Loved the video but can't see how a Gti club sport can be compared to a vrs.. the Gti club sport a lot more powerful. Then the octavia vrs. I just wish skoda would up the power up on the vrs to around 300hp in line with the rest of the vw group brands. Ive got the mk3 vrs estate love it
It's not a Clubsport comparison as I've said repeatedly in the video and also in the description - it's just there to demonstrate the bits that are common to the 245 PS GTI like the interior tech. I could have asked VW to lend me one but I know what the answer would have been
You would need 4 wheel drive for 300hp...245hp is as much as you need in front wheel drive...vw will not allow 4 wheel drive in skoda octavia vrs petrol
@@derekmcardle9440 that's true but cant understand why u can get a 275 hp skoda superb 4x4 and can't get the same plate form in the octavia vrs it would be a massive hit
@@glynboyes because it would take a lot of sales from vw and audi if you put a 4×4 in an octavia vrs ...I've had mk1 mk2 mk3 and now mk4 octavia vrs and the question of 4×4 oct vrs 300hp petrol has been asked since the first vrs came out ...vw have never answered the question it all comes down to sales !!!
@@volkswizard very true. Over here on in the USA we have the Jetta GLI which feels like a close competitor to the Octavia. Although the current generation is about 210 bhp, it’ll be interesting to see if the VW has plans to refresh the GLI line up here with uprated power to bring it line with the new GTI specs. Thanks for replying. Love your videos!
I’ve had a number of GTI’s including a mk1, mk2 and mk4. I’m now on my second Octavia VRS estate, a 2019 245 TFSI. I switched to VRS when my two sons were born as I needed more room than the GTI had. The VRS is brilliant as an all round car and still great fun when I get it on a B road. Big plus’s as a family car are the huge boot and the extra legroom in the back for my now teenage sons. It even pulls our caravan. Having had the VRS, I doubt I’d ever go back to the GTI due to the extra practicality of the VRS.
I've still got my mk2 Octavia vrs. 2007 it looks like new. Can't find anything to give me the space, performance for decent money. They're a difficult car to replace.
Just sold polo GTI plus, quality of in my opinion has got worse. After looking at vw golf GTI I decided to buy octavia vrs TDI 4x4 estate as I think it is a better car. Car now 1 week old.
Agree and thats the reason why I bought the VRS over the Mk8 GTI; VW have really messed up the looks and cut corners to save cost...plus the standard equipment levels on the VRS are brilliant, those matrix LED headlights are brilliant!
Skoda does have a trim based on their sportier models like the R-Line in VW, it’s called Sportline. It’s available on other models and was on the last generation of Octavia. I would imagine it’ll appear later down the line.
Didn’t take them long, there’s an Octavia Sportline on the way with either the 1.5 TSI or 2.0 TSI, the latter with 190PS, 7 speed DSG and 4WD as standard. Interesting ‘warm’ hatch or estate.
Not a valid comparison, The Skoda is a better car all round and alot cheaper ,37k for a golf no thanks.No mention of boot space ,Family space or any simply clever skoda extras .Obviously a golf fan I will stick to car wow .
Your bias towards loving golfs really shines through which is not a good thing, more neutrality would ne good, seemed like you were trying to find faults on the skoda to support your preference to golfs in general....
@@volkswizard exactly, two little kids, a stroller standard in the trunk and still have the possibility to get the weekly groceries or holiday stuff as suitcases. Thé reason we bought an Octavia Estate again; this time with some more power: a vRS. We consider to buy an Up GTI as second car.
Just bought a 2019 VRS Manual Estate as I have a large dog who is still growing! I'm 50 so perfect for me and is no poor relation to the 2011 Golf R in our Family fleet. Drove a current Octavia as a loan car and the switches under the touchscreen sounded and felt fine...
No mention of the crap haptic buttons on the golf steering wheel? Bias review. Octavia is a better car, and much better looking then the mono brow golf.
Sorry, but there is more negativity around Octavia vs Golf review. You missed lined door pockets, cup holder cover, etc. As a Golf mk7 owner, I would prefer this new Octavia. Also, new Golf GTI CS gets the same door insides as the most basic 1.0 TSI Golf. Skoda has improved it a lot in Octavia vs a base model. But I agree that GTI seems to be more fun. That VRS’s start-up is really lame.
