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By Jonathan Crouch

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 Reviewword count: 79

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.

Backgroundword count: 202

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 Experienceword count: 188

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.

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