27. SKODA OCTAVIA
Price From £17,055 On sale Now
THINGS move quickly in the family hatch market, so Skoda has updated its Octavia to keep the model fresh-faced against newer rivals.
The major exterior change for the maker’s strongest-selling car is the adoption of a new split-headlamp nose. In combination with a tweaked grille, bumper and bonnet, it aims to move its looks closer to the Kodiaq SUV.
Inside, there’s a major overhaul to the infotainment system, with top models gaining a new 9.2-inch capacitive touchscreen, wireless hotspot and increased smartphone connectivity. Kit such as a heated steering wheel and ambient lighting is also added, while safety systems improve with the addition of trailer assist.
The suspension and chassis are unchanged, and the engine range kicks off with a 114bhp 1.0-litre turbo petrol. The hot Octavia VRS features a wider rear track to improve dynamics, plus its 2.0 petrol turbo is boosted to 227bhp.