I found this review a little biased towards the Golf. I mean the plastic trim around the cup holders really isn’t cheap feeling. He also mentioned the alcantara on the dash was inconsistent. It’s is just Skoda focusing on the main touch points. He didn’t even mentioned how nice the Skoda steering wheel is.
@@aaaaplaySkoda any day of the week. With a name like volkswizard it was only a kids my VW is better than YOUR SKODA. Some of his comments seemed a little childish. Oh and those button making kids toys noises were hilariously funny. This guy is a bit OCD golf I think 😂😂😂😂😂 take care, and stay safe.
As having an Octavia VRS 2021, I can say that is the best thing the VAG Group did in last times. Is just mindblowing, is perfect. I Don't agree with your review, the octavia is not soft, and quality/price is unbeatable by far.
@@volkswizard No mention of crap haptic buttons on the steering wheel that activate the seating heating when turning, the ugly as a hatful of arseholes mono brow front end and the fact is has worst seats than the vRS. Spent a good 5 mins moaning about the angle of the screen though in the Skoda though. Scraping the bottom of the barrel champ. Skoda is a better looking car. New golfs look crap from the front.
You don't typically choose the VRS over a GTi or a Cupra unless practically is an issue. I must be getting old as I think it looks great and I love all the old man touches, a comfy ride suits me with my back as do good seats with adjustable lumbar and my little one isn't getting smaller, but I'm a boy racer at heart so the 19" alloys, the sporty touches like the dash and little lip spoiler along with a decent turn of pace just make more sense to me than the rivals at this price point. It looking old in 4/5 years isn't going to bother too many people, PCP and lease deals fall in line with that and it will be time to upgrade anyway.
Interior quality / layout and ride seem to be the biggest issues you addressed, fixing one would likely place it right at the GTi price point (which Skoda will be keen to have a gap) and the other is subjective I guess, you did have the car on adaptive suspension at £1k optional cost. Would be interesting to see what the standard set up is like. The exhaust making sod all noise is annoying imo, but I guess they have load of tat helping with emmisons in place, could be why it has slightly better stats than the Gti in that area.
VW know what they are doing. Different buyers and ultimately needs. I bought my vRS because of the space (and value). A few years on, I don’t need the space now, so my needs have changed.
So am I. I had the Ltd Ed Mk1 Fabia VRS, then the Mk2 VRS Fabia Estate and now the Mk 3 Octavia VRS Challenger Estate. I had to look at the Octavia because Skoda would not produce another Fabia VRS. No regrets and can now easily fit my bike in the boot which was a little tight in the Mk 2 Fabia. However, there are days when I really miss that twin charger, it was such fun to drive even though it lacked the better braking and handling of the Octavia. A bit like comparing your adolescence to adulthood lol.
@@volkswizardno, the point was to put it in the inferior box to your beloved Golf’s. Watch just about every other review of the VRs, no one else reviews it in such a poor way as you do. It’s simply so much better than you say.
How about turning the sound in the cabin or fake engine noise sound on , this video is no comparison to a club sport, you just love your club sport..no comparison really thats 40 mins of my life gone , but hey ho you either love the vrs or you don't .
02:49 Mate I don't think VW Group emissions figures should be taken seriously, whenever I read VAG figures I take them as Folklore or Urban Legends or Mathematically incorrect or Undefined😂😂😂😂😂🚮
I think before that was true but they have to be squeaky clean now as does the whole industry, I can only assume a 19" wheels with 225/40 tyre is going to raise the gearing which might explain it maybe?
You are a vw snob!!! Past over quickly all the things that vrs is so much better then the Gti you also need to test the VRS with DCC it's a completely different car also need to see the optional extra seats in electric and alcantara so much better then the standard seats !!!
What exactly did I pass over quickly that the vRS is so much better than? If you missed the fact this car had did have DCC you probably missed quite a lot of other stuff I said too
@@volkswizard sorry about the DCC !!! iDCC must have a completely different setup in Ireland ...it completely changes the dynamics of the car and the sound generator is extremely loud in different modes and can be adjusted...brush over the boot space the rear legroom the gas bonnet struts the glasses holder the extra storage the snow brush and umbrella in the doors the lower emissions larger and better breaks better steering wheel buttons the interior is better then you made it out to be ..vrs is a much better looking car !!!
