While it's still a relatively small player in the Australian market, Czech brand Skoda is building a reputation as offering well-specced cars at good prices, and the medium-sized Octavia is at the vanguard of this push.
Owned by the Volkswagen Group, Skoda is in the enviable position of adopting industry-leading tech and implementing that in new, more appealing ways. The Octavia RS, for example, uses the same powertrain as the highly regarded VW Golf GTI, but offers it in more usable, practical bodystyle forms like a wagon or five-door fastback hatch.
Current prices range from $25,890 to $49,990 for the Octavia 110 TSI and Octavia RS 245 180 TSI.
Ford Focus
Holden Astra
Honda Civic
Hyundai Elantra
Kia Cerato
Mazda 3
Renault Megane
Skoda Octavia
Subaru Impreza
Toyota Camry
Toyota Corolla
Volkswagen Jetta