Skoda Octavia VRS, A GTI In Sensible Shoes
The Skoda Octavia vRS is almost like the VW Jetta GLI we should have gotten. Using the MK7 GTI’s MQB platform and 217-horsepower four-cylinder powertrain, the Octavia vRS is also available with a 2.0 TDI engine making 180 horsepower – and both powertrains can be had with the wagon bodystyle you see above.
With a price point below that of VW while offering identical performance, the previous Octavia vRS models were something of a cult performance car in Europe – and a favorite of the local constabulary in many parts of the UK. Especially the wagon. Too bad we won’t see this stateside in any form – now that the Jetta has become its own North American-spec car, the Octavia’s closest relative isn’t even available to us anymore.
More by Derek Kreindler
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Interesting thing about quality - in most of Europe Skoda get higher quality ratings / owner satisfaction ratings from JD Power type surveys than VW or Audi. Perhaps the lower Skoda price leads to lower expectations (and higher satisfaction), but the end result is that Skoda seems to put together their VW parts bin components in a manner that provides the same or better quality to owners.
If you showed 10 Americans the side profile of that car and asked them what brand, I bet 8 would say Audi. It's got A4 tail lights from 10 years ago.