of your brain get a look in, Octavia should be on your new-car list.