Skoda Octavia vRS (2005 - 2013) review

At a glance |
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New price | £17,985 - £23,325 |
Used price | £1,125 - £8,150 |
Fuel economy |
Not tested to latest standards
View pre-2017 economy specs
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Road tax cost | £165 - £305 |
Insurance group | 28 - 30 How much is it to insure? |
PROS
Superb value for money, blends hot hatch ability with family car practicality, TDI engine available
CONS
Styling may be too subtle for some, interior dull for a sports hatch
Skoda Octavia vRS rivals
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.