Skoda Octavia RS Review

Overall Rating

2.0T Engine is a gem, practical, stylish, well equipped and superb quality, 197bhp and just under 150mph. Cheaper than the Golf GTi.

Handsome, but it looks softer than the older model, not as sharp to drive hard as the Golf GTi. More expensive then before- why?

I already own a 2001 Octavia vRS and have had it since new. Having already covered over 91,000 miles, I still think it's amazing. However, this is a review for the new 2.0T FSi engined Octavia vRS, which I have been interested in buying as a replacement. After three in depth test drives, I have decided no, and here is why...
It looks decent, as predicted. It has a pleasing shape, the usual subtle body mods. However, I can't help feeling that some of the older model's macho look has gone. The newer one seems to be visually softer and less purposeful. Now I know few will buy a sporty Octavia for glamour, but I do think this time around, Skoda could have been a little more adventurous with the looks, especially when you consider how the market has evolved and become harder.
On the road the new vRS is pleasing to drive. The chassis is great- throw it into corners and it really grips well and offers feedback, although the steering could be slightly more forceful. At low speeds it is quiet and composed, but when the revs mount, you do feel the 200bhp really thumping you forward. Needless to say the vRS is devilishly quick, and I reckon once the engine has a good few thousand miles under it's belt it will be a real killer. In a straight it doesn't feel much quicker then my 1.8T model, but this 2.0T engine sounds a lot better (the older 1.8T was awesome but too quiet). 0-60mph is supposed to take 7.3 seconds, although once the engine racks up miles and is fed super on a rugular basis, I think it could be possibly a little quicker, although thats my opinion only, and top end it's good for around 150mph.
Fuel economy is good as expected, and like the older one, it is well equipped and feels like it's built to last.
Overall it is plusher and more powerful than the older 1.8T vRS, but little else. And that is the problem. It costs £2.5k more then what I payed for my vRS back in 2001. And at the time I brought mine, the market wasn't particularly fierce: Golf GTi (150bhp, overpriced) Renaultsport Clio (172bhp, crampt and patchy quality), Focus ST (170bhp, good chassis but not enough torque to compete) and Leon Cupra (180bhp, only real comparison, but not as purposeful as the vRS), MG ZS180 (good chassis, grunty engine and tacky quality) and the vRS seemed to be the best for the pound. It was an easy choice for me. Top Gear seemed to agree as it went up against the MG and VW Bora in a grouptest and trounced them both.
For the newer vRS, you have the Golf GTi, same engine, better quality and more money, the Focus ST (same price but noticably quicker) and Astra VXR (suspect quality but fierce looks and extremily powerful). The new vRS suddenly seems overwhelmed by the competition.
In conclusion, the old vRS was the champion of it's day, a real £15k killer. The newer model, while acting as an modest evolution of the older one, is now more expensive. Skoda have thrown away the bargain price which made their last model such a hands down choice. The new one is no longer a jaw-dropping bargain the last one was, and that's a shame even if it is still very well priced. If it cost about £15k, it would be just like the older one- untouchable at the money. But for some reason, while Ford have axed the price of their premium Focus from around £21k (RS Focus 212bhp) to just £17.5k (ST Focus with 220+bhp) Skoda have done the opposite.
The new one strays into newer territory, and sadly, while I think it's still a superb car, I also feel that it no longer shines above the competition in the way the older, cheaper one did. It will still do well, and it should do because it's still one amazing machine, but it's no longer king.
So for the time being, I'm sticking to my trusty 2001 model; 91000 on the clock and it feels as fit and as fast as ever.
In it's own context, it's still the boss.

Members' Comments onjazzRS360's Review

• ivan1890 on 21st Mar 2006

  What a GREAT review. Your enthusiasm just oozes off the page. Well done! Your review made me smile though as I remember the days (not so very long ago) when the word 'Skoda' was a joke in the motoring world. How things have changed! It just proves that a bad image can be turned round with patience, persistence, and a solid product. Conversely, I see prestigious marques such as Jaguar and Bentley sliding downhill following overseas takeovers. Give me a 2-litre Skoda as opposed to a 2-litre Jaguar any day. I hope to read some more gripping stuff from you soon!

