Skoda Octavia Estate 2.0 TDI CR 170 vRS 5dr

For Above all, the price is great and there's loads of room inside; but, on top of that, the vRS has a sweet-handling chassis

Against It's not as fast as some rivals, and doesn't come with curtain airbags. Plus, this diesel version is a little more expensive than the petrol-powered model

What Car? says

3 out of 5 stars

Pace aplenty, great handling plus a healthy dose of practicality - and all for a pocket-friendly price

What Car? readers say

4.337838

Skoda Octavia Estate 2.0 TDI CR 170 vRS 5dr full review

On the road
Ownership
In the cabin

Performance

3 out of 5 stars

vRS buyers have a choice of two turbocharged 2.0-litre engines, but this diesel unit doesn’t give such brisk pace as the petrol alternative, so it’s perhaps not as well suited to a car with vRS badges. However, it has even stronger low-down pull than the petrol and is more economical. The petrol unit is the same as in the previous version of the VW Golf GTI, and its 197bhp makes that version of the vRS the fastest Skoda ever. It’s strong and flexible across the whole rev range, too.
Ride & Handling

4 out of 5 stars

The vRS is a fine-handling hot hatch – it’s a hoot to drive and grips brilliantly – and the estate is virtually as good as the hatchback. Most impressive are the direct steering, tenacious grip and taut body control. The ride isn’t harsh, either, but the car’s sheer size means it's not as agile as many rival hot hatches.
Refinement

4 out of 5 stars

With the exception of the diesel engine that can be a bit noisy, in many ways, the vRS is almost too civilised for a hot hatch. That’s good news when it comes to road and wind noise, but hot hatch buyers might want for a rather more sporty-sounding car

Next: Ownership

Buying & Owning

4 out of 5 stars

With so much performance and space for such a low price, the petrol vRS looks cracking value against rivals with similar pace. However, this diesel version will cost you the best part of a thousand pounds more and doesn’t look quite so attractive. That said, the engine is frugal and has reasonable tax costs for company drivers.
Quality & Reliability

4 out of 5 stars

The Octavia's cabin shames those of many more expensive cars for its fit and finish. All of the materials have a solid, high-class feel, while the gaps between panels are tight and regular. Skoda's reliability record isn't sensational, but the Octavia came top of its class in the JD Power customer satisfaction survey in 2008 and 2009.
Safety & Security

4 out of 5 stars

Unlike some lesser versions of the Octavia, the vRS has standard stability control, which is in addition to decent security equipment. The only disappointment is that curtain ‘bags are only optional on the vRS.

Previous: On the road
Next: In the cabin

Behind The Wheel

4 out of 5 stars

The vRS shares its cabin with the standard Octavia, which is a very good thing. Masses of adjustment in the steering wheel and driver's seat allows for a superb driving position for all shapes and sizes. The seats are supportive, too – although some may consider them uncomfortably hard – while the dashboard is simplicity itself and all-round visibility is good.
Space & Practicality

5 out of 5 stars

Even as a hatchback, the beauty of the Octavia vRS is that it's roomier than just about every hot hatch rival, with a huge boot and space for those in the back to stretch out. Naturally, the estate takes things one step further, with a class-leading boot that can be extended from 560 to 1620 litres. The cabin is as comfortable and classy as it is spacious, with supportive seats, excellent build quality and smart materials and design.
Equipment

4 out of 5 stars

This is the flagship of the Octavia range, and given that even the basic versions are well equipped, it’s hardly a surprise that there’s no skimping on standard kit in the vRS. Alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control and a CD multichanger are all standard, as are several items of styling unique to the vRS, including spoilers, bumpers and kickplates.