SKODA proudly hails itself as the Manufacturer of Happy Drivers - and if you need to run an estate car, then why not be able to have a bit of fun in it too?

Not everyone is content to plod around in a no-nonsense workhorse, which is why the Czech manufacturer's performance-bred vRS badge was extended to the Octavia load lugger.

The result has been to turn a solidly built and well equipped bargain estate into a thoroughbred - and still pitch it at a bargain price.

Octavia vRS models come in both hatchback and estate styling with a choice of 2.0-litre T-FSI petrol engine or the tested 170bhp TDI diesel, which was mated to a six-speed manual transmission.

The latter offers 22 per cent more power than the regular 2.0-litre diesel and while it may not be quite so rapid off the mark as the petrol version it still returned just over 45mpg over the course of 200 miles of mixed motoring.

And it's an enjoyable car to drive too, with plenty of pulling power and a balanced response from the steering, though you do feel the firm suspension on less than perfect surfaces, especially in the back.

The Octavia is Skoda's most successful car ever, and it's easy to see why. Practical as a hatchback, it takes on greater significance in estate guise with a cavernous boot capable of carrying 580 litres of clobber.

Fold down the rear seats and the estate can hold a whopping 1,620 litres of luggage - more than many full-size MPVs.

Passengers are treated to ample head and legroom, the only downside being if a child occupies the centre rear position where the wide transmission tunnel means there's nowhere for legs to go.

Otherwise the cabin is simple and well laid out with a chunky steering wheel and gearstick while the two-tone part leather seats have the vRS motif embossed in the fabric at shoulder height.

Externally, the vRS differs from standard Octavia Estate models thanks to the likes of a body kit, 18-inch alloy wheels and chrome tailpipes while there's also a lowered ride.

Overall this far sportier Octavia is a first class offering, whether in estate or hatch style - it's spacious, well put together and provides performance that won't break the bank.

: 3yrs/60,000 miles