Skoda Octavia vRS review - MPG, CO2 and Running Costs
Not quite as good as the Golf GTI, but still commendable given the performance on offer
The Octavia vRS is heavier than its Volkswagen Golf and SEAT Leon relatives and its official mpg figures are a touch less competitive as a result. However, the diesel manual version emits a respectable 119g/km of CO2, increasing its appeal for fleet buyers.
If you drive it gently, the Octavia vRS will cost little more than a regular model to run. However, the harder you drive it, the more you’ll need to spend on fuel, not to mention wear-and-tear items. The weight of the car is telling if you take it on track, where its brakes and front tyres in particular take a hammering. For most drivers, however, it should prove relatively cheap to run.
When we tested the vRS 245, it returned 38.9mpg in our hands, which was a big step over the Focus ST’s 29.8mpg figure on the same test. It means you’ll save £501 over a year’s driving in the vRS, spending £1,641 in all, showing its extra versatility.
The Octavia is cheaper to buy than a Golf GTI, but slightly more expensive than the SEAT Leon Cupra overall. Its key selling point is that it offers much more space than both.
Insurance Groups
The Octavia vRS petrol is group 29 for insurance - similar to the VW Golf GTI and better than cars like the Peugeot 308 GT and Ford Focus ST. The diesel is even better at group 26, combining with lower fuel economy to reduce costs. The Insurance group for the vRS 230 will likely be a shade higher.
Depreciation
While it doesn't have the badge kudos of VW, the Octavia vRS shouldn't drop too much of its value as it's well priced to begin with, Expect it to hold at least 40 per cent of its value after three years.
