Skoda makes an octave leap

Singapore

CAST an eye over the Octavia, Skoda's personable new car, and if anything comes to mind, it's the value for money for which the Czech brand is famed.

Comparisons to the Volkswagen Golf are inevitable, since the two are sister cars with the same engine, transmission and general gubbins. Here in Singapore, that means a 1.5-litre turbo with 150 horsepower and a seven-speed, twin-clutch auto, with a fuel-saving mild hybrid electric setup and, inside the cabin, all the connectivity a person could want.