Skoda Octavia vRS generations: a history of the sensible performance hatchback

If you've just started a family, you might be getting ready to sell your hot hatch in favour of something a bit more sensible. Well back in 2001, Skoda launched something to cater to those who needed a spacious and practical car, but still wanted something sporty. More than 20 years later the Octavia vRS is in its fourth generation.

It's recently been updated with refreshed styling and even more power, and it's still one of the best all-rounders you can buy. [embedded content] We're going to have a look back over the history of the Skoda Octavia [1] vRS to see how this cavernous hot hatch has changed over the years.

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Skoda Octavia vRS Mk1: 2001-2005

The first Skoda Octavia vRS caused quite a stir when it launched in 2001. It was the first performance model the brand had ever made, at a time when it was still trying to shake off its reputation for selling dated cars with reliability issues.

Skoda Octavia vRS Mk1 front

A reasonably new partnership with Volkswagen [2] meant Skoda had access to a decent parts bin. The first Octavia vRS used the same 1.8-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine as the Golf GTI [3] from the period.

In fact, it was essentially a Golf GTI wrapped up in a more practical shell.

Skoda Octavia vRS Mk1 rear quarter static

The result was a car which is still lauded as being better than the VW on which it's based. It wasn't quite as sharp to drive thanks to the added weight, but with 180hp on tap it was properly rapid and the boot was 160 litres bigger than the Golf's.

Skoda Octavia vRS Mk1 interior

It was a handsome-looking thing as well. The styling flew nicely under the radar but with a sporty edge which merely hinted at its performance.

The police loved the vRS as an unmarked patrol car for this reason.

Skoda Octavia vRS Mk1 prices

You can pick up a Mk1 Octavia vRS for pretty cheap these days, but values are starting to climb. Ropey examples start from as low as GBP1,000, with pristine cars fetching upwards of GBP5,000. If you're looking for one, make sure the timing belt and water pump have been changed on time, and keep an eye out for the check engine light.

The Mk1 has a lot of vacuum hoses under the bonnet which degrade and split over time which will trigger an error code. Thankfully, these aren't too expensive to replace.

Skoda Octavia vRS Mk2: 2005-2012

In the mid noughties Skoda launched the difficult second album, but the Mk2 Octavia vRS improved on the first in pretty much every measurable way.

Skoda Octavia vRS Mk2 front

It was still based on the Volkswagen Golf [4] GTI, but this time it was the coveted Mk5 model. This means it had a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine with 200hp, and it was much more refined than the old model making it easier to live with - an automatic gearbox was offered for the first time.

Skoda Octavia vRS Mk2 rear

This was also the first Octavia vRS to offer a diesel engine [5] option, and this proved even more popular than the petrol.

It had a more modest 170hp, but the diesel torque made for punchy performance when you put your foot down. The diesel would also do upwards of 50mpg, making it cheaper to run than the petrol.

Skoda Octavia vRS Mk2 interior

In 2009 the Mk2 vRS was given a facelift - gaining updated styling with a slightly more gormless-looking face, as well as a revised interior with improved technology and a new steering wheel. The mechanicals remained the same as before though.

Skoda Octavia vRS Mk2 prices

Prices for used Mk2s start from around GBP2,000 for an early car with high miles, rising to around GBP10,000 for late examples.

If you're going for the diesel, beware of cars which have been used around town a lot because the diesel particulate filters can get blocked up, resulting in a hefty bill to replace it in extreme circumstances. Automatic gearboxes can also be problematic, so make sure it's been serviced and it's shifting gears smoothly.[6][7]

Skoda Octavia vRS Mk3: 2012-2020

The third generation of Octavia vRS debuted in 2012, and it was met with mixed emotions. Some people criticised it for being a little bit too conservative, but it was a big improvement over the old car in terms of the mechanicals.

Skoda Octavia vRS Mk3 front

As always, the petrol engine came from the Golf GTI. It had 220hp, while the diesel had 184hp.

The oil-burner remained a popular choice, returning over 60mpg and costing just GBP35 per year to tax if you go for a pre-2017 model.

Skoda Octavia vRS Mk3 rear

The interior was a big step up over the Mk2, with all cars getting touchscreen infotainment [8] as standard and some lovely bucket seats which are both comfortable and supportive. The Mk3 is a great used buy for people covering long motorway miles.

