The SKODA OCTAVIA (1998-05) 5DR ESTATE 1.8T ELEGANCE 4X4 is a practical compact estate from the Octavia’s first generation, offering an alternative to a family hatchback. Its long-roof body brings extra luggage space, while four-wheel drive and a turbocharged petrol engine give this Elegance version a distinctive, more capable character. That makes the Octavia estate suited to family duties and weekend trips, with room for loads rather than a city car’s compactness. The 4x4 system can help on slippery roads, while the 1.8T offers brisker performance than family estates of its era, although fuel costs may exceed those of simpler versions. mycarcheck.com has recorded 79 look-ups covering 50 different VINs, a modest snapshot. Its checks show an average private-sale valuation of £300, average recorded mileage of 138,000 and about 6,000 miles driven yearly; vehicles averaged 5.3 previous keepers. Compared with mainstream estates, its appeal is unusual four-wheel-drive performance and space.