oda's revised Octavia hatchback and estate have gone on the market with new looks and improved comfort and technology, writes David Duffy.

At first glance the most striking external change is the incorporation of the chrome 'family' grille and clear optic headlights, both already familiar from the Fabia, and new front and rear bumpers and front spoiler.

Skoda says improvements in comfort, safety and ambience have been made to the interior, the most notable being increased legroom for rear seat passengers, and a three-point centre rear seatbelt and headrest. The hatchback also gains a rear wash/wipe.

Prices for the new range start at 9,800, which Skoda says represents cuts of up to 2,800 on previous equivalent models, thanks to equipment level increases.

Skoda was not just content with revising the Octavia's looks, but has also increased the engine line-up by developing a new performance model, the Octavia RS hatchback.

Powered by a 1.8-litre turbocharged petrol engine, the RS produces 180 horsepower with a top speed of 143mph and has lowered suspension, stainless steel exhaust, 16-inch alloy wheels, front and rear spoilers and racing-style seats.

The revised Octavia made its UK premiere at the British International Motor Show in Birmingham. Designed by Dirk van Braeckel and built at a state-of-the-art factory near Prague, the Octavia paved the way for a new beginning for one of the oldest car manufacturers in the world. The Octavia was the car that ignited the real transformation of Skoda's brand image.

Its world debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in October 1996 drew critical acclaim from the press and public alike. The fact that it was shortlisted for 1997 European Car of the Year was a significant milestone in Skoda's rejuvenation, and marked its successful entry into a new market sector, the medium car segment.

The Octavia hatchback sold like hot cakes on the Continent prior to its UK arrival in June 1998.

September 1998 saw the arrival of its sibling, the Octavia Estate.

A total of 423,679 Octavias, 305,760 hatches and 117,919 estates were produced and sold world wide between 1996 and August 2000, with 12,574 hatches and 5,185 estates sold in the UK.

On the inside the most notable improvement is the extra legroom for rear seat passengers. An increase of 22mm has been achieved by redesigning the backs of the front seats, so none of the Octavia's impressive boot space has been lost.

Another plus is the new three-point centre seat belt and headrest.

The 'slush-moulded' dashboard features new style graphics on the dials and some additional functions. There is a whole new range of interior upholstery fabrics and colours matched to the body colour and specification.

The things that are not so immediately apparent in the new Octavia are the array of technical changes. For example, the whole Octavia range now benefits from a new generation of immobiliser and an advanced electronic system, where nine inter-connected electronic systems control everything from the fuel injection and ignition, to the post-collision shut-down and central locking.

The range has also been increased by the inclusion of new engines and the new high specification models, Laurin & Klement and Octavia RS. New designations for the model specifications have been introduced, Classic, Ambiente and Elegance.

For the first time the UK will have the luxury specification Octavia Laurin & Klement, named after the entrepreneurs who founded the company, back in 1895.

The 16,000 Laurin & Klement model comes with the 1.8-litre 20V turbo charged petrol engine and a luxury specification, including metallic paint, 16-inch dark chrome wheels, Xenon headlights, leather/alcantara upholstery, heated seats, wood trim, chrome highlights, and cruise control.

The Octavia Laurin & Klement will be available early 2001. The estate costs another 700.

The Octavia 4x4, in estate format only, is due for launch in the UK in February 2001, and has been available in Europe since 1999.

The Octavia 4x4 has an increased 23mm road clearance over the standard car, allowing better manoeuvrability on poor driving surfaces.

It has a good load carrying capacity of 448 litres in the boot, although this is slightly less than the normal estate due to the increased ride height and a more complex rear axle.

The real secret of the 4x4's success is the Haldex clutch system, which automatically activates the four-wheel drive when it is needed, and the electronic stability programme.

The Octavia 4x4 opens up yet another new market segment to Skoda, and will be available in the UK with the powerful 1.8 T 150 horsepower petrol engine in Elegance specification, giving the car dynamic driving characteristics.