SKODA'S Octavia has always been a bit of a segment-defier.

Based on the Golf small-car, closer to a Mazda6 in size and priced somewhere in between, the Czech alternative has attracted a small but loyal clientele in its short life-span here.

Now there is a new one, again available as a sedan and a wagon, but now sporting lower prices -- especially at entry point -- and bringing to the table all the outstanding characteristics intrinsic the the Mk7 Golf with which it shares its innovative 'MQB' architecture.

Here we test the spacious and swift Elegance 132 TSI wagon, an offering that sits below the racey RS version but above all the others.

The question we want to know is, can this outsider with niche appeal take a stride into the mainstream against established Japanese and German rivals? It sure deserves to...

Click here for the full review...