Review: Skoda Octavia vRS 2.0 TDI DSG 4x4

The only Skoda with a vRS badge gets all-wheel drive and more

It has this going for it – that weird new headlight arrangement actually works quite well on the more aggressive vRS Octavia. And of course it has everything else going for it that you’d expect to find on any Octavia, so we’re predisposed to like this somewhat souped-up version before we’ve even got in it.

However, let’s not get carried away. The engine in this version is the dependable 2.0-litre 181bhp diesel with the six-speed dual-clutch auto box. So what it isn’t is the latest 2.0-litre unit with 188bhp and more torque, and nor is it the latest seven-speed DSG auto transmission. And it does have the four-wheel drive system, which adds another 85kg to the overall weight, which now totals 1475kg.

As such, you may not be entirely astonished to hear that this isn’t exactly a car to go baiting hot hatches in. Sure, it has the vRS badge and it sits lower on its standard adaptive suspension and certainly looks the part, but performance is not exactly going to startle.

But then it’s an Octavia, and it fits with that. There’s 280lb ft of torque, so it pulls really strongly in the middle and hauls you about with some pace when you get on it. And when it rains or worse the all-wheel drive system will ensure you keep on being hauled safely around.

The handling is safe and predicable and some may prefer the more crisply swinging turn-in on this sportier version than a standard turn-in, particularly as there seems little payoff in terms of a harsher ride. You will stay comfy in this vRS as you will in every Octavia model.

As ever, it’s big and smart and the cabin feels delightful, helped by a trick new glass infotainment system and Alcantara seating. It’s a great cabin to be in, upgraded further now by more of those ‘simply clever’ bits and pieces, like more power sockets, foldable tables on the seatbacks and even a heated steering wheel.

The boot remains about the size of those tenement apartments in Hong Kong where five people live in harmony.

Overall this vRS comes in at £28,130, which is quite a lot and getting near VW Passat GT territory. You’re not exactly getting a performance fireball for that either, instead a far more sensible and practical saloon with reasonable performance and a vast, updated cabin. Add in the four-wheel drive to keep you motoring whatever the conditions, and you can see the attraction no problem, but whether a lesser vRS at a lesser price is better value is very much down to the buyer.

Skoda Octavia vRS 2.0-litre TDI DSG 4x4

Price £28,130
Engine 4 cyls inline, 1968cc, turbocharged, diesel
Power 181bhp at 3500-4000rpm
Torque 280lb ft at 1750-3250
Kerb weight 1475kg
Gearbox 6-spd dual-clutch auto
0-62mph 7.6sec
Top speed 142mph
Economy 55.4mpg (combined)
CO2/tax band 134g/km, 28%

Graham Scott is a writer for AutoCar.