Skoda has claimed another accolade for its brilliant Octavia hatchback. The car has fought off stiff competition from brands such as BMW, Honda and Mazda to win AM's 'Used Car of the Year 2008' category.

The Octavia's latest success has been attributed to the vehicle's practicality as a family car, impressive performance and great value for money on the second hand market, for both retailers and consumers.

Stephen Briers, editor of AM, comments: "The Skoda brand is beginning to get the recognition for quality and value that it deserves, and the Octavia is a great all-rounder.

"Octavia owners get the benefit of some of Volkswagen Group's renowned and respected technology and the vRS is an excellent halo model. The Octavia is a good used car for retailers and consumers."

Some of the key features praised by the judging panel included the vehicle's high specification, such as air conditioning fitted as standard, and plenty of roominess on the inside of the car including headroom and boot space, traditionally reserved to the upper-medium car market.

Skoda's Head of Planning, John French, said: "The Octavia has long been our best selling model and this latest award proves the car is as popular now as it was when it first launched.

""As well as being the best seller in dealerships across the UK, the Octavia also does exceptionally well in terms of business sales, proving to be the perfect fleet all-rounder."

Recently the two millionth Octavia was produced at Skoda's Czech factory in April last year. Sales worldwide for December 2007 were up 13.1% compared to the same period last year.