Competing for the best value crown

Once the butt-end of cruel but hilarious jokes* the Skoda brand has seen a hard-won reversal in fortunes since being purchased by Volkswagen in the early Nineties.

Thanks in particular to the Fabia hatchback, Skoda's reputation for offering unglamorous cold war relics is long forgotten. Their products now feature sound build quality and exceptional value for money.

The acclaimed Yeti crossover has won numerous awards, including car of the year gongs from Top Gear Magazine and Auto Express, and boasts a waiting list of up to nine months.

Kia also has experienced a similar about-face.

Seen as the auto equivalent of bargain-basement white goods, in the early Noughties Kia were widely slammed - the Rio was infamously labelled as “absolutely dire” by Jeremy Clarkson.

As with Skoda today, Kia is now transformed. They continue to win critical and commercial acclaim with cars such as the practical family hatchback, the Ceed and the funky, great-looking supermini, the Soul.

So which of our two car makers offer best value for money?

Skoda seem to be edging it. Until very recently Skoda would cover full 20% of VAT on any new car and still offers a generous 15%. It also offers free servicing during a new vehicle's three year warranty, if you take out a finance loan through the car maker themselves.

There is also a new trim level - the SE Plus - which offers a host of normally premium goodies such at a knock-down price, including rear parking sensors and MP3 connectivity.

Key however is the brands success in the eyes of the buying public, winning the UK's favourite car with its Skoda Superb saloon, with the Yeti in second place and the Octavia in fourth.

They also win best overall manufacturer award in the owner-surveyed Auto Express Driver Power in 2011.

Kia however has its own party trick.

While the Ceed places well in the Driver Power survey, it's a seven year warranty that catches many a Kia buyer’s attention. This beats Skoda's three year warranty hands down and offers genuine peace of mind when it comes to long-term running costs.

And for those thinking of buying a second-hand Kia less than 18 months old there is an extra enticement. Kia will – and this shows supreme confidence in build quality - renew the warranty back to its original seven years. This of course benefits both buyer and seller.

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*The fifth one down, of course, is the classic.

Q: How do you double the price of a skoda? A: Fill up the tank

Q: Why do Skodas have heated rear windscreens? A: To keep your hands warm while your pushing it.

Q:Have you got a wing mirror for a Skoda? A: Okay, seems like a fair swap

Q:What do you call a Skoda driver who says he has a speeding ticket? A: A Dreamer

Q:What do you call a Skoda with a sun-roof ? A: A skip