Should you buy one?

Yes. Let’s get this out of the way first – we highly recommend the Skoda Octavia vRS, as it’s a rational, easy-to-live with with car that should stand the test of time. What it won’t do particularly, is excite you. And if that matters, then you’re better off heading over to a more thrilling type of hot hatch such as the Hyundai i30N or Honda Civic Type R. If you want a fast estate, take a look at the Ford Focus ST.

But in the real world, the Octavia offers up a great blend of speed, flexibility and practicality, all wrapped up in a package that won’t attract undue attention. Of the two bodystyles, we’d choose the Estate for its more usable luggage area and improved rear-seat room – but in reality, this one’s just a more appealing all-rounder.

While the reduced engine range and lack of manual gearbox will disappoint some fans, it’s not a significant loss considering our preferred version was the existing petrol DSG model that remains.

What we like

The vRS is a fast yet highly practical family car that proves a doddle to live with. Few cars, if any, at this price can combine those two attributes so well. The extra power of this new model, plus the improved infotainment, make it an even better option than before.

What we don’t like

The reduced engine line-up will put off some buyers, considering that was a key part of the previous vRS’s appeal. One less performance car with a manual gearbox also feels like a loss. The Octavia vRS also isn’t quite the bargain it once was, and optional extras are expensive.