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Skoda Octavia vRS Estate

It's a skorcher

Buyers of fast Audis see nothing wrong with plumping for the Avant estate. If it can work for them, why not for Skoda? The theory has led to the Czech company launching this estate version of its acclaimed Octavia vRS, which belts out 180bhp from its Audi TT-sourced 1.8-litre four-cylinder turbo engine.

By Dan Strong

January 2003

Buyers of fast Audis see nothing wrong with plumping for the Avant estate. If it can work for them, why not for Skoda? The theory has led to the Czech company launching this estate version of its acclaimed Octavia vRS, which belts out 180bhp from its Audi TT-sourced 1.8-litre four-cylinder turbo engine.

Shown at the 2002 British Motor Show in Birmingham, the vRS is aimed at rivals such as the Ford Focus ST170 estate, and powerful but expensive Vauxhall Zafira GSi, which costs ΂£19,995. Against such tough competition, the spacious Skoda is hoping to triumph with its mix of performance, practicality and value for money.

It's undoubtedly a practical package, with the huge boot and sizeable tailgate ensuring excellent load-lugging ability, but a lack of rear seat space will put some buyers off.

Priced at ΂£15,350, the estate will sprint from 0-60mph in 7.9 seconds. A top speed of 146mph makes it one of the fastest machines in its class. So there's no questioning its credentials, but we couldn't help feeling that the green brake calipers don't do the over-all look any favours. Inside, the news is better. The Octavia's high-quality cabin has been spiced up with standard part-leather bucket seats, while reach and rake-adjustable steering will provide a comfortable driving position.

On the road, its refinement levels strike a careful balance, meaning that the Octavia's sportiness is dulled by its ability as a mile-muncher. Gear ratios are carefully chosen to offer relaxed cruising, while the power-assisted steering will be familiar to Volkswagen drivers, as the power-assisted steering lacks the bite performance fans might expect.

The suspension is firm, but the car is not as keen to turn into corners as its rivals. That said, there is a vast amount of traction on offer from the front-wheel-drive chassis, especially on winding roads. And the brakes are impressive, proving consistent and hardworking, both on and off road.

Despite our doubts about the handling, it's hard to ignore the impressive value for money on offer from the Octavia vRS. Driving fans whose finances can't quite stretch to the Avant would be well advised to Czech it out.

For an alternative review of the latest Skoda Octavia visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk

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FIRST OPINION

    Skoda's vRS proves the Czech firm is serious about the performance market. Not only is the newcomer swift and spacious, it's great value, too. Though not quite as good to drive as some more expensive rivals, it strikes a balance between its sporty aspirations and practicality.
 

AT A GLANCE

    Octavia vRS offers 35.5mpg and CO2 emissions of 192g/km
    Impressive 548 litres of storage space with rear seats upright
     
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