• jazzRS360 on 22nd Mar 2006

  Thanks for the comment, appreciated. Indeed, Skoda is quickly building a pleasing profile, and I know it has a bright future. I still recommend anyone out there to buy the new vRS if they are thinking about it as it is still a great car, but I just think Skoda could have set the benchmark once again and have missed out. And yes, 2 litre Skoda to 2 litre Jag any day, anywhere, as the only 2.0 Jag is the X-Type with Mondeo underpinnings, sluggish performance, dismal build... :)

• garethrichmond on 28th Mar 2006

  Great review Jazz, and one with which I agree entirely. I too have driven the new RS on a few occasions and couldn't help but think that Skoda had missed a trick here. I felt somewhat underwhelmed by it, though not disappointed. In context it is a much better all round car than the old one, but it seems to have lost something. It's only real saving grace is that it is 3 grand cheaper than the equivalent Golf Gti (5 door), though like you say it has much stiffer competition from Ford et al.............. I am still strongly considering one, though I think this as much out of loyalty than anything (I have been involved in some heat debates whilst defending the old Rs (and you have usually backed me up in the past Jazz). I have a friend who is the manager of a Skoda dealer, and he too thinks the new one should have been around the 16k mark, I can't help but agree.

• jon071167 on 12th Apr 2006

  I have had three test drives of the new RS but feel the styling is not as imposing as the old RS. The old one had a purposeful stance that the new one doesn't. However the new one is an improvement on the old cars handling! due mainly I'm sure to the new Golf chassis. As with my old car a good ECU remap by Jabba Sport should really provide the new car with giant killing performance. I have spoken to the guys at Jabba Sport and they reckon its good for about 250 to 260 BHP. all for approx £400!!!! Paul Smith definitely has an issue with driving Skoda's over BM's, even the two police officers who have written reviews agree the RS is better. Enough said.

• jazzRS360 on 12th Apr 2006

  Thanks Gareth, yes of course the new model is better in almost every aspect, but it also underwhelms to an extent. I suspect that since we're used to the awesome all round abilities of the older vRS when it was launched, our expectations of the new model was for it to rewrite the rule book once again. I'd still recommend getting one as its still a very decent high-performance vehicle, and I'm sure you agree. :)

• jazzRS360 on 19th Apr 2006

  Jon, thanks for the feedback, I completely agree. And getting it up to 250bhp for that much sounds like a right bargain. Mine is still standard 180bhp which is enough in real world conditions if used properly, but a remap has been tempting me lately, especially as it doesn't break the bank and produces a lot more power. Yes I know Paul's attitudes and we're all entitled to our own ways of thought, but yes, the cops are on our side; the vRS is very good, both old and new.

• rubblegum on 2nd Jun 2006

  Nice review but the ST has 170Bhp not 220.

• jazzRS360 on 3rd Jun 2006

  I was actually talking about the new Mk2 ST which has 220 bhp and approx 236 lb ft torque. The Mk1 Focus ST (which you seem to be speaking of) does indeed have 170bhp. Hope that helps.

• garethrichmond on 20th Sep 2006

  Hi Jazz, I've come back to your comments page as people seem to have a decent discussion on yours (we've been on some that have deterorated into a farce). The question I have is - Has anyone got the Mark 2 vRS and if so what is it like to live with day in day out? We know it's not the most focused hot hatch out there, but I feel that's not the market it should be aimed at. I feel it should be pitching itself more at the Mondea ST and the Vectra SRI. The main reason I ask is, as I said previouisly I would still consider the new vRS it does face stiffer competition, but the practicality outwieghs the minor performance shortfalls over it's rivals. If it were to be pitched against the cars I said I feel it would be viewed more favourabley. Does anyone agree?

• jon071167 on 22nd Sep 2006

  Garreth, I completely agree, the new mk 2 VRS should be pitched at the Mondeo/Vectra battle as it more closely resembles these cars attributes. I.e. that they are warmed over family orientated cars with huge boots and genuine room for 5, not like the Golf/Civic class. With my old RS I was able to load it with all manner of items you would not be able to fit if it was from the class below. In one case I think I was driving the fastest double bed in my area, albeit on the way to the tip. Try that in the old Focus/Astra/Civic!!!
  Also when compared to the Mondeo etc it then represents excellent value for money.

