25 Years of Performance Heritage says Shahzad Shiekh
Can you believe it’s been nearly 25 years since Škoda surprised drivers with a solid and sensible saloon that gave hot hatches a fright? (Actually, it might have looked like a saloon, but it featured a “liftback” hatch rather than a boot lid.)
In the intervening years, the Škoda Octavia vRS has cemented its place as a beloved performance icon, and the updated 2025 version looks set to continue that tradition with a power boost and enhanced features.
I had the chance to test it on the legendary Isle of Man TT course, and it didn’t disappoint. With its tweaked engine, updated styling, and impressive practicality, this fourth-generation Octavia vRS offers an enticing blend of affordable performance and everyday usability.
Under the bonnet is a 2.0-litre TSI petrol engine producing 265bhp and 370Nm of torque, paired with a slick 7-speed DSG gearbox. This updated vRS sprints from 0-62mph in just 6.4 seconds (6.5 seconds for the estate version) and tops out at 155mph. The VAQ limited-slip differential ensures the front wheels put that power down effectively, even under hard acceleration.
In Sport mode, the steering tightens up, throttle response sharpens, and the car comes alive. However, Comfort mode proves its worth on bumpy sections, softening the jittery ride for a calmer experience. The ability to toggle between these modes makes the car adaptable to various driving conditions, but for most UK roads, Comfort mode is likely to be your preferred choice.
The Octavia vRS isn’t just about straight-line speed. Its progressive steering feels decently weighted in Sport mode, making cornering enjoyable, though it’s slightly light for carving tight bends. That said, this lightness makes it effortless for urban manoeuvring.
Sitting 15mm lower than the standard Octavia, the vRS remains flat and composed through corners. It suppresses understeer impressively but offers just enough torque steer to keep things entertaining when you floor the accelerator out of bends. In short, it’s fun. The test car was equipped with Škoda’s Dynamic Chassis Control (£1,185 option), which adds further adaptability to the suspension.
The 2025 Octavia vRS boasts a refreshed design that’s sharper and sportier. The new LED Matrix headlights with adaptive functions improve night-time visibility. Gloss black accents on the grille surround, side window trims, and the updated vRS badging lend a purposeful look. At the rear, twin chrome exhausts and an updated diffuser complete the sporty aesthetic.
The 19-inch Elias anthracite alloy wheels are a standout feature. Their intricate design is quite striking and there’s something intriguingly very Škoda-ish about them.
Step inside, and you’re greeted with carbon-effect trims and red stitching on the sports seats. While the cabin doesn’t shout its sporting credentials as loudly as some rivals, it’s functional and well-appointed. The 13-inch infotainment display and 10.25-inch Virtual Cockpit are familiar, easy to use and packed with features including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There’s plenty of USB-C charging plugs, front and rear, and even a wireless charging pad.
Practicality is where the Octavia shines. The hatchback offers 600 litres of boot space, which expands to 1,555 litres with the rear seats folded. Clever touches, such as hooks, nets, and underfloor storage, make it perfect for families or road trips. Rear passengers get ample legroom and thoughtful extras like neat fold-out cupholders in the central armrest.
Starting at £38,670, the Škoda Octavia vRS delivers decent value. The tested model, equipped with options such as Dynamic Chassis Control and a space-saver spare wheel (£200), brought the total to £40,055. Delete that space-saver and you’re looking at £39,855. This puts it on par with the base starting price of a current Volkswagen Golf GTI at a smidge under £40k.
It’s not quite the affordable underdog hot hatch it once was (the original vRS hit the market at around £15k back in 2001 – about £3k less than the Golf GTI of the day). But it remains package in Škoda’s line-up. At a time when manufacturers are abandoning saloons and estates for SUVs, the Octavia bucks the trend and continues to be the company’s best-selling model.
What the vRS does so well, even after 25 years, is offer Q-Car discretion. It doesn’t scream performance, yet it packs a punch. For those who know, it’s a versatile, understated hero—perfect for family road trips or back-road blasts.
BrownCarGuy.com
YouTube.com/BrownCarGuy
Facebook.com/BrownCarGuy
Instagram.com/ShahzadSheikh
Twitter.com/Shahzad_Sheikh
