I was so taken with the green jelly babies provided so thoughtfully on the launch of Skoda’s Greenline Range, that all I could initially think about was where I could get some more. After nearly choking on the vast amount I managed to cram into my mouth and Paul having a panic attack as one got stuck up his nose (don’t ask) it was time to get down to the serious business of getting to know our Skoda Superb estate.

I have a vague recollection of having been in a Skoda Superb last year as we were chaffeured around an event, but this was the first opportunity I had had of driving one.

While the Superb is by no means the most expensive estate car that we have sampled, once you appreciate all that it has to offer its relatively modest price becomes even more attractive. This Greenline II model comes in at £25,335 thanks to a few added extras (electric boot, KESSY keyless system and parking sensors) but the Sat Nav and leather are standard – very enlightened. And with this Greenline II model, which figures across their whole range of vehicles, Skoda say you’re also getting a cleaner, greener and better car.

All words though, so lets look at the figures. The Greenline II Superb, which let’s not forget is a very large estate, rewards you with over 64 mpg on a combined cycle and churns out only 114 g/km of CO2, which not only means it’s cheaper to run but it comes in the band C for tax which will set you back a mere £30 a year. And on top of all this, the Superb is a good looking car that has so much leg room in the rear it feels like a limousine.

However, it doesn’t feel as if you’re driving a huge car, and even from the outside, it doesn’t look like a giant, but just a good looking estate, and the green credentials of this range does make sense in today’s world, especially if you cover some distances.

So why might you choose this car over all the other lovely looking estates that are in the market place eagerly waiting to seduce you?

Value for money has to be an issue (try an A6, Passat or C/E-class with Sat Nav and leather for this money). The Greenline II has low running costs and is an inoffensive yet handsome looking car although probably not the best-looking in the class.

It is hugely, cavernously practical, suitable for lugging around kids and teenagers with all their stuff (and probably their friends, pets and extended families), as well as being roomy and easy to get into for the older generation. I was really taken by the simplicity of the Superb, with its almost old-fashioned central console and dash – I’m rather sick of all these futuristic looking cabins which tend to simply confuse me.

The whole car is cavernous, and not far off the very best in terms of quality of materials, fit and finish. However, there are lots of thoughtful extras such as the aircraft-like reading lights, and the way the air vents and cup holders work. There’s even a clock in the rear, with the added bonus that the middle seat doesn’t feel as if you’ve drawn the short straw.

This is a comfortable, solid car to drive and while not the most exciting there is a surprising of power from the 1.6 litre diesel engine, the Superb reaching motorway speed with enthusiasm and the chassis is sophisticated enough and take corners in a bold and confident manner. It’s quiet as well, engine noise well under control and not a lot of road or wind noise intruding into the vast living quarters.

I always find our test drives really do put the car through it’s paces as I try and anticipate what Paul wants as he films it. Part of this always involves me maneuovering a car all over the place as he makes me reverse, turn around, back and forward up the most ridiculous narrow lanes. I didn’t come away with sore arms with the Skoda Superb, unlike like some cars I could mention! It didn’t feel big or cumbersome and the steering was light when needed and sturdy when zipping along.

I like this car a great deal but what I like even more is its low CO2 output and efficient use of fuel. And it has to be the cheapest way of moving house – just load your entire life into the boot and turn the key…

The Skoda Yeti could be the answer. It’s such a pleasing car on so many different levels. While zooming around town (as the 1.8 petrol TSi does) it’s hard to believe that this easy to drive and manoeuvrable car can actually cope with very rough and unpredictable terrain. While it vaguely has the looks of a four-wheel drive in a cheeky, urban type of way, it certainly doesn’t scream at your 4 x 4 coming through, move over or else!

But I have seen proof of its skills on the shores of Loch Ness, as this car was put through its paces. Up incredibly steep slopes and down again, sometimes with one wheel so far away from any kind of solid surface that you felt it was bound to topple over! It didn’t may I add. And then it was my turn, through woods and water (the very same shared by the creature of the deep) and with my heart in my mouth, despite a brilliant instructor by my side, I was able to experience first hand how this car can cope with all sorts of terrain from hideous inclines and descents, to mud, stones, deep gullies and plenty more besides.

As well as being blessed with all these abilities, it’s also attractive, spacious without being cumbersome to park, won’t have people giving you filthy looks for destroying the planet and will give peace of mind for those snowy, icy days.

And when not coping with wintry conditions, it provides a responsive, comfortable, versatile family car that seems to have thought of everything that a driver could need. I love the interactive steering wheel, satnav, and would definitely go for the panoramic sunroof, leather seats etc etc. It could start to get expensive, but that is another plus point for this car as it comes in many different trim options and engine size. There really is something for everybody.

How I wish for a simple, yet stylish, utilitarian vehicle that I could actually use myself without the need for some strong arms. The Skoda Roomster instantly popped into my head. I no longer dream of fast, stylish cars that only seat two, but at least with the Roomster I would have some style, and I could single-handedly put the seats in whatever position I wanted.

It’s a great little tool.However, I digress… I had aquired a rather fantastic old chair that was in need of a complete make-over. So off we went to a local upholsterer that I had passed many times but never had the need to venture in. Frankly, it’s in a slightly scary part of town where I’d prefer not to stop.

It was a fascinating experience on so many levels, and afterwards I was rather relieved that John (seat-moving husband) and his strength had had to come along.

Having dropped my prancing daughter at her dance class we proceeded up the ramp of a former multi-story car-park which was now being used to house light industrial units. There seemed to be so much going on first thing on a Staurday morning. What a brilliant use of space.

The chair has been left there – rather it than me – with a very tall, exotic gentleman, whose office looked as if it had come from some old manor house (apart from the fact it was all so fake-looking). It was a bit like time travel – on one side of the door was a dirty, breeze-block industrial unit and on the other, a room with a fire, overstuffed armchairs, bookshelves (with fake books), an elaborate mantle piece and bolts of fabric elegantly lying around.

Not only that, but I was faced with the owner in jodpurs, riding boots, greased back hair and waistcoat! Kilburn if nothing if not suprising… So while dreaming of a flexible, easy-to-use Skoda Roomster, allowing me my independence, in actual fact when I go to collect my chair I’ll be rather pleased to have to have husband on hand to remove the seats for me.

Sometimes it’s rather a relief to give into the stereotypical female role – before I snap out of it and give him a list of chores for the weekend!