OCTAVIA is a name which occupies an illustrious place in the history of Skoda Auto, having first entered the lexicon of the Czech Republic carmaker back in 1959.
More than 365,000 cars bearing the name were produced up to 1971 before the model name was reintroduced in 1996 with the Octavia representing the new image of the Skoda brand, leading the way towards changing public awareness of the marque.
Following a makeover in 2000, the Octavia became the very first Skoda to hit the one-million production mark in February, 2004 and more than 60,000 have graced UK driveways since the modern-day Octavia first arrived on these shores in 1998.
The updated Octavia arrived in UK showrooms last year featuring a line-up of hatchback and estate cars designed to maintain the new-found positive public awareness of the marque.
The high performance vRS version was first introduced into the UK in 2001, adding a superbly sporty diemnsion to the range.
Kit levels are generous with climate control, trip computer, electric windows with all round with single-shot operation, powered and heated door mirrors, eight-speaker sound system with six CD autochanger, delayed courtesy light and remote central locking all coming as standard.
Aside from the glovebox and seat-mounted storage pockets, places for your bits and bobs aren't over generous.
Apart from the omission of side airbags, passenger safety is well catered for via dual front airbags, height adjustable front and rear head restraints, child safety locks on the rear doors and side impact protection.
There is plenty of room front of house but legroom in the rear is only average and may prove a problem to some adult passengers.
The luggage bay on the estate car is practical in the family style and can be extended via the 60:40 split folding rear seat. There's a 12-volt power outlet, interior boot light and a retractable parcel shelf add to its load-lugging facilities.
The partial leather seating is comfortable and supportive facing a well laid-out dash which is clear and precise with silver-trimmed dials. The control set-up could be improved by promoting the climate control to top position above the sound system on the centre console as the buttons are not very user-friendly towards drivers with large digits.
There is no mistaking the sporting propensity of the Octavia vRS as you sit behind the three-spoke, leather-clad tiller and prepare to enjoy the feel and response of the silver-topped gearstick and alloy pedals.
With a height adjustable driver's seat and two-way adjustment of the steering wheel it's easy to achieve a comfortable driving position while there is no excuse for talking down to your front seat companion as pew height adjust is also available here.
On the tarmac, the 1.8-litre turbocharged petrol engine is a pretty powerful persuader. It's free of turbo lag and has stacks of low-down punch and, mated to a smoothly engaging five-speed manual gearchange, this 20-valver quickly shows off the benefits of its 180bhp.
The 0-62mph dash is achievable in an impressive eight seconds, en route to a top speed, where legally allowable, of 146mph and its all done in pretty economical fashion for its size with a little over 35mpg on the official combined cycle.
Mounted on 16-inch alloys, the Octavia vRS Estate is hugely entertaining on the tarmac, even allowing for power steering which, while pin-point accurate, is not quite as communicative as some others in the hot hatch world.
Ride quality is firmish, but not unforgiving, and linking together a series of twisty bits is a joy. With lowered ride height and stiffened suspension, body roll is kept well under control while ABS braking with Electronic Brake Force Distribution is on hand to assist the unwise and the unwary.
The Octavia vRS Estate bears little outward signs of hot hatchery apart from sports badging and brake callipers in Skoda's trademark rally green visible through the wheelspokes and that will make it attractive to those who don't want to shout it from the rooftops.
It is a well put together load lugger blessed with plenty of sporting attributes and is well worthy of consideration by drivers who are looking for a car which will suit all life and driving styles.
FAST FACTS
Skoda Octavia vRS Estate
Price: £14,690
Mechanical: 180bhp, 1,781cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 5spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 143mph
0-62mph: 8 secs
Combined mpg: 35.3
Insurance group: 16
CO2 emissions: 192g/km
BiK: 25%
Warranty: 3yrs/ unlimited mileage; 3yrs paint; 10yrs anti-rust