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Skoda Octavia vRS 4X4 2.0 TDi Review

The other day I was asked if I would like to join a group of my friends on Twitter as a sort of Twitter group hug – but the problem was that everybody I know seems to spend most of their time either tweeting about how they just missed their bus to work, or what they just had for lunch – or even worse – how their Cat had just vomited on the carpet that morning – including a graphic picture.

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Here is my problem though. I think Twitter has drowned out the art of conversation and it is this reason alone why I would never join that group – but also because nobody actually talks person to person anymore. For instance – how many times have you heard “Text me later darling” or “I will speak to you later on Facebook” or I will ‘Poke’ you tomorrow or Tweet you soon. Sound familiar?

Why on earth can’t we all just go to the pub and have a beer with all our friends like we used to in the ‘olden days’ Also – what’s wrong with us all getting in our cars and meeting up all in one place to spend some quality time with each other talking about why my friend Steven has a Ferrari, why David has a Jaguar and why Rachel has a Mercedes and why I am a ‘peasant’ who only owns a Fiat 500.

On second thoughts – let’s get on with this month’s road test of the 2016 Skoda Octavia vRS 4X4

Many people still say that Skoda is nothing more than a cheaper version of a VW. Of course I disagree with this with much venom, because Skoda have proved to me over the last few years that they are more than capable of standing on their own two feet – and I for one now look at Skoda as an individual company and not a second class part of VW.

For instance – you wouldn’t turn down a date with Kylie Minogue just because she was driving a Skoda instead of a VW would you? Exactly! – That’s my point; Skoda is just as good as a VW End off.

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Interior & Technology

First off – I’m so glad to see that the designers at Skoda have paid a lot more attention to the detail inside the cabin of the vRS and happily it now feels more refreshing and modern than the vRS model I tested a while ago.

Inside; there’s also plenty of standard kit – like Air-con, cruise control, duel zone climate control, acoustic rear parking sensors, Amundsen satellite navigation system, Bluetooth handsfree, 3-spoke multi-function steering wheel with DSG paddles, cruise control, driver fatigue sensor, energy recovery, ESC incl, EBV, MSR, ASR, EDS, HBA, DSR and Lane assist are just a few of the standard features you get in the vRS.

Space inside the Octavia is also very good – easily managing to fit in a family of four. The boot space alone is also huge – and you would have no trouble fitting in your mother in law or any other sort of baggage.

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On the road:

The184PS 2.0 TDi engine that’s fitted in the vRS – its enthusiastic and pretty much a perfect fit. Also, into the corners – the chassis feels poised and tight and easily deals with all the pot holes and bumps we keep finding on our British roads. The steering also feels light and direct, while Skoda’s 4X4 system has been brilliantly set up to be in tune with the Octavia – giving you maximum grip in most situations.

Power and Efficiency:

The 2.0-litre diesel engine has a 0-62 time of 7.6 seconds and a top speed of 142mph. Fuel consumption is also good, giving a combined figure of 57.7mpg. Now that’s really impressive for such a large car. Safety also seems paramount for Skoda, as it has; front side airbags and curtain airbags. It also comes with ABS, ESP + EBA as standard.

To sum up:

I like the vRS because it has a lot to offer. The vRS is practical – fun to drive – and it has bags of torque and space inside.

Price: £29,475

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