In becoming a more mature fast estate, has the Skoda Octavia vRS grown too expensive, wonders Al Suttie
1 – Grey hasn’t looked so sexy since Edwina Curry clapped eyes on John Major. This Skoda is a good looker in its optional Meteor Grey paint.
2 – The 19-inch Xtreme wheels also set off this swift estate to a tee, yet it’s just subtle enough for the school run.
3 – Our test car has the 230hp 2.0-litre turbo petrol motor. 44.8mpg and 143g/km trail the diesel but better the Ford Focus ST Estate’s numbers.
4 – However, that same Ford is fractionally quicker from 0-62mph, taking 6.7 seconds to the Octavia’s 6.8.
5 – Not that you’d notice this on the road as the vRS gets its power down much more cleanly than its arch rival.
6 – There’s a smooth-edged, polished way to how the Skoda performs that sets it above the rawer, slightly uncouth Ford.
7 – That’s not to say the vRS ain’t fun. Give the throttle a hard prod and it’s off up the road like a stabbed rat.
8 – It also holds on through corners with terrier-like determination and the steering has spot-on weighting.
9 – My only disappointment was the artificial, synthesised induction noise when the vRS Mode is engaged. Come on Skoda, just give us a fruity exhaust.
10 – Otherwise, the vRS wagon is a hoot to drive, swallows massive loads and is comfy all day long. Grey never looked so good.
