Introduction

Skoda's vRS stock continues to grow with each new incarnation and although the 2010 Fabia vRS didn't quite catch the imagination of the public in the same way as the original TDI version, the vRS badge is still recognised by many as something of a more practical alternative to a GTI.

That's very true of the latest Octavia vRS. It uses the same platform as the latest Golf (and Audi A3 and SEAT Leon for that matter) and uses the same engines too. The petrol is a 2.0 TSI with 220PS which makes this Octavia the most powerful ever built. It's a superb engine with a smooth revving nature and great response when you want it to perform.

Acceleration from 0-62mph takes 6.8 seconds - a Golf GTI with the same engine is only 0.3 seconds quicker. Yet it will average - according to the official figures anyway - 45.6mpg. Of course start enjoying that performance and this will soon drop. The other engine is the 2.0 TDI with 184PS which has incredibly strong in-gear acceleration yet is still quiet and refined. Economy is impressive too with a claimed 61.4mpg.

To go with its sporting nature the vRS gets sports suspension and has been lowered by 12mm plus it gets the XDS electronic differential as standard. This system cleverly brakes the inside wheels in corners, making the car feel more agile and meaning less steering lock is required. It also has new electro-mechanical progressive steering. On the road the Octavia is a revelation compared to the standard car with much improved steering feel and a sharper nature through corners. It's a very enjoyable car to drive yet is still usable every day thanks to a supple ride and easy controls.

To make it stand out from the standard model, the vRS gets honeycomb design air intakes, a bespoke front bumper and fog lights along with xenon headlights. At the back there's a diffuser and trapezoidal exhaust pipes. It gets 17-inch alloys as standard but there are 18-inch and 19-inch wheels available as options. The 18-inch wheels come in silver and anthracite while the 19-inch in black. Inside there are vRS sports seats and a three-spoke steering wheel with perforated leather.

Skoda Octavia vRS 2.0TSI 230 Estate 2016 Road Test

Skoda Octavia vRS 2.0TDI 4WD 2016 Road Test

Long Term Test Skoda Octavia Estate vRS 2.0 TSI