Best Golf GTI ever? – Story of the Octavia vRS

Ah, Skoda. The humble Czech automaker that once was the butt of many a car joke, but look at them now! Known for its signature blend of practicality and reliability, Skoda has, in recent years, become the darling of those who appreciate an entry-level pseudo-luxury offering that delivers German reliability without the German price tag, a cut-rate Audi if of will. And then there’s the vRS line of cars, which has garnered a cult following of its own.

The Octavia Legacy

The original Octavia dates back to 1959 and was Skoda’s answer to the needs of the Czech and Slovakian markets. It was economical, roomy, and could hit a whopping 110 kph. Fast forward to 1996, and the Octavia was reborn under Volkswagen’s watchful eye, sharing much with the brilliant Mk.IV Golf. And then came the Octavia vRS, which was like the Mk.IV Golf GTI’s long-lost twin. It had the same underpinnings, the same 1.8 turbo engine, and was even a tad cheaper. It was like Skoda had taken the Golf GTI, given it a roomier back and a liftback tailgate, and said, “Here you go, world! A whole new car”

A Badge of Honour

Skoda recently celebrated the 20th anniversary of the vRS badge, also known as RS in some parts of the world where they don’t want to clash with Ford who called dibs on the badge in 1968 with the 15M RS Coupe. The back to the vRS badge, which stands for “Victory Rally Sports”, isn’t just some marketing gimmick. It’s a nod to Skoda’s success on the rally stages. And that little “v” in vRS? Well, that’s a quirky tale of Skoda not wanting to look like they’re copying Ford’s Escort RS Cosworth. So, they slapped on a “v”, and voila! One of Europe’s most successful performance divisions was born.

Octavia vRS vs. Golf GTI: The Showdown

Now, I know what you’re thinking. “The Golf GTI is the king of hot hatches!” And while I won’t argue with that, let’s look at the facts. The vRS emits less CO2, is more fuel-efficient, and while it’s a bit heavier, it offers more space and practicality. Plus, the Octavia’s sedan-like proportions are timeless, while the Mk8 GTI, though elegant, is a tad busier in design.

Under the Hood

Both the Octavia vRS and the Golf GTI are powered by a VW group staple, the EA888 2-litre turbocharged engine. The vRS petrol shares its specific outputs with the base VW, churning out 242 bhp and 273 lb-ft of torque. It can sprint from 0 to 62 mph in 6.8 seconds with the manual transmission or 6.7 seconds with the DSG. On the other hand, the Golf GTI, while having similar power figures, has its unique tuning, giving it a distinct driving feel.

The Octavia also offers a 197bhp four-cylinder turbo diesel variant, equivalent to the Golf GTD. Paired with a hefty 295 lb-ft of torque, it’s a brilliant high-speed cruiser, albeit a bit vocal under hard acceleration. The diesel variant can reach 62mph in 7.6 seconds for the two-wheel-drive version and 7.1 seconds for the 4×4, available in both hatch and estate forms.

Chassis and Handling

Skoda has tailored a specific chassis setup for all Octavia vRS models, which includes a 15mm lower ride height, stiffer spring and passive damper rates, and a wider rear track. The car is underpinned by MacPherson struts at the front and a multi-link arrangement at the rear. A Performance mode allows for a more aggressive engine and gearbox map, enhancing the engine sound through the stereo. The vRS also comes with VW group’s electronic front differential as standard.

For an additional £995, the Dynamic Chassis Control offers selectable modes for the dampers, adjusted via electronically controlled valves. The steering weights can also be adjusted, and there’s an Individual mode allowing the driver to customize various dynamic settings.

Interior and Tech

Inside, both cars are eerily similar, thanks to their shared parentage. But here’s where the Octavia shines. It’s like the Golf GTI went to finishing school and came out a bit more refined, a bit more grown-up, but still with that cheeky glimmer in its eye. The Octavia vRS is the Golf GTI’s more sophisticated cousin, the one who knows when to have fun and when to be serious. 

Inside, the Octavia boasts a digital driver’s display, a head-up display, and a new 10-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system. The cabin is adorned with carbon-fibre-like trim and Alcantara, covering a significant portion of the interior. The new sports seats, although manually adjustable, might sit some drivers too high, giving a feeling of being pitched forward.

The Golf, on the other hand, leans more towards a premium feel. It features touch-operated sliders for both climate control and volume, while the Octavia only has it for volume. The Golf also boasts an updated driver’s display, whereas the Octavia gets the last-gen tech.

A Game of Top Trumps

To paraphrase Jason Camisa, “On the streets, limit handling doesn’t matter, which is why the GTI is still the perfect combination of fun and speed.” However, when it comes to practicality and value for money, the Octavia vRS seems to have an edge. Its sedan-like proportions are classic, and Skoda’s simplicity might arguably age more gracefully than the GTI. The GTI, though more mature than before, has a busier design compared to the vRS.

The Bigger Picture

It’s essential to mention the 296 horsepower Leon Cupra R and the Jetta GLI in this discussion. The Cupra R, with its added power, comes at a premium, making the Octavia vRS and Golf GTI more appealing for those looking for performance without breaking the bank.

Octavia vRS vs. Golf GTI: The Driving Experience 

When it comes to the driving experience, both the Octavia vRS and the Golf GTI have their unique characteristics, despite sharing many components. The Golf GTI, with its rich lineage, offers a more connected and spirited drive. Its steering is precise, and the feedback from the road is more direct, making it a joy to drive on twisty roads. The GTI’s suspension, while firm, manages to strike a balance between comfort and sportiness.

The Octavia vRS, on the other hand, leans more towards comfort. Its longer wheelbase provides added stability on highways, and the suspension does an excellent job of soaking up road imperfections. While it might not be as agile as the GTI in tight corners, the vRS offers a more relaxed and comfortable drive, making it perfect for long journeys.

Practicality

The Octavia vRS shines when it comes to practicality. Its liftback design offers a cavernous boot, making it perfect for families or those who need the extra space. The rear seats offer ample legroom, and the overall cabin feels more spacious compared to the GTI. The Golf, being a hatchback, has its limitations when it comes to boot space, but it still manages to offer a decent amount of room for its size.

Value for Money

When it comes to value for money, the Octavia vRS seems to have an edge. It offers almost everything the Golf GTI does but at a slightly lower price point. The added practicality and comfort make it an excellent choice for those looking for a performance car that can also double up as a family car.

The Verdict

Choosing between the Octavia vRS and the Golf GTI is not an easy decision. Wait, what? There’s a third?

Both the Octavia vRS and the Golf GTI are cut from the same cloth, thanks to their shared lineage. But while the Golf GTI is undoubtedly a fantastic car, the Octavia vRS takes everything great about the GTI and adds a dash of practicality, a sprinkle of sophistication, and a whole lot of value. It’s the underdog that’s not just content with being in the shadows; it’s out to steal the spotlight. Both cars offer a fantastic driving experience, but they cater to slightly different audiences. If you’re looking for a more spirited and connected drive, the Golf GTI is the way to go. However, if you want a performance car that offers comfort, practicality, and value for money, the Octavia vRS is hard to beat.

And in my controversial opinion, it might just be the best Golf GTI ever made. In the end, it all boils down to personal preference and regional restrictions i.e. the version sold in your country, so if that’s the case then a Seat/Cupra Ibiza might just be the best pick for you. At the end of the day, it’s coffee out of the same machine in three distinct cups. All three cars are excellent in their own right, and you can’t go wrong with either. But one thing is for sure, the Octavia vRS has proven that Skoda can hold its own against the more established players in the performance car segment. And that, in itself, is a significant achievement.