The Octavia vRS changed the image of Skoda forever - from 90s joke to a performance hero of the 2000s. And although the styling might not stir the soul, for many the combination of practicality and performance in a low-profile affordable package makes it almost unbeatable. The car of choice for police and paramedics alike, Skoda's mid-sized hatch and estate is readily tuneable too. And the first two generations are now as cheap as chips.
Developing a serious anti-establishment cult following in the early 2000s, the 1.8-litre turbo Mk1 vRS was ideal for those unable to afford the insurance premiums and prices of more illustrious rivals. And through two subsequent generations, the Octavia vRS has continued to prove extremely popular, accounting for more than 15 per cent of all UK Octavia sales.
With the first Octavia vRS 230s being delivered to UK right now and the four-wheel drive car just announced, it seemed the ideal time to revisit all three generations and discover which vRS Octavia models make the best buys.
vRS Mk3 Photos: Tom Begley