Published:
14 November 2024Verdict
Model tested:
Skoda Octavia vRS
A charming package that's fast, fun and brilliantly practical. It's just lacking that something more.
Good
Tractable performance marries with reasonably equipped cabin
Engine, shared with the VW Golf GTI, is the star of the show
Immense practicality gives it major edge over rivals
Bad
Comfortable but not the most refined car over big distances
Handles well, but not as well as rival hot hatches
Ultimately, in a world where electric cars are able to offer a level of performance that ICE hot hatches can’t dream to match, cars like the Octavia vRS live and die by how engaging they are to drive.
And the Octavia vRS really is good to drive. But add some more noise and a manual ‘box and it could be great and even go toe-to-toe with the uber-engaging Civic Type R.
Instead – and by no means a bad thing – it stays as a practical, fun and charming hot hatch/estate; and with Skoda predicting it will make up around 15% of Octavia sales in the UK, that will be just fine for most.
