4car rating: 4 stars
Body Styles: Hatchback, Estate
Engines: 1.4, 1.6, 1.8 T, 2.0, 1.9 D, 1.9 TD
Prices: £9,800 to £16,700


It might be only a wheezy 1.4, but Octavias can be had for under £10,000. Interior quality and the driving experience are both well above par at this money, which usually buys a far-eastern also-ran. The Octavia is based on the VW Golf's chassis, which means that it's not quite as roomy in the rear as some rivals. The hatchback opens on a huge boot though, while the estate is plenty accommodating enough too. You can buy a 2.0-litre model from just £12,000 - way below some rivals' starting prices - and that makes the Octavia our top budget choice.



Other recommended cars:

• Best Budget Buy: Skoda Octavia
• Best for Interior Room: Ford Mondeo
• Best for Safety: Renault Laguna
• Best for Comfort: Honda Accord
• Best Driver's Car: Subaru Impreza
• Best Image: Volkswagen Passat
• Best Diesel: Volkswagen Passat
• Best Estate: Ford Mondeo