SKODA OCTAVIA

The improved version of the fourth generation Skoda Octavia vRS follows a well-established routine. Why mess with a winning formula? Jonathan Crouch takes a look.

Ten Second Review

You know the Skoda Octavia vRS. It's the car you dread to see in your rear view if you're making progress a bit enthusiastically on the motorway. The police buy them because they're subtle, fast, reliable and affordable; four attributes that work well with private buyers too. This improved version of the MK4 model is smarter and plusher than ever and offers a power output boosted to 265PS. In other words, don't be tempted to try to outsprint one.

Background

Yes, the vRS is the go-faster model of the Skoda Octavia range, on sale in this improved form at a time when going faster seems to be about as socially acceptable as a Gary Glitter comeback tour, but stick with it. There's a lot more to this car than flicking the vees at the mandated speed limit. The vRS has long been a car that's all about making discreet progress, which is why they're the darlings of motorway police the length and breadth of the country. They're capable but subtle. Granted, a GATSO camera's not going to differentiate between a navy blue Octavia and a lime green Lambo, but if you prefer not to draw attention to the fact that you enjoy your driving, the vRS is a wholly informed choice. This one's an improved version of the fourth generation vRS model. Those of you with longer memories might well recall the first generation car initially being badged an RS. That car first appeared in 2001, with the bigger and better built second generation model arriving in 2005, a MK3 version arriving in 2012 and the MK4 originally launched in 2020. This latest vRS ups power to 265PS. Let's take a look.

Driving Experience

Of course, you want to know how quick the VRS is. I did. So, being completely useless at suspense, here's the detail. The 2.0-litre TSI petrol powerplant (the only engine now on offer to vRS folk) now puts out 265PS (20PS more than before) and drives through a 7-speed DSG auto gearbox. This combination will punt the Octavia vRS to 62mph in around 6 seconds. The car comes with direct 'Progressive' steering. And fine-tuned sports suspension lowered by 15mm. An electronic VAQ limited-slip differential is fitted as standard and provides more traction on the front axle through corners, while the braking system features 17-inch front discs as standard. The vRS also comes with plenty of drive assist technology. The 'ACC' 'Adaptive Cruise Control' system does more than merely brake and accelerate the car based around a pre-set speed. It also uses the car's front camera system, GPS data and a host of sensors to drive the car predictively. So when 'ACC' is set, the car knows in advance about bends, roundabouts and upcoming traffic flow, plus this Skoda will adapt itself to speed limits as you enter them.

Design and Build

You'd have to be quite a Skoda loyalist to notice the visual changes made to the updated version of this fourth generation Octavia vRS. A subtly revised front grille is flanked by more angular restyled LED headlamps positioned above a pronounced crease in the front bumper that's supposed to present a visual reference to the Czech flag. Both front and rear bumpers have been revised too - to be more aerodynamic; which is the main reason why overall length of both hatch and estate models is up by 9mm. The rear LED lamp clusters have been redesigned too. And there's a fresh wheel design. As for vRS-specific features, well the door mirror housings and window frames are finished in gloss black, while the estate model is finished with black roof bars as standard. At the rear, the hatch model adds gloss black aero flaps, diffuser and a subtle boot lid spoiler, while both models come with chrome exhaust tailpipes and bespoke vRS badging as standard. The subtle model updates continue inside. In fact, if you happen to be familiar with the original version of this fourth generation Octavia vRS, you won't initially notice any differences at all, unless you happen to notice the new recycled cabin materials, or the steering wheel's new two-dimensional Skoda badge. Or you've paid extra for the new larger 13-inch centre infotainment screen - now added as an option. There are hidden changes though; even the standard 10.25-inch centre screen now has flexibility and capability 'far beyond' the original monitor - and now incorporates ChatGPT artificial intelligence. Which means that if you ask it something it doesn't know, it'll go online to find the answer, then return it to you via the voice control. There are cabin charging upgrades too: the revised 'Phone Box' wireless charging mat provides for up to 15W wireless charging; and the USB-C ports now deliver up to 45W - triple the amount offered with the pre-facelifted car. For the instruments, there's a 10-inch Digital Display. And for this vRS, the three-spoke leather steering wheel is equipped with DSG paddles and knurled wheels in a chrome design As usual with an Octavia, back seat space is class-leading. Three adults can be accommodated more easily in this car than in any other rival. And boot capacity remains class-leading, rated at 600-litres in the hatch, or 640-litres in the estate.

