Skoda first started building cars in what is now the Czech Republic in 1905. Skoda last came out here when Australia was still part of the British Empire. From the 1950s, sales of the Czech brand dwindled from not a great deal to, eventually, almost nothing. The importer finally gave up in 1983.

After the velvet revolution, Skoda started a joint venture with Volkswagen and by 2000 was a wholly owned subsidiary. Volkswagen has spent much time and effort to shake the eastern bloc image of this famous Czech brand, with great success.

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The Czech company has opened shop again in Australia with two models from their range – the funky Roomster wagon and the more conventional mid-size Octavia hatchback and wagon. The Fabia and Suberb are not currently available Down Under.

If you are looking for an affordable sports sedan or wagon, the Octavia RS is a must on your shopping list. With a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine under its bonnet, the RS is a performance car with excellent handling. However, while the firm suspension allows you to corner enthusiastically, the ride is still comfortable for passengers. ESP is standard, just in case enthusiasm gets the better of you.

Both the sedan and wagon have enormous boots, plus an abundance of minor storage areas. The rear seats split and fold to increase carrying capacity. There is only one model trim and both the wagon and hatch come with electric front windows, electric mirrors, climate control, six-disc stereo and 17-inch alloys. The RS also comes in a limited range of colours, our test car being a fantastic yellow.

If you are after something a little more sedate, the Octavia Ambience or Elegance should fit the bill. Skoda’s products are stylish, robust, practical and, above all, affordable. Our test car the Octavia wagon was big enough to carry five adults – and their luggage – in comfort, and had a wide range of petrol and diesel engines. Prices start at sensible levels, and as many of the components have been tried-and-tested by VW, it is likely to be very reliable. Go for the 1.9TDI for value and comfort and the 2.0 FSI for performance.

Octavia is an easy car to drive, with light steering, smooth gear changes and sharp brakes. In town it is more agile than most cars of its size; all-round visibility is good, though the thick windscreen pillars can restrict the view of the road when pulling out of T-junctions. On the freeway, it cruises well. There’s also a 4×4 version in the line-up. This is unlikely to be a big seller, but is useful for buyers that need occasional off-road ability, but don’t want the bulky body of a 4×4.

The front passengers have plenty of head and legroom and benefit from a supportive and adjustable seat, while three can sit in the back in some comfort – although it’s better with two, as the transmission tunnel restricts leg and foot room. Wind, road and engine noise is kept to a minimal level, perfect for relaxed cruising.

Looking for a car to move the family from point A to B or need a van – why not look at a Roomster. The Roomster grew on me, once I got past the fact it isn’t a vehicle for speed or ground-hugging handling.

Roomster’s design is bold and distinctive. Its party trick is a clever rear compartment that offers immense flexibility between passenger space and luggage space. The rear seats can slide and recline; any of the three individual seats can be folded or removed; the middle seat can be taken away and the two outer seats can slide inward to give two passengers extra shoulder and elbow room to the doors. Luggage space is good with the rear seats in place, but becomes van-like with them removed.

You have the choice of either a 1.6-litre petrol or a 1.9 TDI diesel. Our test car was the 1.6-litre petrol, which though smooth and refined, can find long uphill slogs hard work and require frequent downshifts through the gears.

Compact dimensions combined with wheels pushed out to the corners of the car help the Roomster feel nimble. A tall car that looks prone to body roll, it actually goes round corners well and offers decent grip when pressing on. Its long wheelbase contributes to a good ride, and electro-hydraulic power steering helps retain some of the feeling that might be lost if it was fitted with a fully electric set-up. It’s easy to drive, and feels safe and predictable on the road – an ideal formula for a family car.

So whether it is sports handling, something a little more sedate or a versatile family wagon or van, the new very affordable Skoda range is sure to have something for you to test drive.

OCTAVIA RS

• Price: $37,490-$39,490
• Engine: 2.0-litre turbo petrol 4 cylinder
• Transmission: 6-speed manual
• Power: 147Kw, 380Nm
• Fuel Economy (Litres/100km): 8.1

OCTAVIA

• Price: $29,990-$38,990
• Engine: 1.8-litre turbo petro 4 cylinder; 2.0-litre petrol 4 cylinder; 1.8-litre turbo diesel 4 cylinder, 2.0-litre turbo diesel 4 cylinder
• Transmission: 5-speed manual, 6-speed manual, 6-speed automatic
• Power: 118kW, 110kW, 77kW, 103kW, 200Nm, 250Nm 250Nm, 320Nm
• Fuel Economy (Litres/100km): 8.5, 7.7, 6.1, 5.7

ROOMSTER

• Price: $26,990-$28,990
• Engine: 1.6-litre petrol 4 cylinder, 1.9-litre turbo diesel 4 cylinder
• Transmission: 6-speed manual, 5-speed automatic
• Power: 77Kw, 77kw, 153Nm, 240Nm
• Fuel Economy (Litres/100km): 7.2, 5.5