2017 Skoda Octavia VRS Review

Apologies for the sound quality in the driving footage. We had issues with our microphone.

Welcome to our first AutoBears review!!!

We have to start somewhere, and we're starting here!

It is of the 2017 Škoda Octavia VRS. The Octavia VRS has had a mid-life facelift in 2017 to keep it up to date for buyers.
The main changes to the exterior are the new split headlight design which you can now have full LED headlights, a first for the Octavia. The tail lights have had a refresh in design and the interior comes with a new 8in touchscreen as standard.
Other revision are added options to specify which include blind spot monitoring, a new 9.2 inch touch screen and for the first time on the Octavia, Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC). Which adds a new level of comfort to the Octavia not seen before, especially with the VRS.
Only change to the engines with the VRS is with the 2 Litre petrol. Power has increase to 228bhp with a 245bhp edition model coming with a vast array of standard equipment.

The Octavia and the VRS remains the perfect all-rounder for those who want a practical hatchback with a bit of poke! No 300bhp versions as of yet but this we feel is a good thing as the VRS could be overlooked by more “fun” rivals, such as the Golf R, Leon Cupra and Honda Civic Type R. It’s a perfect answer to growing families who still want a fun car but also lug the family along too.

We want to thank Lancaster Škoda for loaning us the VRS and if you are after a new Škoda, do not hesitate to contact them.

Lancaster Škoda
Greyfriars Court
Kingston
Milton Keynes
MK10 0BN

Tel: [phone]

[simon]

Finally a car reviewer that’s actually quite funny instead of trying to be funny by making cringe jokes! And you talk normal as well! Great review! Top bloke. 👏🏻

[MartinKillips]

I just bought a low mileage 2016 Octavia VRS with a sunroof. Had it for three weeks and absolutely love driving it. Without doubt the most enjoyable car I have even owned in my 65 years. It sticks to the road and is so smooth to drive. I love the auto headlights and the cruise control is simplicity itself and I laugh each time it adjusts speed to suit the traffic ahead. I might buy Octavias until my dying day.

[Roadie]

I don't actually mind the dark headlining. 😊

[iangrubb]

Bloody massive boot!!! My Dad's just got one and I could easily fit in there and I'm 6ft 4in!! Drives beautifully. Has a real zip about it and the power is unbelievable. Wish I had one myself!! But don't mind driving or being a passenger in my Dad's. I won't say his age but he's getting on quite a bit and he loves it. He had an 80's Golf GTI and an Audi Quattro and he says its the best car he's ever had.

[RichardCJohnson]

Great review! I’ve wanted a vRS for nearly 20 years and am due to be changing my car later this year and this will be the first time I could really afford one so I’m so tempted.
We’re almost the same dimensions in both height and width too so good to know I’ll fit 😁

[richierich]

Well just got my new VRS on Monday the 12th of march its a diesel 184 bhp 4x4  dsg  with winter pack shame no heated steering wheel but what a lovely car jack of all trades fast massive boot great looking car love it ;

[stonefly]

Love my 2.0 tsi Octavia vrs. Cracking review.

[stan_austin]

Great review! Love my VRS, perfect all round package for family man who also wants a bit of fun.

[SpeedStrengthJames]

I hate the split headlight design on some of the new Skodas. I currently have a 66 plate Skoda Fabia Monte Carlo as my first car. Reammped too, it's quite nippy. :) Everything else about this car I really like. The remapping potential is crazy. This diesel 184hp > 220 and torque 380 to 450nm. The petrol 227hp to 300 and 350 to 440nm torque. (245hp version has the same engine as 227hp). Maybe in a few years time I might consider one of these and add some subtle side skirts/diffuser to make it look like the monte carlo trim but nothing too crazy or boy-racer looking.

[PoulChuck]

Just got my VRS. Amazing car but I was hoping for better ergonomics (at least compared to my 2006 Civic). Small doors result in the pillar being too forward, which makes the seatbelt come from the wrong direction (almost front), especially with tall drivers that we pull the seat quite further back. Also, seats feel small, I don't feel like I fit well in there. Finally, the window, when even half way down, the wind just blasts my face, on the Civic, all wind was going back and I could actually be on the motorway with my window all the way down.

Apart from those points, 10/10 car

[richierich]

Hi can I just say why no heated steering wheel in Skoda Vrs winter pack some say you get it as standard no you don't

[medunkt]

Really good review. I'm very tempted to get one of these. Also interested in the Superb Sportline. Decision time! We'll see what deals are on in this part of the world -- NSW, Aus. Thanks very much.

[satbilla]

Anyone know if these can be lowered as I believe they have dynamic chassis control? Need spacers?

[BlockABoots]

So only changes from the previous year is slightly different headunit, led lights, slight front light design and chassis control mode?

[ME-olgk]

Thinking on this for my next car but still undecided

[steveo]

Will the boot cater for a family of 4 going on holiday or would the estates extra 20L be a better option? Thanks

[rafordy]

Good review, inspite of the mircophone

[deimantasubartas]

Why to buy a BMW or Mercedes sporty type if you can own a Skoda VRS. Cheap and very practical and reliable since belongs to VW group. Besides Skoda offers practical items that other car manufacturers dont.

[dt]

This or a BMW 330d X Drive for a family car? 🤔

[henrkpc]

You where talking about when you drive in comfort mode you don't feel the bumps in the road that much even with the 19 wheels 👍 Is this comfort mode standard on all RS models????