Just ordered an Octavia Vrs in race blue with DCC for the comfort mode round town and then sport mode for some fun. Good quick car with loads of room and huge boot. Seems you didn’t turn the sound on and although a fake noise, it’s adds to the fun.
I’m getting the new vrs petrol. Was going to but the new gti but as I’m 6 ft 3 , my wife is 6 ft and we have a 4 year old with all the stuff needed the golf is just not practical enough. No room in the back
I’ve had 4 Golfs and 2 Octavia’s. Im sorry to say but I would take the Skoda over the VW. It’s got a classier image. The Golf R nobheads have turned the Golf into the number 1 chav mobile.
The decision to buy an Octavia 4 vRS above a Golf GTI was the space for luggage and stroller. Off course we realised the VW is higher in the “premium” line then Škoda but there is no Golf Variant GTI and sorry but I put the Škoda brand above Seat with their cheap looking interior. It’s al about perception... as second car we have an Up GTI.
Still trying to work out if you can show the gear number selected (not just D/S), and can't find a way to fine tune the proximity of the adaptive cruise control as you could on a Mk 3. But that apart, and the little niggles with the infotainment interface, this new vRS is an amazing piece of kit.
My dad has had Octavia VRS for nearly 11 years and I have to admit that like the Golf they are amazing but between them I have always found it hard to find a favourite
I think the GTI is a great car and maybe if I didn't have two young kids I'd be of the same opinion but the VRS offers practically and a bit of fun when you need it. It just works as a family car and is a usable car that's easy to live with (if you spec dcc)
I have owned 4 golf GTi or GTDs over the years. However this time I’ve ordered a new VRS EV. Overall I think it’s a better car than the equivalent Golf GTE. Looks, space, drive, simply clever plus the step back in quality in the Golf made my decision easy. Losing the gas struts on the bonnet was a big mistake by VW.
It's weird the little things people get hung up on. How often do you open the bonnet, and stick tech too much for you? I'll take that over the Golf's naff haptic buttons on the steering wheel and the non-illuminated haptic slider on the dash.. Now's that's something that is annoying every time you drive it, not once in a blue moon.
Excellent review, excellent video as usual! My question is as follows : which one would you have? A 2019 Octavia VRS estate that has 10k miles on the clock and save the extra cash, or the new one? Is the 4th generation worth the extra cash? Thanks! Cheers!
Stick with the old model and pocket the difference. Same engine/drivetrain, you'd be basically paying for updated infotainment and a slightly nicer cabin ambience. Is that worth several thousand bucks?
Who cares about the plastics down beside your thigh? Why sweat it? Oh gee, the plastics down by the lower centre console are a bit hard and scratchy.. does someone really give a damn about this sort of thing? Probably the same type of nit picking git who spends a hundred bucks on a kettle because it 'looks so nice and has beautiful silver lettering in cursive script' but it still boils water exactly the same as the twenty buck kettle! VW/Audi will gladly take your money and make a nice fat profit off your hard-earned, leave Skoda to less pedantic buyers who know value when they see it.
im sorry to all the skoda drivers , but they are for comfort no matter how many V's R's and S's they put on it , it is not sporty its brisk and comfortable , just a huge car with a good engine
And that's just what Skoda meant it to be - a family conveyance with lots of luggage space, some good straight-line and cornering performance without being so hardcore it alienates the intended buyer group.
A stage 1 or 2 tune and DCC in sport modes fixes that! Not sporty my arse! Don't be sorry, we are happy campers. Sorry you and others have to look at the front end of that Mk 8 golf. Ugly as a hatful of arseholes....:)
comparing sport club to normal vrs is funny to me, 245 hp to 300hp, and many more things are different, and clubsport starts at 45000€ skoda does at 36000, it even has more space and is better daily driver.
