Skoda Octavia vRS (05 on) - Review

Skoda may be better known for practical family cars rather than performance, but its vRS models have carved out quite a niche for themselves. The Octavia vRS is just as versatile and spacious as the standard Octavia, but thanks to lowered sports suspension and a 2.0 TFSI engine - the same one used in the 2005 Volkswagen Golf GTI - it has genuine hot hatch credentials. When launched, it was Skoda's most powerful ever car, while later a 2.0 TDI engine with 170bhp was introduced. Available as a hatchback or an estate, the Octavia vRS proves that you can combine an enjoyable hot hatch with a sensible family car - and it needn't break the bank either. It was facelifted in mid-2009 with a sharper front end and a more upmarket interior.