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 MK4 model's bigger and plusher than ever and offers the option of Plug-in hybrid tech. Even the standard petrol version still gets to 62mph in under seven seconds. 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, launched 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 the fourth generation vRS model, although 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 and a MK3 version arriving in 2012. This latest vRS adds the option of Plug-in hybrid tech to the existing petrol and diesel 2.0-litre options. Let's take a look.

Driving Experience

Of course, you want to know how quick the VRS is. The 245PS 2.0-litre TSI petrol powerplant driving through the 7-speed DSG auto gearbox that most will want will punt the Octavia vRS to 62mph in only 6.7 seconds. There's also an alternative 200PS 2.0 TDI diesel vRS variant which can optionally be had with 4WD. Or even a vRS iV Plug-in Hybrid variant which gets 400Nm of torque and an all-electric driving range of 34 miles. All vRS derivatives get more 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.

Whatever flavour of Octavia vRS you happen to prefer, it'll come with a fresh generation of drive assist technology. Previously, the optional 'ACC' 'Adaptive Cruise Control' system (now standard) merely braked and accelerated the car based around a pre-set speed. Now, it 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

Available in either hatch or estate guise, the fourth-generation Octavia vRS introduces an evolved look that is both sporty yet subtle. Both hatch and estate models feature unique front and rear bumper designs that incorporate a host of black details. These include the double-slat radiator grille, lower air diffuser and the distinctive air curtains above the front fog lights.

Inside, this vRS aims to combine sportiness with comfort and a generous quota of technology. The smarter multifunction 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. As is boot capacity, which has grown to 600-litres in the hatch, or 640-litres in the estate.

Market and Model

Prices start at around £31,500 for a typical 2.0 TSI DSG hatch vRS model - and there's the alternative of an estate body style. You can also have manual transmission. Obviously, you'll pay more for the alternative 2.0 TDI 200PS DSG diesel derivative - and quite a lot more for the vRS iV DSG petrol Plug-in Hybrid.

Equipment levels are generous, including 19-inch 'Altair' anthracite alloy wheels, chrome exhaust tailpipes, a powered tailgate, an exterior gloss black sports styling kit with bespoke bumpers and red brake calipers, full-LED Matrix headlights, rear privacy glass, keyless entry, 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 headlining 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.

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 for the 2.0 TSI variant of 34%. 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. The ultimate performance/efficiency Octavia vRS combination is delivered by the Plug-in Hybrid iV variant, which can go up to 34 miles (WLTP) on a single charge which would take about 3.5 hours from a garage wallbox.

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.

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.

FACTS AT A GLANCE

CAR: Skoda Octavia vRS

PRICES: from £31,495 - on the road

CATEGORY: FAMILY HATCH – GTI HATCHBACKS

INSURANCE GROUP: TBC

CO2 EMISSIONS: TBC

PERFORMANCE: [2.0 TSI] Max Speed 154mph [est] / 0-62mph 6.7s

FUEL CONSUMPTION: TBC

BOOT CAPACITY: [litres] 600 (Hatch)

WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: [Hatch] Length/Width/Height, 4689/1829/1470mm