What does it cost?
For Above all, the price is great; but, on top of that, the vRS has a sweet-handling chassis and plenty of equipment
Against It's not as fast as some rivals, and doesn't come with curtain airbags as standard. Plus, this diesel version is a little more expensive than the petrol model
What Car? says
Pace aplenty, great handling plus a healthy dose of practicality - and all for a pocket-friendly price
What Car? readers say
4.517857
Skoda Octavia Hatchback 2.0 TDI CR 170 vRS 5dr full review
-
Performance
You have a choice of two turbocharged 2.0-litre engines when you buy a vRS. The diesel engine in this model doesn’t give such brisk pace as the petrol unit, 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 makes that version of the vRS the fastest Skoda ever. It’s strong and flexible across the whole rev range, too.
-
Ride & Handling
The vRS is a fine-handling hot hatch – it’s a hoot to drive and grips brilliantly. 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
With the exception of the disel 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 a little more noise from the exhaust.
-
Buying & Owning
With so much performance 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 very reasonable tax costs for company drivers.
-
Quality & Reliability
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
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.
-
Behind The Wheel
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
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. The cabin is as comfortable and classy as it is spacious, with supportive seats, excellent build quality and smart materials and design. And, if you want even more space than the hatchback provides, there’s also an estate version.
-
Equipment
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.
advertisement
See all
Our pick of the range
Skoda Octavia Hatchback 1.2 TSI SE 5dr
If you want a petrol small family car with as much space as possible and tiny running costs, look no further. The 1.2 TSI engine is a gem, and doesn’t feel significantly hampered by the Octavia’s size.
Read reviewadvertisement
What Car?
is brought to you by
Haymarket Consumer MediaWhat Car? is part of Haymarket Motoring
© Haymarket Media Group 2012
