GOOD POINTS: Extremely easy to drive, practical, quiet and reasonably comfortable even in larger-wheeled ultra-low profile tyred, 'Sports' suspension 'Monte Carlo' spec. Has been 100% reliable during 18 months of ownership. Economical to buy, run and maintain with good fuel economy. We do not take that much notice these days of exact consumption figures as annual mileage is now modest. Typically a 40 mile round trip on 'easy', flowing 'A' roads indicates about 47-52mpg. Have filled up with BP 'Ultimate' and occasionally Shell 'V-Power' from day one.

Very good access, spacious interior, boot space and good all round vision. Lovely stylish alloy wheels that are easy to clean. Good brakes, perhaps discs needed on the rear just to give it a little more retardation in 'extremis', or when fully laden? Light positive controls. Very good comfortable 'hugging' seats, again when in 'Monte Carlo' spec. Very easy to achieve ideal driving position: adjustable seat and steering column (height & reach) and seat belt height too. Useful if small double glove-boxes with adequate cabin storage as a whole. Good steering, grip, handling, ride compromise with 'Sport' suspension, wheels and tyres. Smooth-ish gearbox if 'throw' a little too long and gear stick mounted a little too low. Not slick enough for ultra-rapid changes when pressing on, but pleasant, easy good quality shifting around town and under 'normal' driving. Heated wing mirrors also very useful during endless British winters.

Truly outstanding 1.2TSI 105ps engine. This and the price/deal is essentially what 'sold' us the car. Drives rather like a diesel but without the often encountered narrow power band. 130ft/lbs of torque from 1550rpm all the way to 4100rpm (!) provides effortless, enjoyable driving which ideally compliments peak power arriving at 5,000rpm. Equally impressive around town and on narrow 'blind' 'B' roads as well as being agreeably refined on motorways.

We have owned several 'quick-ish cars down the years; 'been there, got the tee-shirt', yet find ourselves continually surprised and impressed with this 'Skoda's character and abilities, for once primarily purchased with our 'heads' rather than our 'hearts' as semi-retirement beckons. It has proven to be an (almost!) perfect 'sensible choice' whilst still providing a spirited, enjoyable and most rewarding driving experience in its own modest, (apart from the exterior styling!) un-fussed way.

Very good friendly, caring, efficient dealership. Said we would never buy new again after doing so many years ago but deal offered: i.e. the p/ex, less discounts off car and options et'al was an absolute 'no-brainer'. Dealer being only 5 mins drive away is handy too.

Interior quality better than many. Feels 'solid' with the odd exception (see below). Sporty red stitching on ideally proportioned 'chunky' steering wheel also extends to handbrake lever and gearshift gaiter. Seats also offered in a tasteful red 'option' however we finally decided on the ' black/grey alternative.

NOT SO GOOD POINTS: Dull dashboard starting to look somewhat 'dated'. Very flimsy interior door handles. Electric window switches not exactly 'quality' items either. No option of steering wheel controls for radio/media etc at the time of purchase. Found this to be deeply frustrating from both a practical and safety viewpoint. Clear speedometer and rev. counter but no 'proper' secondary instruments. Small, feeble difficult-to-read digital display for trip, fuel level, kph speed etc. Basic blue on/off 'temperature gauge' light. Average sound system. 'Halfway House' aircon which combines standard aircon with a thermostat. It works well, but why stop at a 'Halfway House' and not include full 'Climate'?

No spare wheel. (Compressor/mousse kit). Absolutely ridiculous. No esp/curtain airbags as standard. Even if they are well discounted 'options' one should NOT in this day and age have to pay extra for such basic, essential safety features!

Shod with hideously ultra-low profile tyres, or 'wheel protectors' as someone more aptly described them. Extrovert exterior styling really belongs on top of range 'vRS' which in direct comparison is notably more restrained. The 'Monte Carlo'' is rather OTT in this respect for an aspiring 'warm' hatch. (Which it almost is. Another c.10% power would make it 'fully fledged').

Headlights are adequate rather than exceptional, fog lights are good at lower speeds for seeing kerbs and driving on roads with more holes in than a tennis racket. They somewhat compensate for the main units mediocrity. As with many over-tyred and lightweight 'Supermini's' driving on snow and ice is pretty hopeless. All I would say is be sensible and leave it at home, or if you live out in the 'wilds', invest in a cheap set of steel wheels and winter tyres.

SUMMING-UP: Hiding behind a facade of cold, basic facts & figures which do not relate the full story is a cracking little car. It has more than fulfilled our personal expectations and requirements. The engine in this state of tune, (105ps), is genuinely exceptional. Extended 'Test Drive' recommended!

(With apologies for the unedited and at times random nature of this 'rushed' review!)