Skoda vs other budget-friendly car manufacturers

I've always been impressed by Skoda's ability to offer a great balance of quality, features and affordability. In comparison to Kia and Hyundai, I think Skoda's designs are more distinctive and less formulaic, which is definitely a plus for me!

I recently had to choose between a Skoda, a Hyundai, and a Kia for my daily commute and I must say that Skoda really surprised me. The Octavia I purchased has been flawless with minimal maintenance required so far, and it's also one of the most comfortable cars in its class. I was initially concerned about the brand reputation but after doing some research I found that Skoda is actually a subsidiary of Volkswagen, which gives me a lot more confidence. That being said, I did consider the Hyundai i30 and Kia Ceed as alternatives, and they are both great options too. However, in my opinion, the Octavia just edges them out in terms of overall driving experience and build quality. What's your take on this? Do you think Skoda is a strong contender against its budget-friendly rivals or do you prefer something else?