However, the Golf is both a boy racer's hoonmobile and the choice of dithering dollies who don't even know what the 710 is for, let alone maintain their vehicle as required, making it pretty nasty on the insurance.
The Octavia, on the other hand is somewhat bigger but still as good and in some aspects better.
It's not a bad-looking car by any means, being the same basic shape as most cars of its class and pretty much a Mondeo/Sierra.
The Škoda Octavia mkI was built on the same platform as the Golf IV. Parts (OEM and aftermarket) will be cheap and plentiful, as will spares. Repairing it is pretty straightforward even with all the elecronic fancy stuff and there is a wealth of information about it for any odd niggles.
Get the 130PD engine if you can tolerate diesel, but don't bother with the VRS unless you're into hobbyist performance. Try for L&K (Laurin & Klement) trim, for all th fancy stuff.
End of the day, though, it's still a Škoda and you'll be a Škoda driver. This may destroy any semblance of self-esteem you have, but your insurance will be lower, because Škodas are slow lumps of junk and Škoda drivers are calm, sedate retired folk who are just out for a Sunday amble.... Much more insurable!
"Not only are Skoda drivers more likely to own a dog, they also have an untidy car. Expect to find them eating the thick Scottish soup Cullen Skink as they read The Daily Telegraph.
Gender: Male
Age: 60-plus
Region: Northern Scotland
Profession: Military and Defence
Sports: Sailing
Hobbies: Trekking/hiking
Shops at: Co-op"
^Some of this is actually true, by the way... and if you're still reading and still interested enough to look past badge snobbery, the Octavia will serve you exceedingly well. Look after it and you'll do spaceship mileage in utter happiness!!