Skoda has been quietly motoring ahead

The Czech-based company, today owned by Volkswagen, has come second in a survey of the best cars on UK roads.

So much has its quality improved over recent years that Skoda was beaten only by upmarket Lexus in the JD Power and What Car? customer satisfaction table.

The survey, as in previous years, was dominated by Japanese firms, with Lexus joined by Mazda in third place, Toyota in fourth and Honda in fifth.

Europe behind

BMW was the second highest placed European firm in sixth position.

Skoda's emergence as one of the top-ranked manufacturers is a surprising success story to many, considering its image just a decade ago Dave Sargent, director at JD Power

The UK's MG Rover was 25th out of 33, with a customer satisfaction score of 77.7, compared with the industry average of 79.7.

Lexus scored 87.2 and Skoda 85.2.

Bottom was Alfa Romeo on 74.9, closely followed by Land Rover on 74.9.

The highest scoring individual model was the Honda Jazz super-mini on 88.4.

Bringing up the rear was the Fiat Bravo on 69.3.

Skoda renaissance

"While the performance of the Lexus continues to impress, Skoda's emergence as one of the top-ranked manufacturers is a surprising success story to many, considering its image just a decade ago," said Dave Sargent, director of European operations at research company JD Power and Associates.

BEST FIVE MAKES 1. Lexus 2. Skoda 3. Mazda 4. Toyota 5. Honda Source: JD Power/What Car?

"However, the study does show a disappointing performance from some European brands, which still have some way to go to compete with the levels of customer satisfaction enjoyed by owners of most Japanese car brands."

Despite the strong performance of some cars, the report showed that overall quality and reliability figures for cars fell for the first time since 2001.

Mazda was however certainly one firm that bucked this trend, winning the award for "most improved", having seen the largest improvement in customer satisfaction.

'Worrying'

"The proof of any car's performance is in feedback from its owner," said What Car? editor Rob Aherne.

WORST FIVE MAKES 29. Fiat 30. Peugeot 31. Kia 32. Land Rover 33. Alfa Romeo Source: JD Power/What Car?

"It's worrying that car owners are less happy with the quality and reliability of their cars than they used to be."

Mr Aherne added: "Carmakers should certainly take these kinds of fluctuations seriously in order to meet their customers' expectations."

The survey questioned motorists about reliability, efficiency, design and dealer service among other criteria.

It was based on 51 and 02-plate cars after an average of two years on the road and covered 33 brands and 120 models in total.