While the Octavia did not get top marks in any of the individual categories, its overall rating was high enough to make it the UK's most satisfying car to own.

The model first stole the driver survey crown from the Honda S2000, which slipped from first to third place in 2007 and is down to sixth this year.

The new Land Rover Discovery came in second place and the Mercedes E-Class in third.

This year's survey represented a huge jump for Mercedes, which was down in number 14 in the 2007 survey.

The Peugeot 206 propped up the top 100 in last place, scoring lowest marks for ease of driving, comfort and braking.

In the manufacturer rankings, Lexus came in first for the seventh year in a row.

Auto Express said the ranking was based on the carmaker's first place positions in subcategories such as build quality and comfort.

Its rating has come despite the carmaker's fall in the National Franchised Dealers Association Dealer Attitude Survey from first place down to twelfth within the past three years.

Skoda also fared well in the manufacturer rankings, coming in second place on account of drivers loving its low running costs and practicality.

Honda also maintained its strong showing in the 2007 survey, again coming in third.

Land Rover made an impressive surge this year, moving up 12 places since 2007, filling the slot at number 15.

Auto Express attributed the rise to the new Freelander and a more reliable Discovery.

The lowest scoring manufacturer was Daewoo/Chevrolet, which was at the bottom for multiple categories, including performance and handling.

Despite its recent renaissance, Fiat fared badly and was ranked second from bottom.