COP THIS (some text hidden) --NONE--

By Jonathan Crouch

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: 87

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.

Backgroundword count: 199

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 Experienceword count: 229

Of course, you want to know how quick the VRS is. I did. So, being completely useless at suspense, here's the detail. The 245PS 2.0-litre TSI petrol powerplant driving through the 7-speed DSG auto gearbox that most will want (there's an alternative 6-speed manual also available) 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.

To see the full road test text contact us on 0330 0020 227