Back at ya with the Octavia looks like a BMW which isn't bad but it's hardly forging a strong identity of its own. There is something a bit suspect about its proportions when you see them on the road too
You do have to be careful but it's a wide road if people use the edge, the grass is drier now too so that's your emergency option as there are no kerbs. I'm going to miss driving it in the dark soon as you can see cars coming for miles off with the headlights. The GTI section of that video was an obstacle course. It's a 60 mph road too and one of the few where you can demonstrate a modern capable hot hatch within the speed limit. I used to use it a lot but most of the time now I go the longer way on the Fosse Way if not filming, especially if an SUV or Honda Jazz has turned down it just before I was going to...
@@volkswizard I've driven the Chesterton Road a few times (local to me too) in my R. It's a great drivers road but as you say it's the traffic coming the other way that's a bit unnerving and yes, not really much space to get past all those drivers visiting the windmill!
I've just bought a mk3 2017 Octavia 4x4 Sportline 150hk diesel. Fully equipped. Haven't had the chance to try it yet (My dad has though). Looks really nice! Cant wait for Monday to come.
I have always thought the VRS makes most sense as an estate. That for me is it's real market for people that would like a hot hatch, but have kids and a dog to accommodate. I think it's great how well equipped the Skoda is as standard. That really put me off the old model. I see no reason why they couldn't build an estate with the Golf R underpinning. That would be a brilliant car.
I doubt it will ever be a Golf R rival but it gives you the chance to have a GTI Estate which VW will never build. The hatch is quite good looking though which is handy as some people don't want the utlitarian look of an estate
I think I prefer the VRS to the MK8 and the estate is impressive. Although it’s not a comparison to the club sport I don’t see why you test drove the club sport. The VRS is the better motorway cruiser and family car.
All good cars but the Clubsport is the only pure drivers car out of the 3 and that’s what I wanted amongst other things. It’s a Golf,?practical, smart but it will do Porsches on track days. R really isn’t as exciting to drive as the reviews are confirming. Please don’t mention drag races on this channel 😆👍
@@butchmeister80 for someone looking at this car, and from a sales perspective this video was very good! Gave you all the information you could of wanted
That's not the way it appeared to me. It's the same or maybe a little better for the Golf. VW Group know exactly how to position these cars in the market so people aren't drawn too much by the Skoda. It would make no sense to reduce the built quality of the Golf so it was lower than the Skoda especially when material quality is visibly superior in many obvious areas.
Not in Germany it doesn't! It's Skoda's number 1 export country!!!!!!!!!!!! Besides, the winged arrow emblem is much more elegant than just a boring VW one!!!!!!!
Get real A skoda v golf different motors fo different scenarios one for messing about an one for family wiv a bit of oomph Miight as well compare silk wiv cotton Patronising
So true, just wish it had more grunt to match the sporty looks. I definitely think they'd sell more but I guess they don't want to upstage the other vag brands.
Great review. This VRS surprises me, it all looks like badge engineering. I had the Mk1 VRS (in 2003) I traded my Mk4 GTI in for it. I loved the car, more BHP than the GTI and looked more sporty too. I now have a TCR got it in May '19 and still love it. By the looks of it the GTI CS is a better driving car, but for me the looks of the 7.5 are better.
Good point, first vRS was 180 before Mk4 Golf got the 180 but it did in the end and vRS was hobbled then by the cumersome 5 speed box when Mk4 180 got a slick six speeder. Was that to save money on vRS or to keep the GTI ahead?
Obviously the co2 and power varies depending on which car they test,all engines will differ.My F10 M5 always felt really quick and as standard it was dyno"d at 606 BHP and a claim of 560,with a few miles on my old mk5 GTI showed 230.
But it can go the other way...my wife's ibiza 1.4 always felt a slug to me and gave 66 BHP against 85,those escaped horses were recaptured with a remap and an intake making it more pleasant. VW chasing economy there,but that went up from 37 ish to 42.
@@volkswizard Yes and thanks to that positivity great review on the VRS I have one coming in 3 weeks 2023 with full spec DCC . Take care Andrew. Ps reading the comments seems like you pissed off all the wrong people who own VRS, nice one and love your videos 😂🎉
Good content Andrew and I am fairly sure you will agree. Simple one for me. If you want a quick, capable well built larger family car with space, but not overly fussy about styling go for the Skoda. If you want to be seen in, and enjoy driving an iconic useable hot hatch it's the golf GTi/Clubsport every time, so it wins hands down. VRS a good car but not a great one!
