Skoda Octavia vRS mk2: So good we bought one!

The Skoda Octavia vRS has long been a strong contender in the hot hatchback class thanks to its combination of performance, practicality and affordability relative to its rivals. In fact, CarGurus UK deputy editor Ivan Aistrop rates the mk2 Octavia vRS hatchback so highly that he decided to buy one as his daily driver. In this video he documents the car's pros and cons, explores how much it has cost to run, and explains how he updated the infotainment to include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Read our full expert review of the Skoda Octavia mk2:

Pros
Delivers spacious and sensible motoring
vRS versions combine performance and practicality
Good value for money

Cons
Early diesel engines are a little gruff
Not the most glamorous of badges
Stereo systems not the best

#cargurusuk #skodaoctaviavrs #skodavrs

[Oli_Hudson]

I'd rather watch videos like this about real people, real cars, real life. Far better than watching reviews of cars I can't afford! Cheers

[DreamCarGarage]

Good job! Nice to see a review on a car that regular people can actually afford.

[TheOneSpurs]

Omg love this channel for reviewing real cars for real people

[jba]

Real review that every mum and dad can relate to. All car reviews should be like this! Thank you.

[rjturner]

Phenomenal car. Cheeky remap and what a difference of a car. I had the diesel CR version and then remapped from 170 to 220bhp and pulled like a train constantly. Fortunately I also had the sunroof in mine as well. Was easily my favourite car I have ever had, loved how it looked.

[davidcai]

My dads octavia got rear ended by a 30 ton truck. Turned out only the trunk went flat and rear seats were fine. Got a new frame and still going at 120000km

[domknill]

Used to own a race blue VRS a few years back which was remapped to around 250bhp. I still miss it! A great all-rounder and a dream to own.

[elliothaney]

Ivan, awesome video, great to see you on here! Really loved the humor, and I think the real cars for real people angle is perfect.

[stephendownes]

Great video, the Mk2 is a fantastic car all round. Love seeing videos like this about older affordable cars.

[MrSluby]

Drive an 06 Octavia that's had a few subtle mods to run 270 brake. I honestly think it's the best all round car you could buy.

[runawayronnie]

What a great video. I bought the Golf equivalent back in 2007 and cruise was a £220 factory option. However the VW dealership could retro-fit the exact same system for £150 which is bonkers, so that's what I did. Almost 100% certain you can do the same on a mk2 Octavia, not sure about the mk1. it's just a change of left hand steering stalk and re-coding the software.

[johnfairclough]

Great video. Much prefer this sort of thing rather than the review of a brand new top spec car

[chris]

This guy's deep and soothing voice really relaxes me

[sandyaicken]

I was looking to buy a 2008 Octavia vrs but was unsure. Watched this video and yeah I'm going to buy it now haha

[phillattfield]

Great review....I’ve just brought a 2008 Octavia 1.9tdi auto, it’s fab and only done 53000 miles. So comfy and the engine pulls well and really economical to run. Also didn’t break the bank as used a little of my savings. So much room and the boot is massive.

[hoffyc.h]

I just bought for a few days ago, A Skoda Octavia FSI 1.6 Liter 2008, weak Engine 116hp, but use little Gasoline, low tax, so much extra nice things inside the car, freaking love it :D

[pStar]

I have one of these same year and everything and I literally couldn’t say anything better, it’s Been a blast, it’s thirsty but that tfsi always was, remapping and lowering this by 15mm and maybe some exhaust work really brings out the performance side of it, it’ll happily keep up if not beat newer gti’s All day long, brilliant value for money

[juvenitto]

Yes, i do like honest reviews, specially after a bit of ownership. That costs of MOT and repairs, gives a hint how much can cost to keep the car in right shape, which most people in UK dont care about, which is sad. Cheers, take care.

[Carrera-gpod]

I had one about 10 years ago, mh mate still has it, 150000 miles still going strong

[undergroundlegend]

Good review, this is the first time have come across this channel