Current car is an A4 Avant 115BHP TDi which is about to go back since my company is replacing company cars with a car allowance.

I spent some time this year looking around and test driving things like the Avensis, Mondeo and Passat. I initially discounted the old style Octavia as it seems a bit small and plasticy (IMO).

But the new style 04 Octavia....WOW. Its better than my Audi (esp the 140bhp model I test drove) and infinately better then Avensis, Mondeo and Passat (better sales staff as well).

So here I am just about to whack down up to

welcome and good choice, I know the the audience stereo plays mp3 but unsure whether that means you can play cds with mp3 tracks on or you can plug a player in?

Welcome. I had the same hatch/estate dilemma - not much in it in terms of boot size but I wondered whether the estate might keep its value better? Went for the hatch in the end!

What extras have you added?

when I sourced my company car theat has just gone back the lease rates for the Audi A4 Diesel Estate (Avant) where much cheaper then the A4 Saloon yet the estate cost must more (similar differential between diesel & petrol) - would tend to imply that a diesel estate is the best bet.

Extras (tentative)