Eye test required. Skoda looks way better, especially from the front. Unless you also have a caterpillar hibernating on your brow and are used to that look.
A little tip that some people may not have realised is that in the Golf if you want to drive manually it’s best to put it in sports mode first as it will then stay in manual. If you’re in normal drive it will go back to auto after a short time.
I noticed too in my R that if you put it in S and it’s hanging onto gears a bit you can use the cruise to set a speed and it will then go up to 7th - but when you need to do a quick overtake, merge etc on the motorway, press cancel and it’ll kick down a couple of gears immediately... I find in normal D it’s quite sluggish to get going unless you manually click it down a couple of gears
Great review Andrew, far more valuable detail than most car magazines I have read on the new vrs. I was considering a vrs or a mk8 GTI, I chose the GTI for the extra fun factor and overall golf quality and wellbeing. I also have a b9 A4 3.0 272 for family long trips. I can however totally understand those who choose the vrs if it was their main family car. It’s a rare breed - a high performance family large hatch. Not many large hatches or saloons to choose from at this price point. Can’t think of a Ford or Vauxhall sized equivalent now a days
A comparison I was very interested in seeing - having driven Skodas, VWs & Audi's, your remarks on the interior quality are spot on (although the gap between VW & Audi is pretty miniscule, I think). I actually quite like the fact that the VRS has no fake noise - only noise I really want to hear from the car IS the engine. My Golf R (7.5) does have an over loud exhaust (not in Race mode either), which isn't great when I'm heading to work at 4am🤣). Im not a fan of exhaust crackles & pops anyway - I like subtlety 🤣. I don't think I'd buy a VRs myself, but I can see the appeal of it - I'm guessing it's also available as an estate? That would fill a niche that VW & Audi don't have (a GTi estate/A3 Avant), which is good. To be honest, I don't think I could live with the irritation that is the modern tech in these cars (I find my 7.5 a bit "teccy" & my Wife's new A3 Edition 1 drives me nuts - wish we'd found a previous gen A3 - she prefers my 7.5 Golf too!). What would be an interesting video would be a 3 or 4 way shootout with the VRs, an equivalent Leon, a GTi & possibly an equivalent A3 (although I don't think there is one). One other point....does the GTi Clubsport have foglamps? They seem to be missing, compared to the "regular" GTi?
sounds like this is more the motorway cruiser which still offers some fun when you feel like it whereas the gti/cs is more b road blaster? seeing as you mention how much softer the vrs is, i wonder what it would be like on passive dampers with those 19s, could be a way to save a few more quid?
DCC is always worth it on a Golf at under £800, over £1k I’d want to test drive both. There is a subtle brittleness to the Octavia over sunken manhole covers etc, it will bang. Oddly GTI never feels like that even though it’s harder and on passive damper
Hi Andrew I know you've already got a GTI cs but let's just say given the choice and the budget for a standard GTI and the VRS which would you choose. Would you be brave enough to change your mind and pick the VRS over the equivalent spec golf GTI or would you stick to what your comfortable with.
I'd still go base GTI, after all this video was based on the rival car being a 245 PS car and having driven one and remembering it clearly, it didn't suffer from the 4 issues the vRS does.
@@volkswizard getting one delivered in a couple of weeks and will be interested to see how it compares with the 7.5 R I've been driving. The new R didn't quite fit the bill, I need a slightly bigger boot and the kit you get with the Formentor makes it fantastic value compared to a fully specced R. Looks better too I think. Plus it's from stock so no 6 month 😬
I Remember the days when the Mk1 Vrs was much better than the equivalent Golf GTI. Volkswagon group must have realised it later I guess and put a stop to it happening again.... Its a shame it turned out like this what with the better rally heritage that Skoda has over VW. The VRS is not a patch on the car it once was. Shame.
