Priced at as little as Rs 10.6 lakh, the Skoda Octavia is fantastic value because quite simply it feels much more expensive than it actually is. It's superbly built, the safer of the two, and has a brilliant ride. The Octavia gives that special 'big-car' feel the Corolla can't come close to. However, the Octavia 2.0 is let down badly by its petrol power-plant that feels light years behind the Corolla's high-tech VVT-i motor. Factor in the cramped back seat, the less-than-satisfactory dealer network and more frequent pitstops for fuel and the Octavia loses the edge it started out with.

The Corolla is by no means flawless. Far from it. It feels flimsy in comparison and seems like it has been built to a price. The suspension isn't great and surprisingly neither is it as refined as we would have liked it to be. Where the Corolla scores is in key areas. It is cheaper to buy and run, thanks to its superb fuel economy. The engine packs a punch to outperform cars that are more than twice the Corolla's price. There's plenty of room for the passengers and the interiors are more exciting. What tilts the scales in the Corolla's favour is the promise of a hassle-free ownership experience and a car you can't really go wrong with. The Corolla wins by a slender margin. Ahh, if only we could bring the brilliant diesel Octavia into contention here.