It's not difficult to see why Skoda's cars are so popular with British buyers.,/b> Take quality German engineering and take away the expense of actually building the cars in Germany by shifting production to the Czech Republic and what do you have? Skodas. The Skoda Octavia, for instance, which has been around for almost eight years, is largely speaking a Golf in a new, and more generously cut, suit. So it pays to have a look at the Czech cars. The Octavia range of five door hatches and estates offers some really fantastic choices for the family motorist at nothing like Golf money. When I test a Skoda I get a positive reaction from everyone who asks me about it. The input of Volkswagen to Skoda's products has lifted them head and shoulders above most other European makes in the last few years, yet they still cost reasonable money. And while there's talk of VW selling Spanish brand Seat, it is keeping a firm grip on Skoda. To get re-acquainted with the Octavia, I've just been driving the hatchback version - the best of them is the 1.9 diesel with 105 bhp - and a racey vRS diesel estate. Far from being just sensible, the Octavia in vRS form provides plenty of driving thrills whether you have it with a punchy petrol motor or an equally lusty diesel. Earlier sporty Octavias used the 1.8 litre turbocharged four cylinder engine found in many other VW Group models. It gives 150 bhp, more than the original Saab turbo cars had to offer. If you had suggested in Saab's turbo heyday that one day there would a Skoda more than its equal people would have laughed at you - had you locked up for your own protection, probably. But it's there for all to see. A Skoda which will outgun a Saab and can have permanent 4x4 with raised ground clearance for occasional forays away from the blacktop. Most people will be more interested in the mainstream Octavias. The styling is still not quite the best in Europe but better since the 2004 introduction of a new model. And you get the best features of German cars, such as firm seats that offer plenty of support on longer journeys for maximum occupant comfort. There's a good choice of engines in the Octavia, starting with a 1.4 petrol and going all the way to the 197 bhp vRS scorcher which shares its underpinnings with the renowned Golf GTi. The 1.6 and 1.8 petrol Octavias, and the various diesels, are all good for cheap running with the best diesels offering much more than 50 mpg. Trim levels are varied but the specifications generally good. Skoda does not go in for loads of special editions, so the mainstream models are your only choice. But they are all good and the base cars make excellent and practical family runabouts. Running costs are also cheap when it comes to servicing. Again in line with VW Group policy, services were due every 10,000 miles for a minor check and every 20,000 for a big job until the latest cars were launched in 2004, when a variable service regime was introduced. Insurance is bearable, starting at Group 4. Prices for the Octavia are now very competitive. An 01/51 1.6 GLXi will set you back only £3,300, less than a third of its new cost. You wouldn't get a 51 Golf this cheap yet the Octavia's as good. Same age diesels are dearer but have a higher trim level. If you want a late letter car, how about an 05 110 bhp 1.9 TDI Elegance estate at £10,550? Maurice Hardy