Loved the video but can't see how a Gti club sport can be compared to a vrs.. the Gti club sport a lot more powerful. Then the octavia vrs. I just wish skoda would up the power up on the vrs to around 300hp in line with the rest of the vw group brands. Ive got the mk3 vrs estate love it
It's not a Clubsport comparison as I've said repeatedly in the video and also in the description - it's just there to demonstrate the bits that are common to the 245 PS GTI like the interior tech. I could have asked VW to lend me one but I know what the answer would have been
You would need 4 wheel drive for 300hp...245hp is as much as you need in front wheel drive...vw will not allow 4 wheel drive in skoda octavia vrs petrol
@@derekmcardle9440 that's true but cant understand why u can get a 275 hp skoda superb 4x4 and can't get the same plate form in the octavia vrs it would be a massive hit
@@glynboyes because it would take a lot of sales from vw and audi if you put a 4×4 in an octavia vrs ...I've had mk1 mk2 mk3 and now mk4 octavia vrs and the question of 4×4 oct vrs 300hp petrol has been asked since the first vrs came out ...vw have never answered the question it all comes down to sales !!!
@@derekmcardle9440 seat do it with the Leon cupra St 300hp 4x4.
Judging by the comments there’s a lot more love for the VRS than the GTI.
When Skoda make a better looking car than the GTI you know VW design team definitely got something wrong.
Yes but will the tables turn as time goes on? 8 year model cycle so Octavia could look a bit dated well before end of that
@@volkswizard very true. Over here on in the USA we have the Jetta GLI which feels like a close competitor to the Octavia. Although the current generation is about 210 bhp, it’ll be interesting to see if the VW has plans to refresh the GLI line up here with uprated power to bring it line with the new GTI specs. Thanks for replying. Love your videos!
Skoda might update this Octavia already in 2024. Mk3 had a significant mid cycle facelift.
@@madisjaagura I’m hoping the MK8 Golf will be a MK8.5 before long to get rid of that horrendous front end....
@William Jefferson then why have Skoda sold over a million cars in China, are very popular in India, Australia and Russia also!!!!!!!
I’ve had a number of GTI’s including a mk1, mk2 and mk4. I’m now on my second Octavia VRS estate, a 2019 245 TFSI. I switched to VRS when my two sons were born as I needed more room than the GTI had. The VRS is brilliant as an all round car and still great fun when I get it on a B road. Big plus’s as a family car are the huge boot and the extra legroom in the back for my now teenage sons. It even pulls our caravan. Having had the VRS, I doubt I’d ever go back to the GTI due to the extra practicality of the VRS.
I've still got my mk2 Octavia vrs. 2007 it looks like new. Can't find anything to give me the space, performance for decent money. They're a difficult car to replace.
Tbh I like the look of the Octavia then the golf. Plus it’s more practical and roomier as well
Just sold polo GTI plus, quality of in my opinion has got worse. After looking at vw golf GTI I decided to buy octavia vrs TDI 4x4 estate as I think it is a better car. Car now 1 week old.
Suspension on the 17 GTI is a joke....
@@davidhaygarth648 how come?
@@kamrankhan-lj1ng Bouncy and wallowy and nosiey. Not what i expected...
Good move.
The Octavia for me. It looks so good compared to the Golf.
Agree and thats the reason why I bought the VRS over the Mk8 GTI; VW have really messed up the looks and cut corners to save cost...plus the standard equipment levels on the VRS are brilliant, those matrix LED headlights are brilliant!
The Skoda looks so much better from the front and back.
Skoda does have a trim based on their sportier models like the R-Line in VW, it’s called Sportline. It’s available on other models and was on the last generation of Octavia. I would imagine it’ll appear later down the line.
Didn’t take them long, there’s an Octavia Sportline on the way with either the 1.5 TSI or 2.0 TSI, the latter with 190PS, 7 speed DSG and 4WD as standard. Interesting ‘warm’ hatch or estate.
I prefer the skoda. Cheaper, better looking, bigger boot, more space for friends to actually enjoy the ride and ofc cheaper :P
Not a valid comparison, The Skoda is a better car all round and alot cheaper ,37k for a golf no thanks.No mention of boot space ,Family space or any simply clever skoda extras .Obviously a golf fan I will stick to car wow .
I think the Skoda is so much nicer inside and out.
Yep, a lesson in confirmation bias.
The VW interior quality is miles ahead of the Skoda’s
Your bias towards loving golfs really shines through which is not a good thing, more neutrality would ne good, seemed like you were trying to find faults on the skoda to support your preference to golfs in general....
