Practical, pragmatic performance is something Skoda has done quite successfully since the early 2000s. Its vRS models aren't shouty, boisterous flagships, but instead offer plenty of speed in a subtle package for not much cash.
Hot hatch with a boot and a nice price - win?
It's an alluring recipe, one that's set to continue with the latest, third generation Octavia vRS. The original Skoda vRS model, it will make its dynamic debut at the
Goodwood Festival of Speed
Strong hints had already been dropped as to the design of the vRS thanks to a blunder with Skoda's configurator which temporarily showed the new car late last year. The production model is unsurprisingly similar, with only minor cosmetic tweaks to signal its sporting intent. The vRS sits lower than a standard Octavia, whilst the bumpers have been changed for more aggressive items. Four alloy wheel designs are available, between 17 and 19 inches in diameter. There's also a rather weedy boot spoiler and rear diffuser combo, chrome exhaust tips plus an assortment of vRS badges. It's standard sporty Skoda fare, and none the worse for it.
The interior continues the restrained theme, with some stainless steel there and extra leather here. New dials, seats and wheel heighten the racy vibe, and there's some more vRS badging for good measure.
The new fixed penalty dispenser for lane hogs...
As with the previous Octavia vRS, the new car will be offered with petrol and diesel engines. The former 2.0-litre turbo is shared with the
Golf GTI
and so makes 220hp and 258lb ft. The diesel comes from the
Golf GTD
and produces 184hp and 280lb ft. Initial claims state the petrol should be capable of 154mph and a 0-62mph time of 6.8 seconds. The diesel achieves 144mph and 62mph in 8.1 seconds. Manual and DSG transmissions will be offered, the latter as an option.
Both engines will also feature Volkswagen's LSD-aping XDS system, which uses the ESC to brake a spinning inside wheel. It seems unlikely that a genuine locking diff, as on the Golf GTI Performance, will make it to the Skoda, though we can but hope.
An estate version of the vRS is guaranteed however, and that's great news. It will give the Focus ST wagon a rival for starters. It carries (no pun intended) the same visual tweaks as the hatch, but its ride height has been lowered by 13mm rather than 12mm. Notably, the rear suspension uses the multi-link arrangement saved for the more expensive MQB-based VW Group cars, rather than the torsion beam used by regular Octavias.
Roomy estate an interesting Focus ST alternative
As mentioned, the vRS brand has garnered something of a cult following since its 2001 launch. There's stories of police buying the first Octavia vRS having been impressed with it at work, and the audacity of launching a diesel-only hot hatch with the first Fabia vRS had to be applauded. Fancy a slice of the action? A decent
180hp Octavia RS
(from before Ford made a fuss and they became vRS) can be yours for around £2,000 in the PH classifieds, with the estates not much more.
The first Mk2 versions, with the 200hp 2.0-litre engine, can be found for less than £6,000. The cheapest diesel Octavia vRS we saw was also for sale at £6,000. Predictably, most of the later vRS estates are diesel-powered, although this facelifted 2012 petrol version looks a conspicuous bargain at £15,995 with just 6,500 registered miles.
White goods, made a bit more PH-worthy
If used temptation doesn't grab you, the third generation Octavia vRS goes on sale in July.