Skoda Octavia vRS Review

Skoda Octavia vRS

The miserly nature of this engine is evident in the fuel consumption figures of 36.2mpg for the urban cycle, a huge 61.4mpg for the extra-urban, resulting in a combined figure of 48.7mpg. These figures apply to both body-styles.

While the TFSI version of the Octavia vRS has plenty of pulling power with 280Nm available from just 1,800rpm the TDI PD goes a step further, producing a maximum of 350Nm at the same engine speed. This translates as flexibility around town and plenty of oomph on the open road. The vRS Octavia's are mated to a very nicely weighted 6-speed manual box, which is a delight to use.

As befits a sporty hatch and estate, the Octavia vRS comes with a handful of acronyms, which on the test car’s specification sheet read as ABS+MBA+MSR=ASR (without EDL). The working out in the margins, explains the equation as anti-lock braking, which together with Mechanical Braking Assistant and MSR engine torque control, equals the ASR traction control system but without Electronic Differential Lock. Further to this and just for UK customers are the ESP Electronic Stability Programme and (TPM) Tyre Pressure Monitoring systems.

It does become very confusing at times but it’s good to know that it’s there along with four airbags to cushion the blow should it be necessary. At that time, the fuel pump and fuel supply pipe will be switched off, hazard warning lights and the interior lights are automatically turned on and the central locking system unlocks itself.

There’s no mistaking a vRS Octavia; the suspension is lower than the standard car and this is accentuated by the deep body-coloured bumpers and side strips. The front end features a large air intake below the grille and projector halogen headlamps. At the back, the vRS has ‘cat’s-eyes’ reflectors set into the bumper above the aforementioned twin, chrome exhaust and on the hatchback model there’s a body-coloured spoiler over the boot lip.