In further refining and improving its latest Mk3 offering Skoda's Octavia vRS has lost some of the engaging nature that earlier models possessed. The current model is undeniably more spacious, comfortable and well equipped, but lacks that anti-establishment attitude that many drivers of the Mk1 and Mk2 petrol hatchbacks so enjoyed. It was still great value for money at launch though - the first 2013 manual hatchbacks were just £23,000 OTR and once again buyers had the option of hatchback and estates versions, with six-speed manual or DSG transmissions and turbocharged diesel or petrol powerplants.
VW's MQB architecture underpins Mk3
Again based on the VW Golf GTI, the 220hp 2.0 TSI petrol tops out at 154mph with 62mph passed in 6.9 seconds - whilst the 184hp 2.0 TDI version boasts suitably rapid in-gear acceleration. All cars come with 18-inch alloys, rear parking sensors, Bi-Xenon headlights, LED rear lights, Bluetooth, vRS badging and VW's XDS+ electronic locking front differential.
By the time you read this the first few lucky vRS 230 owners will have taken delivery of their new cars, with an extra 10hp on tap and - more importantly - VW's 'VAQ' electronic differential lock. Starting at £23,830 all cars also feature special 19-inch black alloy wheels, black-tipped exhaust and heated electric leather sports seats. To date Skoda UK has already sold 7,702 Mk3 models, but unlike previous versions the estate has made up 47 per cent of these sales.
Quality and equipment count up again
And that's perhaps not a surprise, with the latest Mk3 vRS appealing more to the head than the heart. That said, it still handles very well on UK roads and despite being larger than its VW Golf cousin the vRS still possesses accurate steering and impressive levels of grip. The performance is none too shabby either - two generations on that ability to surprise other road users has not been lost. And yet the vRS never makes you feel like it's going to kill you, even if you're wildly optimistic through bends.
The fast Octavia's relative familiarity in 2015 though may affect residual values in the long term, as Rupert Pontin at Glass's infers: "In the translation to a more upmarket model the current cars have less of the character and appeal that the earlier vRS engendered. The current incarnation has moved upmarket and been aimed more at corporate buyers rather than Skoda's original private/entrepreneur buyer."
Both engines are torquey and economical
There's no doubt though that the build quality is now a match for the Octavia's SEAT and VW cousins, with the engine ripe for tuning. Paul Farenden at Revotechnik reveals that: "300hp is possible with just a remap, whilst a larger IHI turbo from the Mk7 Golf R can be fitted for a 400bhp -which is a real hoot." A word of caution though from Tony Taylor at Diesel Tuning UK LTD; "Be careful which tuner you take your Mk3 to, as highly intelligent management software from VAG can and will flag a remapped car and automatically cancel a warranty."
Buy if: you want a more spacious alternative to the Golf GTI
Don't buy if: looks are important, or you're a badge snob
We found: 2013 Silver 2.0TSI vRS estate, full service history, 25K miles, £15,984
Price Guide
Poor: Under £14,000
Good: £14,000 to £17,000
A1: £17,000+
Special Editions: Octavia vRS 230 £26,000+