• jazzRS360 on 22nd Sep 2006

  I see your point Garath. Due to the body style of the vRS there certainly is an argument for pitching it in the more matured 'fast repmobile' league rather than 'hot hatch.' I guess the vRS blurs the boundaries between the two classes. I suppose due to it's pricing why it doesn't quite stray into the territory of the performance Mondeos and Vectras which cost upwards of £20k, but having said that it shares a lot with these types of cars in terms of body style and practicality. Interesting comparison.

• garethrichmond on 2nd Oct 2006

  Decision made! Took a look at a Focus ST 2 (It's the most similar in price to the vRS in the spec I would have). The ST is every inch the hot hatch on the outside, but have you seen the inside?! The door linings are wafer thin, the plastics are 5 years out of date and the 3 dials in the middle of the dash board are too Escort RS Turbo for me. I know it is the better car to drive, but that's at the limit on a track not in the real world.
  
  The vRS has a much better feel inside, and whilst we buy these cars for the way they drive and look, we have to spend a lot of time IN them, and I fear I'd get bored of the inside of an ST too quickly. The other consideration is that the pram will fit into the vRS's boot and still have room to spare.
  So, early next year I will be popping to the dealer and ordering a vRS hatch in race blue with Alloys (it needs them).

• taylos409 on 1st Dec 2006

  Not been on here in a while, but I'm about to replace my VRS 180, which I have had from new (2002). I've done 50k, and I have enjoyed every minute. Rain water in the boot is annoying, as is the delay when braking in the wet. OK, it's scary more than annoying! Other problems are the green calipers now look tatty, and the hub badges are peeling off. Also, I had problems with my bonnet lifting at excessive speeds. On the plus side, it's very roomy, especially in the back, and the boot is massive. I have had 4 sets of golf clubs and two trolleys in without taking out the parcel shelf. Then there is the performance, and I still stick by my argument to Paul Smith on the beemers! My view is, it stands out from other Skoda Octavia's, and it looks 'sporty'. MPG is good now that I've calmed down a bit.
  
  So the reason for my comment is, I am now due to replace mine, and I was looking to go for the new 200bhp. I'm grateful for those who have commented however, as it has made me realise I had better get out and test drive a few others. I do think the Golf, Astra and Focus will not suit me though; mainly due to their boot sizes. The new RS should surely be compared to the Vectra and Mondeo in size!? I agree that the styling on the new RS is not great. What is with the front grill? Surely they could have nicked something off Audi!
  
  From reading the comments I will still look at the Focus ST, VXR, but also the Mondeo ST. What about the new Cupra R? Has any one test driven this?

• jazzRS360 on 8th Jan 2007

  Hello. I've driven the new Astra VXR just for comparison's sake. Call me slightly immature, but I really do like the styling. Vauxhall have really gone to town with beefing up the exterior, even if in the wrong colour it looks a little chav. The performance really blew me away though. The VXR has the kind of muscle that can keep pace with a Boxster or S2000 (in a straight at least). However, the handling seems to be flawed. Simply too much torque steer. I pitched it into a corner at speed, and the sales man next to me shrieked in panic - he knew, and I quickly realised that the VXR should be treated delicately on the bends. That's not to say the chassis isn't good, because I think it handles reasonably well, but push it hard and it's clear that there is simply too much power for the front. Perhaps some strut braces and harder coil-overs would help, but as standard, it's not the best choice for a twisty route.
  
  I would like to drive the Leon Cupra next. I hear it's got all the muscle and is well equipped. I could be wrong, but I think it uses the V6 instead of the smaller Turbo. I look forward to having a go in that... Also, the new Mazda 3 MPS looks totally boring, but 256bhp?! It's certainly on my list to drive within the next few months.
  
  Gareth - congrats on your new VRS. Let us know what it's like on a day in day out basis!

• garethrichmond on 15th Jan 2007

  The car should be here in mid March. However, it's now coming in black with 18" Wheels. I'll let you all know what it's like. It would also seem someone has listened to our thread on the vRS being compared to the Mondeo ST 220 et al. This weeks Auto Express has a test with the vRS-TDI versus the ST-TDCI. The Ford didn't outshine the vRS in any department, the vRS was quicker, more powerful, and even with extras to bring the spec up to the ST's (which you now have to pay for with the new vRS, as my bank balance now knows), it was still around 4 grand cheaper. So, perhaps the motoring world is beginning to see that the VRS, as we know, is never going to out handle a Focus ST 220, Golf Gti or a Clio 197. But, as I thought, when compared to the class above, it still makes for a great bargain. Speak to you all soon.

