Skoda Octavia vRS (05 on) - Review

Review by Ben Wall on
Last Updated: 18 May 2012
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.
4.5 out of 5

Other Skoda reviews

3.5 out of 5

Safety

The Octavia was awarded four stars out of five by Euro NCAP for adult occupant crash safety. That's a reasonable score but many newer hatchbacks have received the maximum rating. However, the Octavia comes with all the safety equipment you'd expect including ESP traction control to prevent the car losing control in a skid, driver and passenger front and side airbags plus active front headrests to protect the front occupants spines minimising the effects of whiplash injuries in the event of a rear end collision. Curtain airbags are optional.

NCAP Test

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  • Adult Occupant Rating

    4 out of 5
  • Child Protection Rating

    4 out of 5
  • Pedestrian Test Rating

    2 out of 5
4.5 out of 5

Reliability

Skoda has a superb reputation for quality and reliability. The brand regularly tops reliability surveys and the Octavia has performed well in owners satisfaction surveys. The vRS uses engines that have been well proven in Volkswagen models and we've heard of no problems.

Car check problem points

Body

No problems reported.

Engine/Gearbox

No problems reported.

Other

No problems reported.