As ever, Skoda Octavia vRS safety levels are very high. The Octavia on which it’s based boasts an impressive five star Euro NCAP safety rating, and the performance model features safety systems such as stability control, hill-hold assist to prevent rolling backwards, several airbags, dynamic headlights, a lane-keeping assist feature and an automatic post-collision braking system to prevent further accidents in the event of a collision.

As has always been the case since the first incarnation of this car, Skoda Octavia vRS practicality is one of its trump cards. It’s available as both a hatchback and an estate, with boot capacities of 590 and 610 litres respectively. With the estate model practicality is further enhanced with a rear seat release, which extends the boot capacity to 1,740 litres. The hatchback’s seats also fold down, unlocking 1,580 litres of storage space.

There’s also a range of Skoda’s ‘simple clever’ features such as boot hooks and an ice scraper in the fuel filler flap, while the interior gets a range of cubbies and cup holders as per the regular Octavia.

You’ll easily get five people seated in the Octavia vRS. It’s a large car, which is one of the reasons it’s such a strong proposition.