Market and Model

Budget around £37,000 for an Octavia vRS and you won't be too far out. Equipment levels are generous, including 19-inch Elias anthracite alloy wheels, full-LED Matrix headlights and a bespoke vRS Design Selection interior. vRS customers also benefit from Predictive Adaptive Cruise Control, vRS engine sound, an electrically operated boot and keyless entry with walk-away locking as standard. You can also tick off rear privacy glass, front and rear parking sensors with manoeuvre assist, 'Progressive' dynamic steering and sports suspension that's 15mm lower than the standard Octavia. Inside, there's a three-spoke leather sports multi-function steering wheel, a black headliner and Adaptive cruise control. The seats, along with the steering wheel, armrests and Alcantara-padded instrument panel all bear the famous vRS logo and distinctive red stitching. Carbon optic decorative strips, LED ambient lighting and aluminium pedals complete the vRS's interior design package. The brand's Virtual Cockpit instrument panel is fitted as standard and offers an additional Sport layout. There's loads of safety kit of course - and Skoda has updated the car's 'Attention and Drowsiness Assistant'. The brand's 'Collision Avoidance Assistance' autonomous braking system is standard, along with lane departure warning (featuring steering assistance) and predictive cruise control, which works alongside a traffic sign recognition set-up. There are also new Park Assist features. The other option you'll want to consider is the new, larger 13-inch centre screen which, like the smaller monitor, has a new ChatGPT version of Skoda's 'Laura' voice control system built into it (named after one of Skoda's founders, Vaclav Laurin).

Cost of Ownership

As well as offering a good deal more pace and space than many of its rivals, this MK4 model Octavia vRS doesn't do at all badly on economy and emissions, hence a reasonable BiK tax rating of 34%. Expect around 40mpg on the combined cycle and around 160g/km of CO2. The car's efficiency readings are helped by an 'Energy Recovery' set-up which reclaims energy that would otherwise be lost under braking or during cruising. And the usual Start/stop system to cut the engine when you don't need it, stuck at the lights or waiting in traffic. With the diesel variant, you'll need to keep the tank for the necessary AdBlue additive topped up to keep within sight of the quoted readings. Of course, the figures you'll achieve will depend to a great extent on how you drive, another area in which this Octavia aims to assist you. The 'Drive Mode Select' set-up offers the option of an 'Eco' setting that'll tweak all of the car's systems for ultimate frugality. In addition, you can monitor its ongoing frugality via selectable consumption read-outs on the left and right hand side of the 'Virtual Cockpit' digital instrument binnacle screen. Or via the 'Vehicle' section of the centre-dash screen where you can select 'Since Start', 'Long Term' and 'Since Refuel' read-outs on economy.

Summary

The Skoda Octavia vRS does nothing particularly radical - but then it doesn't need to. It has established a profitable niche for itself in offering a model that's presentable, rapid, discreet and which won't break the bank. Buying a quick car is no longer the no-brainer decision it once was, especially when the budgetary constraints of a growing family look likely to stymie your plans. The vRS offers all the solid common sense of the Skoda brand with more than enough about it to reassure anyone that they're not on the fast track to pipe and slippersville. Downsides? There aren't really too many to mention. If you're the sort of person who'll feel the irresistible draw of the Volkswagen or Audi brands, you probably won't give the less overtly slick Octavia the time of day. Still, that just leaves the vRS as a potential winner for anyone who doesn't feel the need for a more prestige badge. When the outside lane of the motorway clears like Moses parting the Red Sea before you, you'll probably realise it was money well spent.