When I first started following Skoda, it was in the early 2000s, and they were still struggling to shake off their reputation as a budget brand. The Fabia and Octavia were decent cars but lacked polish compared to their European rivals. However, over the years, Skoda has invested heavily in research and development, leading to significant improvements in design, quality, and technology. The latest models like the Kodiaq and Superb are now true competitors in their respective segments, with features and refinement that rival more established brands.