The Skoda Octaiva has a huge boot, seem, and plenty of space for a family, and that's why
people normally associate it with words like comfort and practicality.
However with this one performance and fun also apply... because it's the hot VRS model.
Under the bonnet is the same 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine you get in the Golf GTI- and
that makes it fast.
Surprisingly fast.
With 220hp on tap the Octavia VRS can rocket from 0-60mph in 6.6 seconds and on to 154mph.
As in the Golf GTI the engine is really smooth and responsive.
And pulls hard even from very low down in the rev range.
It's sound pretty good too.
The car comes with a special membrane to pipe engine noise into the cabin.
It's activated in sport mode which also weightens the steering and sharpens the throttle response
while individual lets you mix and match settings.
Considering the size and the performance the VRS is still quite economical as Skoda says
it will do almost 45.6mpg.
But if that's not enough then there's always the diesel model, which can return over 61.4mpg
yet can still do 144mph and 0-60mph in 7.8 seconds.
Whether you go for petrol or diesel power all VRS's come with a variable ratio steering
for faster responses.
And it means you can go round tight turns without having to take your hands off the
wheel.
The VRS is still pretty comfy even though it gets lower stiffened suspension over the
normal Octavia for improved cornering and added grip.
You really do notice the benefit as it just corners faster and flatter than the standard
car.
Some clever new electronics also help improve the handling too by braking the inside front
and rear wheels when you are going round a bend to help slingshot you round.
In some ways though you do need it because ultimately the Octavia VRS's extra bulk over
the Golf GTI means it's just not as agile and it
doesn't feel quite as keyed into the road as the RS Megane.
You can get the DSG -- dents performance and economy.
Finally there's the design.
Despite some sporty tit bits the VRS doesn't feel that exciting inside.
For instance the new sports seats don't stand out like the two-tone versions in the old
car.
And while the VRS may have a boot spoiler, twin tail pipes, a new grille, some larger
alloy wheels and coloured brake calipers it doesn't look like as racy as a Vauxhall Astra
VXR.
Still some people will find the wolf in sheep's clothing approach appealing plus the Octavia
VRS is cheaper than pretty much all of its rivals.
And it should be very reliable too as Skoda came second in 2013 driver power owner satisfaction
survey.
In fact seeing as this is the end of the review why not visit driverpower.co.uk now to rate
your car.
Go on....