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.

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