Skoda Octavia vRS Mk3 interior

A 2017 facelift saw the vRS get an updated face, tweaked interior and more power than before. The petrol model now gets 245hp, while the diesel remains at 184hp.

Skoda also introduced the first ever all-wheel drive version of the Octavia vRS in 2017.

Skoda Octavia vRS Mk3 prices

High-mileage Mk3s start from as little as GBP7,000, while 2019 models can fetch up to GBP20,000. You can get behind the wheel of a clean, low-mileage 2015 car for around GBP13,000, which is great value for a car offering this much performance, comfort and practicality. As with the second-generation car, make sure the DSG automatic gearbox has been serviced because they can be prone to failing.

If you go for the manual, listen out for a rattle from the flywheel when you lift off the clutch because this is a very costly repair.

Skoda Octavia vRS Mk4: 2020-present

And now we come to the latest Octavia vRS [9]. Launched in 2020, it was sold with either a 2.0-litre petrol engine with 245hp, or there was a 2.0-litre diesel with 200hp. Manual and automatic gearboxes were offered, as was an all-wheel drive model.

Skoda Octavia vRS Mk4 front

This is also the first Octavia vRS to be offered with a plug-in hybrid [10] engine.

It uses a 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol, paired with an electric motor to produce a combined 245hp, and it can do up to 38 miles on electric power alone making it ideal for company car buyers.

Skoda Octavia vRS Mk4 hatch rear

It was then facelifted earlier this year, and the engine range has been streamlined - there's now just one option. It has a 2.0-litre petrol engine with 265hp, and it's only offered with an automatic gearbox and all-wheel drive.

Skoda Octavia vRS Mk4 interior

The interior is now better than ever, with plenty of plush materials and sporty-looking alcantara trim and red stitching. It's a more high-tech cabin as well - with all cars getting a large central screen and a digital driver's display as standard.

Skoda Octavia vRS Mk4 prices

The latest Octavia vRS starts from GBP38,670 new, however used examples can be found for as little as GBP25,000 if you shop around.

The Mk4 Octavia vRS hasn't been around long enough for any major common issues to rear their heads, but some owners do complain of glitchy infotainment screens in their cars. Make sure everything is working as it should if you're buying used.

Skoda Octavia vRS FAQs

Is the Skoda Octavia vRS being discontinued?

Not for the time being. The Octavia vRS has just been updated to keep it fresh as we go into 2025, so expect the performance hatch to stick around for a while longer.

The engine range has been cut right back though, with diesel and plug-in hybrid options no longer offered.

What's the difference between the normal Octavia and the vRS?

The vRS badge denotes that this is the sporty version of the standard Octavia. You can think of it as being Skoda's equivalent to VW's GTI brand or Ford's ST. The Octavia vRS is offered with more powerful engines than the standard car, as well as tuned suspension to improve the handling and more aggressive styling details.

What does vRS stand for?

vRS stands for Victory Rally Sport, in tribute to Skoda's success in the world rally championships.

Interestingly, Skoda brands its sporty models as just RS in other markets, however it can't do that in the UK because that name belongs to Ford.

Petrol or diesel - which Octavia vRS is best?

This will depend a lot on your requirements. If you have your sensible hat on, and you do a lot of motorway miles, the diesel is your best bet. It returns great fuel economy while also still being properly quick.

However, if you're looking for the most fun, and the fastest vRS, then you'll want the petrol version. That engine sounds better and is more refined, and is a better choice for people doing a lot of town driving. Looking for an easy way to change your car [11]?

Then Carwow is the place to go. You can sell your old car [12] for a great price, and get the best deals on a new one [13]. All through our network of trusted dealers and all from the comfort of your home.

Tap the button below to get started today.

References

^ Skoda Octavia (www.carwow.co.uk)
^ Volkswagen (www.carwow.co.uk)
^ Golf GTI (www.carwow.co.uk)
^ Volkswagen Golf (www.carwow.co.uk)
^ diesel engine (www.carwow.co.uk)
^ used (www.carwow.co.uk)
^ Automatic gearboxes (www.carwow.co.uk)
^ infotainment (www.carwow.co.uk)
^ Octavia vRS (www.carwow.co.uk)
^ plug-in hybrid (www.carwow.co.uk)
^ change your car (www.carwow.co.uk)
^ sell your old car (www.carwow.co.uk)
^ new one (www.carwow.co.uk)