This is unfortunately not that well advertised and so is relatively unknown [most people will not know the difference between a Octavia and a Laura]. Just got the AT version and these are first impressions.
The drive is fabulous, the DSG is VERRY smooth and gear changes are so fast. Noise and vibration levels are great for a diesel.
The wheels and tyres seem very solid on the road. The ABS, ESP, Airbags all give a great degree of confidence with regard to safety.
The gizmos are incredible with seat/mirror memory settings, cruise control, on board computer, rain sensor, auto lights, come home and leave home lights, parking sensors, etc
Economy is great as is the comfort in the front seats. Rear seats are a wee bit cramped [only compared to say an Accord or other such large car], but then this is a car you should buy only if you are going to drive [IMO]. No point in spending this money and your driver reaping the pleasure;-)
I like the meaty looks too. In fact I cant find a negative point to this car at all [except that maybe a bit better pricing would have been great]. Well actually on reflection the stereo could have been much better. I have a cheapo Pioneer CD changer with 4 speakers and a tweeter in my Innova [entire cost was about 20K] which is way better than this one.
**Edit: **after 2 days of driving I find that the tyre noise is more than in other equivalent cars.
Have not commented on reliability/dealer as I need a few months to get some exposure to these. [Actually I needed to rate these two to upload the review but these are not my experience yet].