New Skoda Octavia vRS is a 265bhp rocket ship but also a very practical sportscar
But the Octavia's boot doesn't open like a regular saloon even though it looks like one.
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SPICE UP YOUR LIFE: With 265bhp, four doors, a big boot and a handy hatchback-style opening boot all wrapped in a sporty saloon , the Skoda Octavia vRS proves you can have your cake and eat it
Credit: Skoda UK
Instead the boot lid opens the same way a hatchback does, adding to its useability.
The boot offers 600 litres but fold the seats down for 1,555 litres of load-lugging ability.
The sporty vRS model takes all this practicality and wraps it up with the fun and excitement of a potent hot-hatch.
And as we've been basking in the recent warm weather, you'll be hot in the city and on the open road looking cool, cruising in your Octavia vRS.
Key Facts:
Skoda Octavia vRS
Cost:
From €56,020
Engine:
2.0-litre, four- cylinder turbo petrol
Power:
265bhp
Torque:
370Nm
0-100kph:
6.4 seconds
Top Speed:
250kph
Economy:
40.8mpg
Real world:
40mpg
Emissions:
159g/km
Rivals:
VW Golf GTI, Cupra BMW 3 Series, Audi A4
Power comes from a 2.0-litre, turbocharged, four-cylinder petrol engine that produces 265bhp and 370Nm of torque.
This allows the vRS to scamper from 0-100kph in 6.4seconds with a very respectable top speed of 250kph.
There are hot-hatches that produce more power, but the Octavia vRS is a little ripper and it's surprisingly quick in all the driving modes — even Eco.
But it's Sport mode that really brings it to life, with a fruity note from the dual exhausts and a few pops and bangs thrown in for good measure.
Most read in Motors
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THE GREAT ESTATE: Octavia vRS also comes as an even more practical sporty estate called the Combi
Credit: Skoda Ireland
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BOOT SIZE: Big boot is 600-litres and up to 1,555-litres with the seats down
Credit: Skoda UK
It's front-wheel drive, though, so in the wet or with a too-heavy right foot, the vRS's traction control will be working overtime to minimise wheel spin.
But in the dry, grip is really good and you can opt for Dynamic Chassis Control so you can fine-tune the suspension settings to suit your driving style.
However, the Sports Suspension, which drops the ride height by 15mm, comes as standard.
It looks like a proper sports car too.
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WHEELS OF MIS-FORTUNE: The 19-inch alloys feature plastic aero caps that look a bit cheap
Credit: Darren Liggett
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BUCKET SEATS: Sports seats are superb and look like they're lifted out of a rally car
Credit: Skoda UK
My test car was painted Race Blue Metallic and all the vRS trim consists of sports bumpers with black inserts, black mirrors and black ducktail boot spoiler, vRS chrome exhaust pipes, red brake callipers and 19-inch 'Elias' alloy wheel.
However they come with plastic aero covers that, in my opinion, ruin the look of the rims and make it look cheap, especially as there is a great-looking alloy wheel below.
The interior is amazing; the seats look like they have been lifted out of a Skoda Fabia WRC2 car.
They're also heated and covered in lovely Alcantara trim, with red stitching, vRS badges and lots of carbon-style trim that all adds up to make the vRS Octavia feel extra sporty and special.
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SPORTY CABIN: Loads of faux-carbon trim, red stitching and plenty of vRS badging
Credit: Skoda UK
The 13-inch infotainment system is user-friendly and my test car came fitted with a banging, optional Canton sound system.
It's actually pretty economical, Skoda have an official figure of 41mpg.
Read more on the Irish Sun
And on a long motorway journey taking it very easy, I did average 40mpg.
But go full Stig mode and it's certainly not as frugal.
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