Review
##Octavia RS estate--right## But at present you can only buy this model in hatchback form while the rest of the Octavia range is offered in a spacious estate guise too. But that could be about to change because Skoda is now deliberating if it should import the vRS Estate into the UK.
Essentially the estate shares the same mechanicals as the hatchback but has the added benefit of more load space in the rear. The UK division of Skoda won't make a decision on whether or not to import the car for at least a month, but after a brief drive of the car in the countryside on the outskirts of Prague in the Czech Republic, I hope they do.
It mixes all the hatchback's best attributes in what looks like being a fantastic value-for-money package.
On its current UK line-up, Skoda charges a £700 premium for the estate models over the hatchbacks, so applying this logic would price the Octavia vRS Estate at roughly £15,800 on-the-road. By way of comparison, a top-spec Ford Focus estate in 2.0-litre Ghia guise costs £15,495 on-the-road, has less standard equipment and can only muster 129bhp.
Now, if you can get over the badge, there really is no contest here, especially when you look at the lengthy list of standard equipment which includes ABS brakes with traction control, alloy wheels, colour-coded spoilers, climate control, driver and passenger airbags, electric windows and mirrors, six-disc CD player and hip-hugging sports seats.
As well as this lengthy list, the Skoda feels exceptionally solid as all Volkswagen Group products do.
On the road its turbocharged engine provides exceptionally strong performance, allied to a firm chassis and solid brakes. Only that VW Group bugbear of a lack of feel from the pedals and steering blunt the driving experience.
Make: Skoda
Model: Octavia vRS estate
Engine (cc): 1,781
Max power (bhp/rpm): 180/5,500
Max torque (lb-ft/rpm): 130/1,950
Max speed (mph): 146
0-62mph (sec): 8.0
Fuel consumption (mpg): N/A
CO2 emissions (g/km): N/A
Transmission: 5-sp manual
On sale: TBC
Price: TBC
