THE new Skoda Octavia vRS Estate wasn’t too fond of our cobblestoned car park thanks to its sports suspension, but once out on the roads, it was a real eye-opener.

I’d go as far as to say that practicality meets hot hatch performance in the vRS Estate. Steering is accurate and responsive and with 182bhp and 380Nm of torque, this car is fast – though you’ll still get more than 60mpg and a next-to-nothing tax bill thanks to low emissions, ensuring Skoda keeps in touch with its sensible side.

Both petrol and diesel engines are on offer and transmission options include six and seven-speed DSG gearboxes.

The line-up features the same familiar three-tier trim range (S, SE and Elegance) with every model offering more equipment than its predecessor, such as headlights that turn to follow bends, 18-inch alloy wheels (19-inch as an option) multi-function steering wheel, CD multi changer and climate control. There is a spoiler on the back window and inside, the sporty yet supportive vRS seats completes the package nicely.

Boot space is plentiful - 610-litres, expanding to 1,740 litres with the seats down. A variable boot floor option allows you to divide loadspace into two levels and create a divider to keep items in separate front and rear areas. The system can also store the retractable luggage cover and optional roof rack.

Foldaway hooks in the boot that you can hang your shopping bags on may sound simple, but it’s the little touches that make it so appealing. There is also an ice scraper in the fuel filler flap and a multimedia holder that fits into one of the cup holders to keep your phone in place.

New safety features include an Automatic Post-Collision Brake system that reduces the risk of secondary impacts in the event of an accident and a Front Assistant system, which becomes active in the case of an imminent head-to-tail accident, applying full braking force to reduce impact forces.

Other new systems include Lane Assistant (that can steer the car back into lane if the camera detects it is wandering off line) and a Driver Fatigue Sensor.

The Octavia comes with a three year or 60,000 mile warranty, and a three year membership of the RAC in case of breakdowns.

Factfile
Car: Skoda Octavia vRS Estate 2.0 TDi
On the road: £24,385
Top speed: 143mph
0-62mph: 8.2 seconds
Fuel: 61.4mpg (combined)
CO2 emissions: 119g/km