Ambiente 1.9TDi estate

Good size, good performance, reliable - what else would you want?

Performance: very good with the 129bhp diesel, although the traction control is a bit of a joke due to its seemingly ineffectiveness in pulling away. Avg 50mpg indicated in touring, 40-45mpg on fast motorway runs (but note the speedo overreads by 10%).

Reliability and maintenance: no warranty issues bar a squeaky rear seat catch (and it still squeaks over bumps!). Front tyres last ~20K miles, and brake disks were changed at ~30K miles.

Accomodation: good for a 6'+ driver / passenger even with power sunroof. Although cramped for a 6'er behind a 6'er. Estate boot is a good size although the gaps behind the wheel arches are "filled in" (eg for the CD changer behind a panel).

Oddities: the VAG aircon is a lesson in poor ergonomics; the accessory power socket / cigarette lighter is behind the handbrake (why?); CD player can't do MP3s (but ICE is always behind the times - how many cars have DAB as standard today?).

Would I buy another? Possibly although the newer versions are too long for my driveway now. Would certainly get another Skoda (eg a shortie Octavia ... like a Yeti).

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