The Octavia vRS range continues a sporting tradition that dates back over 100 years. Skoda has a rich motoring history and has been competing successfully with its production cars since the mid 1930s. At the heart of any great sporting car range are great engines, and the Octavia vRS is no exception. The vRS is the fastest Skoda ever built. It is powered by a state-of –the-art 2.0-litre turbocharged engine that produces 197bhp. Driving the front wheels via a six-speed gearbox, the vRS sprints to 62mph in just 7.3sec and on to a top speed of 149mph. On the road the power this engine produces is more than sufficient, accelerating from traffic lights; motorway merging and passing slower cars on two-lane roads do not present a problem.The Octavia vRS builds on the design strengths of the standard Octavia yet has an unmistakable visual link to the previous generation model and the Fabia vRS. Thanks to deeper bumpers, distinctive crease lines that rise from the centre of the grille to the base of the windscreen creating a trade mark “v” in the bonnet, painted brake callipers and stunning 17 inch Zenith alloy wheels, the Octavia vRS conveys a real air of sportiness.
The Octavia’s interior design is focussed on driver involvement and enjoyment. The driver has good all-round visibility and the car’s performance inspires confidence thanks to good grip, power that is easy to control, responsive steering and a slick gear change. Masses of adjustment in the steering wheel and driver’s seat allows for a superb driving position for all shapes and sizes. The dash is logically laid out and exudes quality. Both the hatch and the estate versions are smartly trimmed with a three-spoke leather steering wheel and supportive two-tone black and silver sports seats. Both the estate and saloon come with remote central locking, electric front windows, electric mirrors, climate control, six-disc auto-changer, 17-inch alloy wheels, tyre-pressure monitor and driver and passenger front and side airbags fitted as standard.
Where the Octavia vRS really stands out from the crowd is in terms of interior practicality. Both the hatchback and estate have enormous boots, plus an abundance of minor storage areas. The rear seats split and fold to increase carrying capacity offering up to 1,620 litres when the rear seats are folded down flat. In summary the vRS is a very compelling buy especially as it is great value for money but don’t just take our word for it go test drive one today.
