Skoda Octavia vRS 2.0T FSI

Sep 19 2008 Bill McCarthy

IT is perhaps ironic that Skoda, a brand that has revinvented itself as a maker of solid reliable and economical cars, has produced a firecracker with the pace to match some sporting thoroughbreds.

The Octavia is a car for all seasons and most budgets and offers options from economical practicality to hot hatch plus performance.

From the frugal 1.4-litre petrol engine, up the to the sublime vRS, potential buyers have a host of options to choose from.

The motoring media seem to like it as it has scooped award after award over the last 10 years or so, with the vRS taking the best hot hatch accolade from What Car in 2006

Think of hot hatches of the past and picture squat, cramped, stripped out micro minis with plenty of pace and handling, but precious little else apart from the image.

Fair enough, that's what many petrolheads wanted, but Skoda has turned that concept on its head to produce a car with startling acceleration, brilliant handling and body control, room for five, a capacious boot and cheap running costs.

Granted, this is not a hot hatch in the traditional mould, it is more of a small family car, but it just as much fun as any traditional hot hatch and pound for pound is more than a match for its Golf GTi stablemate.

The 200bhp FSI engine is the most powerful ever to appear in a Skoda and is capable of giving some sports cars a run for their money.

The direct injection engine is also clean and surprisingly economical thanks to the high technology investment from parent company VW.

It produces enormous torque and, mated to a fine, six-speed gearbox, gives a fantastic drive. Skoda says it produces more torque, or pulling power, than a Porsche Cayman S and doesn?t disappoint when asked to perform.

With all this acceleration and torque, handling has to match and proves excellent thanks to the clever chassis and suspension set up, giving a rewarding experience especially on fast corners.

Acceleration is impressive. The benchmark 0-62mph dash is completed in just 7.3 seconds and the car is capable of accelerating on to a top speed of 149mph.

Calm it all down and the car becomes a docile about town vehicle, composed at low speeds and refined and comfortable when cruising on the motorway.

Despite all the performance, economy is not compromised and average consumption of around 35mpg is claimed.

It also looks good with distinctive sporty colours, although the sport yellow livery of the test car is not one of my favourites.

It sits on stylish 17in alloy wheels, has distinctive chrome twin exhausts and features large bumper, boot spoiler and distinctive red brake callipers.

The interior is just as sporty, the badging prominent on the leather steering wheel and sports front seats.

The rest of the interior is well built, if a little dull, all in black. Instrumentation is clear and concise and the build quality is first class.

All the occupants have decent head and legroom and, at 560 litres, the boot space is huge and will cope with most loads. Fold the rear seats and you have a cavernous 1,335 litres available.

Standard gear includes electric windows and door mirrors, climate control and six CD autochanger with eight speakers.

The Skoda also has comprehensive safety gear including four front airbags, ISOFIX child seat fittings, plus electrically assisted anti lock brakes and electronic stability programme.

FAST FACTS

Skoda Octavia vRS 2.0T FSI 5dr

Price : £17,915

Mechanical : 200bhp, 1,984cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 6spd manual gearbox

Max speed : 149mph

0-62mph : 7.3 secs

Combined mpg : 35.8

Insurance group : 15

CO2 emissions : 188g/km

BiK rating : 24%

Warranty : 3yrs/ 60,000 miles, 3yrs paint, 10yrs anti-rust