Island Life Magazine Ltd January/February 2006 | Page 63

MOTORING

the new R-class

S k o d a + v RS =
H o r s e p o we r
Unless you've had your head stuck in a bucket of sand for the
past few months you'll know that there's been a hot-hatch revival
going on.
The second-generation Skoda Octavia vRS has subtle changes from
the previous model such as the front bumper is slightly deeper; there
are some nice 18" alloys and a rather sporty rear spoiler, and green
brake calipers. The engine's a proper hot-hatch powerplant - namely
the 2.0-litre turbocharged FSi engine from the Golf GTI. Headline
figures are 197bhp and 206lb-ft of torque.
Inside, the sporty theme continues with a grey leather and plastic
combination. The seats look great, though: deeply sculptured with
impressive-looking side bolstering, and a contrasting colour scheme
of perforated leather and hard-wearing fabric. There are even some
vRS logos embroidered into the seat backs.
Once you're sitting comfortably among the cool interior, fire up the
engine and the instruments come to life.
The new Octavia vRS does have a seemingly endless amount of grip.
Throw it through a sequence of twisty bends and it delivers a decent,
if not spectacular, performance. However the ESP is rarely troubled
though and even when it does flash its telltale light, it doesn't spoil
your fun.
The engine is nice and gruff. It allows the vRS to reach the 62mph
benchmark in 7.3seconds and reach 149mph. The vRS also rides some
12mm lower than a regular Octavia and is fitted with some stiffer
sports springs that give a nice ride.
F.H Winter now have their Black vRS available for demonstration, if
you would like a test drive then please contact them at:
F.H Winter & Son
Havenstreet Garage
Ryde, Isle of Wight.
Tel: [phone]

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