vRS 2.0 TDI CR DSG 5dr Auto Hatchback

Roomy, quick enough, frugal and fairly reliable.

Before buying, I test-drove an Audi A4, BMW 3 series, Honda Accord and a Golf Gti.

The Golf was the quickest, the BMW had the best ride and the Audi felt the best-made. However, the Skoda had more room for a driver of 6 feet 5, with size 13 shoes, when specced up (sat-nav,cruise,DSG, ACC etc, it was £000's cheaper than any of the others, was great fun to drive, had a massive boot, promised the lowest running costs and was available at a substantial discount.

I found the Skoda dealer friendly and helpful e.g. they let me have a demo. car for 7 days! The BMW people allowed 30 mins accompanied and were at the other extreme.

So, I bought the car and have not regretted it. On a recent 350 ml. drive on French motorways I averaged 73 mph and 53 mpg (as per the onboard computer), so fuel costs are reasonable. Reliabilty has been fair - I have needed a replacement engine throttle valve, plus a replacement rear window winder motor and that's about it. There has been just one DPF problem at the end of three weeks of frozen conditions when the car never had a journey of more than 5 miles and never went above 30 mph.

Would have another but probably go for petrol next time for a little more refinement.

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