It used to be the butt of a host of car jokes – but now it is the runaround everybody wants, writes Motoring Editor Peter Carroll.

The Skoda Octavia has beaten the likes of BMW and Mercedes in a satisfaction survey of motorists.

It claimed top spot in the Driver Power 2008, released today.

And this was no fluke – the family hatchback, built by Czechs but now owned by VW, was defending champion after winning the same prize last year.

More than 32,000 independent members of the public vote in the reliability and satisfaction poll, making it a true reflection of how pleased people are with their cars.

This latest glowing report means that 2008 is the fifth consecutive year that a Skoda model has finished in the top five.

The survey asked respondents for their opinions on all aspects of car ownership.

They were quizzed on their vehicle’s reliability, build quality, running costs, performance and ease of driving.

David Johns, Auto Express’ Editor in Chief, who compiled the survey, said: “The Octavia is a deserving winner.

“With great reliability and a strong set of results across our judging categories it will be tough to beat in next year’s survey.

“Owners have struggled to find any faults with Skoda’s family car.”

The survey also marked a great turnaround for West Midlands-built Land Rover.

The Land Rover Discovery swept practical superminis aside to claim a second place. “This is an amazing result,” said Driver Power report editor, Chris Thorp.

“Drivers placed the old Discovery last for reliability and performance.

“The new car is a testament to the huge improvements made to the Discovery by Land Rover’s committed workforce here in the UK.”

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