• garethrichmond on 5th Apr 2007

  OK, I'm a month into vRS Mark 2 ownership, and all I can say is 'what a car'! After living with this car day in day out, you really come to understand its talents, and you can begin to understand the reason for the 2k price hike - it's most definitely 2k's worth more car than the mark 1. Now don't get me wrong; I loved my 2002 vRS, and I still think it was a bench mark setting car, but as I am now 5 years older, I appreciate the more all round talents of the mark 2.
  
  The performance doesn't need me to waffle on to you all. You all know what you are on about, but just to say that this is a much quicker car than the mark 1, especially the way it accelerates from 70 onwards - it's astonishing! Even in 6th gear, within a few seconds you are in danger of losing your licence. It really is as quick as any of the other 'Hot Hatch' brigade (I'm talking real world, not on a track with a professional driver at the wheel). With the optional 18" wheels, the ride is firm but not harsh, turn in is quick and agile for a big, heavy car (in comparison to others) and grip is almost limitless (there is a corner near me which is left, on a slight crest and off camber, which always used to unsettle my mark 1 vRS, but the new one feels planted and confidence inspiring).
  
  Build quality is top drawer. I always felt my mark 1 was slightly less plush than the equivalent Golf, but the new one is right up there, if not slightly ahead. It's also more practical. Gone are the light grey carpets, and I personally feel the black roof lining is great.
  
  As I said before, it makes the Focus ST seem bland. You'd have to go for an ST2 or ST3 to get the same spec, and that ups the price. The same goes for the Golf and the new Civic Type R etc. So the vRS still represents great value for money.
  
  Only one down side - Black is a nightmare to keep clean. Any questions?

• jazzRS360 on 9th Apr 2007

  I'm glad your enjoying the new vRS, seems like its a nicer car to own than what it initially seems. I'm looking for a new car now myself (after having clocked 120k miles in my 2001) and the new vRS is certainly on my shopping list, although I still think the competition is really tight now. I've seen the Honda Integra Type-R DC5 which is absolutely gorgeous but is no way as practical as the vRS. Would like to test drive the Golf GTi for comparisons sake. Unsure about what I'll do, what you say about th vRS has got my brain ticking though...

• garethrichmond on 11th Apr 2007

  The Integra does look appealing, if somewhat mental, and I believe that the last Civic Type R was a tad harsh to live with day in day out. I suppose it comes down to what your main needs are. I always thought I'd go for the new Golf GTi when I first saw it, however, my wife has a Golf GTi and it's not big enough for me (I'm 6ft 2 and a rugby players build), baby, work etc. I'd still say that the Golf, Megane 225 et al are the more rewarding drivers cars, but are we good enough drivers to really tell the difference, especially as we spend most of our journey in traffic.
  
  Basically the combination of the whole package won it for me, more than quick enough, rewarding to drive and masses of space and equipment (all the moans about the Mark's lousy stereo are well and truly put to bed).
  But, as you said there are many great cars in this sector, and I don't think there is a bad one, so It comes to what you want/need/prefer but I don't think you'd end up with a bad car either way. Keep us informed.

• jazzRS360 on 17th Mar 2008

  Decision made! My vRS has now covered close to 140k miles and so I'm going to keep it and just run it into the ground. I wouldn't get any decent price for it now anyhow. What I AM getting in addition is a 2002 Honda Accord Type-R, I collect it later this week. Absolutely fantastic driver's car, very rare, very quick, surprisingly easy to live with. Its fantastic. So it will be nice to compare the strengths and weaknesses of the vRS and the Type-R, VAG Turbo versus high-revving VTEC. Expect another Review shortly folks! :)

• skoda skip man on 15th Feb 2009

  well iv got the 1.8 vrs and i think its the best its fast handles great good on fuel and looks fantastic! glad to hear yours has done 91000k thats made my mind up i will keep it was going to try the new one iv only got 38000k on mine 05 model

• skoda skip man on 15th Feb 2009

  I found this review helpful because...i was concerned about milage on my 05 vrs 38000k not now