Skoda Octavia Pre Model vRS 2.0T FSI DSG 5dr Car Review - March 2012

The handling on this version of the Octavia is excellent, with steering that can respond immediately to the slightest adjustment of the wheel, along with excellent grip too. The ride is firm without being harsh, meaning that body roll is minimal and that it still avoids delivering every bump and pothole to the occupants in the cabin. The driving position is great offering plenty of adjustment to suit the individual, and visibility to the front and rear is also very good, with the only small gripe being that the seats may be a little too firm for some drivers.

In terms of the engine performance, the vRS version of the Octavia really does deliver some good figures, with acceleration from 0-62mph only taking 7.2 seconds. The top speed of 149mph is also ample for most drivers. The cabin itself is very refined, which is unusual in a hot hatchback, although the buyers of hot hatchbacks may be looking for a car with more noise from the engine and exhaust to enjoy.

Skoda do tend to be a little more subtle than some rivals when they are designing their hot hatchback versions of their cars, and the changes to the standard Octavia are typically understated. Large alloy wheels do suggest that this is more than the standard car, and the small spoiler at the rear also adds to the sporty look, but most people would have to look at the vRS badge or hear the engine to identify it as the hot hatch version. Inside the cabin is quite nice and a little bolder than the exterior, with sports seats, and a clear and easy to read dashboard.

The level of equipment included with the Octavia is good, with cruise control and climate control both included as standard to improve the driving experience and the comfort in the cabin. Those who are comparing hot hatches may consider including luxuries such as leather seats or the electric sunroof, as these can often be included without exceeding the price of some rivals.

There is no doubt that the Octavia is a practical car, with plenty of headroom and legroom in the front and the back of the car, and a good boot too. Although Skoda hasn’t always had an excellent reliability record, the Octavia has topped many driver surveys for its reliability.

In terms of the safety of the Octavia, it does have a range of airbags to look after those in the front of the car, but the fact that a curtain airbag for passengers in the rear is only optional is disappointing. The vRS also has a number of driving aids such as ESP and traction control included as standard.

People who are looking for hot hatch performance on a budget, while still having a practical car will find this version of the Octavia to be an attractive proposition, with a list price of only £21,540.

Fuel efficiency is not excellent, delivering an average 36.7mpg, but those who are looking for a car to do a lot of miles may want to look at the diesel version of the vRS. The insurance group for a powerful car like this does mean premiums won’t be too cheap, and depreciation is not too bad when compared with some rivals. The Octavia is supplied with a three year or sixty thousand mile warranty and three years’ roadside breakdown assistance, which is fairly typical for cars in this class.