Every Skoda Octavia vRS ranked: I’ve driven them all, and this is my definitive list
Car changing is a big deal
News editor Jamie Edkins has a fair share of experience with the Skoda Octavia vRS, having extensively driven every generation of this understated performance family car. Here is his ranked list.
It’s safe to say that I quite like the Skoda Octavia vRS. Not only have I been running the new one as a long-term test car for the last few months, I also used to own a first-generation car, my parents have the third-gen which I’ve driven extensively while my Mk1 was broken, and I’ve driven the Mk2 too.
They might not be the most exciting performance cars, but I love how good they are as all-rounders. I used mine to move house as well as transport me and three friends to a festival. I also like the understated styling, and the Octavia isn’t as pretentious as something like a BMW or an Audi, so people still let you out at junctions.
But of the four iterations, which one is best? Well, here is my ranked list of every Skoda Octavia vRS.
Every Skoda Octavia vRS ranked:
- Skoda Octavia vRS Mk4 (2020-present)
- Skoda Octavia vRS Mk3 (2013-2020)
- Skoda Octavia vRS Mk1 (2001-2005)
- Skoda Octavia vRS Mk2 (2005-2013)
1. Skoda Octavia vRS Mk4 (2020-present)
- Price: from £41,000 (New)
- Engine: 2.0-litre petrol (265hp)
- 0-60mph: 6.4 seconds
It’ll come as no real surprise to learn that the current Skoda Octavia vRS is also the best. I’ve been living with my Estate version since the beginning of 2025, and in that time it has proven itself to be a brilliant daily driver.
It has just the right amount of tech, with enough driver aids to help you out without being too overbearing, and it’s great to drive as well. There is a firm edge to the suspension, as you’d expect from the sporty version, but it still goes over bumps nicely. It’s practical, quick and well-equipped, making it hard to beat as an all-rounder.
Up until 2024 you could also get diesel and plug-in hybrid versions of the Mk4 Octavia vRS, as well as a manual gearbox and all-wheel drive. Skoda simplified the lineup after a mid-life facelift, and now your only option is a 265hp petrol engine driving the front wheels through an automatic gearbox.
2. Skoda Octavia vRS Mk3 (2013-2020)
- Price: from £10,000 (used)
- Engines: 2.0-litre petrol (220hp/245hp) – 2.0-litre diesel (184hp)
- 0-60mph: 6.7 / 7.9 seconds (petrol/diesel)
In some ways, the third-generation Skoda Octavia vRS was better than the latest one. The rotary dials in the cabin are easier to use than the touchscreen-based setup in my car, and it’s slightly roomier in the back seats as well.
But I found that it’s not quite as refined as the Mk4. There’s noticeably more wind and road noise, and the interior is a bit plain-looking as well. That said, the bucket seats are still lovely and it looks smart, especially with the optional 18-inch alloys fitted to my parent’s car.
3. Skoda Octavia vRS Mk1 (2001-2005)
- Price: from £3,000 (used)
- Engine: 1.8-litre petrol (180hp)
- 0-60mph: 7.6 seconds
If I was ranking my favourite Octavia vRS models, rather than the best, the Mk1 would be at the top. I did buy one, after all. I love the way it looks, with the boxy front end and subtle bodykit hinting at the performance, while not being too OTT.
It feels like a bit of a dinosaur to drive compared to the later models though, with heavy steering and plenty of rattles from the aging trim. But the 1.8-litre turbocharged petrol engine is a peach, delivering plenty of poke and making a decent noise. I loved mine, and I’d happily own another.
4. Skoda Octavia vRS Mk2 (2005-2013)
- Price: from £2,000 (used)
- Engine: 2.0-litre petrol (200hp) – 2.0-litre diesel (170hp)
- 0-60mph: 7.2 / 8.4 seconds (petrol/diesel)
Calling the Mk2 Octavia vRS the worst is harsh, because it’s still a great family car. It’s also a bit of a bargain these days, because while the much rarer Mk1 has started to go up in value, the Mk2 can be bought for just a couple of grand in decent nick.
It comes last in my list because it doesn’t have quite as much character as the Mk1, and the Mk3 was a huge leap forward in terms of performance tech. That leaves the Mk2 a bit forgotten, which is a shame because it’s still quick, comfy and practical, just as every Octavia vRS is.
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