| First Drive | Oxfordshire, England | Skoda Octavia Greenline II |

Along with the rest of its range, Skoda has cleaned up the Octavia. The new Greenline II version has the lowest emissions and best economy of any Octavia to date.

In the Metal

If you've seen a standard Octavia, then you've seen the Greenline II version. The latest model is nigh on identical inside and out, save for a few subtle eco tweaks, like low rolling resistance tyres, a 13mm lower ride height, Greenline logos and 15-inch 'Pyxis' alloy wheels.

What you get for your Money

It's another winner for Skoda in terms of value. The Octavia Greenline II costs £17,705 as a hatchback and £19,035 in estate guise. That undercuts the majority of family saloons on the market with pricey eco upgrades.

The Greenline II model isn't the best-specced of Octavias, but it could be worse. A touch-screen stereo, air conditioning, cruise control and electric windows are standard, among other things. In addition to the external tweaks that we already mentioned, the Octavia also gets longer gearing, a remapped ECU and revised weight distribution to improve economy and emissions.

Driving it

You've a job to notice the differences between the Greenline II model and the standard Skoda Octavia, but they are there if you look for them. The long gearing is the most apparent feature, as the engine rarely ever revs to more than 2,000rpm during normal driving conditions.

While the Octavia isn't fast per se, you can leave it in gear and let the 1.6-litre TDI engine's 184lb.ft of torque do its thing to keep up the pace. Working the transmission is not part of the process here. The car still rides and handles just as well as the polished, standard Octavia. It's docile, but effective.

Worth Noting

The Octavia's most impressive trait is its emissions. All credit to Skoda, as the Czech firm has managed to crack the magic 100g/km mark with a sizeable family hatchback - the Octavia Greenline II emits 99g/km, so it's tax and congestion charge free - 74.3mpg isn't bad either.

The estate is a little 'dirtier', but it's easily one of the cleanest load-luggers on sale. Figures of 109g/km and 67.3mpg are quoted.

Summary

Company car drivers will go mad for the new Octavia Greenline II, simply because of the massive tax incentives. It shouldn't be forgotten that the Skoda is a fine car in its own right and more than capable of holding its own against the Ford Mondeos and the VW Passats that it's up against. Such good value for money, impressive practicality and top build quality with a reliability record to match render it a thoroughly wise choice.