21/09/2008 16:03. IT is perhaps ironic that Skoda, a brand that has revinvented itself as a maker of solid reliable and economical cars, has produced a firecracker with the pace to match some sporting thoroughbreds.

The Octavia is a car for all seasons and most budgets and offers options from economical practicality to hot hatch plus performance.

From the frugal 1.4-litre petrol engine, up the to the sublime vRS, potential buyers have a host of options to choose from.

The motoring media seem to like it as it has scooped award after award over the last 10 years or so, with the vRS taking the best hot hatch accolade from What Car in 2006

Think of hot hatches of the past and picture squat, cramped, stripped out micro minis with plenty of pace and handling, but precious little else apart from the... // Perthshire Advertiser