SKODA'S meteoric rise from lowly music hall stooge to European top-billing continues unabated.

Sales show few, if any, signs of slowing, especially while the Volkswagen-owned company continues to produce new models and widening its range to reach virtually all corners of the market.

Admittedly, it has yet to venture into the large or compact multi-purpose vehicle market or the off-roading leisure vehicle, out-and-out sports car or cabriolet segment. But given time do not be surprised what the future might bring.

Meanwhile, it is turning out excellent saloons, hatchbacks and estates bearing the Fabia and Octavia badges and all award-winning, as well as a few Felicia, the model which really started the revolution.

Recently, many of the latest vehicles arrived in North Yorkshire for a motoring press gathering, and among them were the new Octavia hatchback 4x4, a new Fabia saloon and an estate, as well as the sporting and superfast Octavia RS hatchback, reviewed by Motors XPress earlier this year.

The 4x4 Octavia hatchback joins an estate version, both ideally suited to North Yorkshire's country lanes and tracks.

There is no doubting the superb handling and ride comfort available with the hatch, nor the control and grip on wet and gritty road surfaces provided by the all-wheel drive.

Interestingly, the Fabia saloons, introduced more as a niche model to fit in between the best-selling estates and hatchbacks, has proved extremely popular, coming in one trim level but with on-the-road prices starting at £9,100.

Recent additions include a 1.4-litre 16V model for £10,252 and a 1.9-litre SDI direct injection diesel for £9,352.

For those wanting a diesel big on power yet still capable of frugal fuel consumption, the 1.9-litre SDI should fit the bill. The engine produces 64bhp at 4000rpm, is matched to a four-speed manual gearbox, and returns an incredible 70.6mpg on the suburban roads and 45.6mpg on city roads.

It is also well fitted-out, its specification list including power steering, electric front windows and remote central locking.