Should you buy one?

Let’s get this out of the way first – we highly recommend the Skoda Octavia vRS, as it’s a rational, easy-to-live with with car that should stand the test of time. What it won’t do particularly, is excite you. And if that matters, then you’re better off heading over to a more thrilling type of hot hatch such as the Hyundai i30N or Honda Civic Type R.

But in the real world, the Octavia offers up a great blend of speed, flexibility and practicality, all wrapped up in a package that won’t attract undue attention. Of the two bodystyles, we’d choose the Estate for its more usable luggage area and improved rear-seat room – but in reality, this one’s just a more appealing all-rounder.

Of the three engine variations, it comes down to personal preference. Easiest to dismiss is the plug-in hybrid, which is a little too compromised for us, and unless you’re buying it for tax reasons, you’d be better served with the petrol model. As for the diesel, it’s likeable, but isn’t that much more economical than the petrol – so we’d choose the latter as it’s more rewarding to drive.

What we like

The space, sensibility and sheer unobtrusiveness of the way it does things.

What we don’t like

The glitchy infotainment shouldn’t be a thing – but it is – as well as some of the awkward minor controls.