It’s raining, make that pouring, my fiend hasn’t brought a waterproof for some reason and is going to get soaked.
Not a problem and I don’t even have to remove my cape Sir Walter Raleigh-style to protect her from the elements.
Instead I just open the door of the Skoda Octavia Estate and fish out the brolly that lives inside – genius.
It’s not the only bit of attention to detail I love about Skodas, it’s the same in the boot. Nothing annoys me more than loading the back with shopping only for it to spill all over the floor the first time I round a bend.
In the Octavia this isn’t a problem as around the enormous load bay there are a series of hooks which are just the perfect height on which to loop your plaggy shopping bag handles so everything stays in place. There are cargo nets too. It is such a simple idea yet so brilliant.
Also, mounted on the steering wheel, in clear view, is a switch to turn off the dreaded keep lane assist to regain full control of the steering and negating any interference from the electronic wizardry – ahh, peace.
It sums up the Skoda which is a car that makes life so much easier than if you drove a different brand.
It’s like having a best mate you can rely on all the time, someone who has your back come rain or shine, your pal who is unconditionally on your side even when you are in the wrong.
The Skoda is a car you’d be proud to see on your drive. The fourth generation Octavia is smart from any angle and looks impressive and purposeful on the road.
The interior is great too, super-functional with tech that is easy to navigate and use. It is light, spacious and very comfortable.
Octavia is also extremely refined – you have to check twice at the pumps that it’s a diesel because the motor is so smooth, willing and able.
It’s economical too and I manage several long journeys where its hits mid-60s on the mile per gallon readout.
Performance is strong as well with huge swathes of torque in the mid-range and a simply brilliant quick-changing DSG automatic gearbox.
Ride and handling are exemplary, so it’s a fun car to drive cross-country, with bags of grip and sharp responses.
Stick my favourite tunes on the excellent infotainment centre, head west and I’m home before I know it, free from stress, any aches and pains and ready for more, to be honest.
There are few guarantees in life nowadays. You can’t trust governments and foreign powers, investments or even the weather.
But what you can count on every time is a really great well-thought-out car, which will be as practical to use as it is great to drive, when it’s a Skoda.
Factfile
| Engine: 2.0 turbo diesel |
| Power: 150PS |
| 0-62mph: 10.5 secs |
| Top speed: 128mph |
| Combined MPG: 61.4 |
| Transmission: Six-speed DSG auto |
| CO2 g/km: 120 |
| Price: from £38,645 |
