The previous-generation Skoda Octavia Estate was very popular with both new- and used-car buyers, thanks to its generous interior space and robust quality. With this fourth-generation Octavia , Skoda has moved the car further upmarket – without forgetting what made its predecessor so successful....

There was a time when a hybrid Toyota was a sensible but uninspiring choice of family car. The old Toyota Auris is a prime example of that - dependable and cheap-to-run, yes, but lacking even the slightest hint of charisma. But the latest Toyota Corolla is genuinely a very good car. There are no...

The Skoda Octavia is the firm’s most popular car in the UK, so it’s no surprise this model stuck to the formula that made previous versions such a success. It’s practical, well equipped and offers excellent value for money – but with more technology, better fuel economy and more space for family...

The Czech company’s vRS stock continued to grow with this Skoda Octavia model, and the famous badge is still recognised by many as a more practical alternative to a GTI. That’s very true of this Skoda Octavia vRS. It uses the same platform as the 2013 Volkswagen Golf, and the same engines too. The...

The V90 is a clever piece of automotive design; you can tell it’s a Volvo estate car without having to think about it, but it doesn’t look overly boxy or anything other than modern and stylish. That same design theme also runs into the cabin too, which is discreetly stylish. Perhaps more importantly,...

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is an institution, but one that is a little less dominant than it used to be thanks to the rise of premium SUVs and a wider choice than ever of luxury models . But it's still a superb all-rounder offering something for everyone.  It has to be noted that the E-Class comes...