SKODA is bargain basement no longer but still a bargain nevertheless and underpinned by the quality of the VW Group.

So successful has the transformation of the Czech brand been that it now challenges VW with a cheaper alternative that still feels of the highest quality.

There are many models but the estate version of the Octavia is one of the best, offering practicality with a massive boot, excellent fuel economy through the VW sourced engines and a solid build quality.

It also features the biggest boot space in its class, matching and shaming bigger cars.

It is cheap to run for business users who will look keenly at the massive stowage space available with low CO2 emissions meaning reduced Benefit in Kind taxation.

There is also the four wheel-drive version driven here which adds to the practicality. It won't be tackling river crossings, but will prove sure footed and stable in muddy or snowy conditions thanks to the extra grip and upgraded suspension at the rear.

The exterior design is hardly eye-popping, it has an unfussy functional look that will not offend, although it features neat light clusters front and back, with all models featuring alloys wheels.

Add roof rails and it looks smarter still and like many estates these days, is no longer the ugly duckling compared to the saloon or hatchback.

The interior has a less-is-more simplicity, with a neat, practical layout which is intuitive and easy to use. High quality soft touch plastics and hard-wearing upholstered seats give the car a feeling of quality and solidity, while dial are clear and legible.

The seats are adjustable so you can get a decent driving position, ever for shorter people while all-round vision is good.

The masterpiece, of course, it the boot space, offering 610 litres of space with the rear seats in place, 1,740 litres with the rear bench folded, which can be done by releasing a single catch for the seats to fold flat.

A shopping net and cargo hooks will keep things stable in the cavernous boot space.

All are well equipped with the mid-range SE tested here offering plenty, including foglights, touchscreen infotainment screen, CD player, Bluetooth, DAB digital radio, four-spoke leather steering wheel, drive mode selection, dual zone climate control, USB and aux-in connection sockets and voice control for phone and navigation where specified.

There are a choice of petrol and diesel engine with the model here featuring a powerful, yet frugal two-litre diesel engine.

It is quick enough but fuel economy is stunning with a claimed 57.6mpg claimed, with 124g/km of CO2 making it cheap to run.

Put your foot down and the car will hit 60mph from a standing start in just 8.7 seconds, but take care, economy plummets. It is a superb engine, refined and quiet and performs admirably on urban road or motorways.

As an aid to economical driving the SE features Driving Mode Selection, with Normal, Eco, Sport and Individual settings. These change the throttle setting and steering set up. Select economy and with stop/start technology, you really can eke the fuel out.

For safety there are seven airbags, front, front side, curtain, driver's knee, plus, driver fatigue sensor, hill hold control, plus traction and stability control programmes and automatic post collision braking system.