That, combined with its smaller diameter wheels, means it’s even more comfortable than the Karoq. You get a little less road noise, too, though both of these cars are still admirably quiet. 

You might expect that, as the larger, heavier car, the Karoq suffers a performance deficit. Indeed it does, but the margins are so small that you won’t really notice. In the real world, in fact, both the Karoq and Octavia are quiet and smooth under normal circumstances, and satisfyingly gutsy when you need a bit of extra grunt for overtakes or quick getaways. 

SUV: 4/5
Estate: 5/5

Conclusion

One thing is for sure: both of these cars are brilliant. Whether your preference is for an SUV or an estate, they head their respective classes and ooze capability, quality and comfort as they do so.

But which is best? Well, if you tot up our category scores, they come out at an absolute dead heat. The SUV is more versatile, easier to use and drive, and perhaps a little better equipped; the estate, meanwhile, is cheaper to run, more comfortable and just a little smarter inside. 

So really, it’s horses for courses. If we had to pick a winner, we’d choose – by the slimmest of margins – the estate, its wholesome combination of fractionally better safety and greater environmental friendliness nosing it ahead.