Skoda Octavia vRS TDI - Pictures

As with the Mondeo ST, the diesel-powered Octavia vRS looks identical to the petrol car, with big bumpers and large alloy wheels adding a sporting edge to the five-door model’s neat lines

Three-spoke steering wheel is good to hold, but there are no multifunction controls and it looks a little plain

High-quality feel continues in the rear of the Skoda, with same black and grey trim and vRS badging on the seats

Accessing the boot-mounted CD changer isn’t particularly easy, especially if it’s full of luggage!

We’re glad the twin exhausts are carried over to the diesel vRS, as they give a real performance look

Boot is another area where the Octavia excels – a seats-up volume of 560 litres is superb

TDI diesel provides stronger pace, but Octavia suffers a firm ride, which takes the edge off comfort.