Yes it was a bit cringe 😂
I’m pretty sure the VRS has an option to pump engine sound into the cabin. Yours sounded like it was turned off.
Octavia, because its more practical for my needs.
I think that's the USP of the Octavia, if you really need and use the space, it's got very little competition
@@volkswizard exactly, two little kids, a stroller standard in the trunk and still have the possibility to get the weekly groceries or holiday stuff as suitcases. Thé reason we bought an Octavia Estate again; this time with some more power: a vRS. We consider to buy an Up GTI as second car.
But the golf will be easier to park.
Just bought a 2019 VRS Manual Estate as I have a large dog who is still growing! I'm 50 so perfect for me and is no poor relation to the 2011 Golf R in our Family fleet. Drove a current Octavia as a loan car and the switches under the touchscreen sounded and felt fine...
No mention of the crap haptic buttons on the golf steering wheel? Bias review. Octavia is a better car, and much better looking then the mono brow golf.
Sorry, but there is more negativity around Octavia vs Golf review.
You missed lined door pockets, cup holder cover, etc.
As a Golf mk7 owner, I would prefer this new Octavia.
Also, new Golf GTI CS gets the same door insides as the most basic 1.0 TSI Golf. Skoda has improved it a lot in Octavia vs a base model.
But I agree that GTI seems to be more fun. That VRS’s start-up is really lame.
Does this just say that the base golf is better than the vrs in those aspects then??
I found this review a little biased towards the Golf. I mean the plastic trim around the cup holders really isn’t cheap feeling. He also mentioned the alcantara on the dash was inconsistent. It’s is just Skoda focusing on the main touch points. He didn’t even mentioned how nice the Skoda steering wheel is.
@@aaaaplaySkoda any day of the week. With a name like volkswizard it was only a kids my VW is better than YOUR SKODA. Some of his comments seemed a little childish. Oh and those button making kids toys noises were hilariously funny. This guy is a bit OCD golf I think 😂😂😂😂😂 take care, and stay safe.
Really like the new Octavia! Very cool design for a very very good price. Curious how the Cupra Leon 2.0 TSI will compare to the Clubsport
As having an Octavia VRS 2021, I can say that is the best thing the VAG Group did in last times. Is just mindblowing, is perfect. I Don't agree with your review, the octavia is not soft, and quality/price is unbeatable by far.
Brought a 2020 vRS estate, love it. Best car I have ever owned, and reminds me of my old WRX GC8 wagon.
I went from a 230bhp Octavia VRS to a Golf R and haven't looked back but the VRS was an awesome car.
I have the same experience.
Went from a 7GTI to a 7R.
The GTI is great, but the R is just the complete package.
Octavia looks so much better om ever corner . Inside is just night and day between them. Octavia just looks more upmarket.
It does on video but in reality, not so sure
You was never going to like the Skoda this review is biased
Is that right? Do you own a Skoda by any chance? Let me know where you think I am showing bias and I'll show you I am not
volkswizard would love the golf even if it looked like a pig, the Gti looks like a pig with lipstick
@@volkswizard No mention of crap haptic buttons on the steering wheel that activate the seating heating when turning, the ugly as a hatful of arseholes mono brow front end and the fact is has worst seats than the vRS. Spent a good 5 mins moaning about the angle of the screen though in the Skoda though. Scraping the bottom of the barrel champ. Skoda is a better looking car. New golfs look crap from the front.
You don't typically choose the VRS over a GTi or a Cupra unless practically is an issue.
I must be getting old as I think it looks great and I love all the old man touches, a comfy ride suits me with my back as do good seats with adjustable lumbar and my little one isn't getting smaller, but I'm a boy racer at heart so the 19" alloys, the sporty touches like the dash and little lip spoiler along with a decent turn of pace just make more sense to me than the rivals at this price point.
It looking old in 4/5 years isn't going to bother too many people, PCP and lease deals fall in line with that and it will be time to upgrade anyway.
It definitely does have a market and the one you've described is spot on. I just think it could be better without losing that market
Interior quality / layout and ride seem to be the biggest issues you addressed, fixing one would likely place it right at the GTi price point (which Skoda will be keen to have a gap) and the other is subjective I guess, you did have the car on adaptive suspension at £1k optional cost. Would be interesting to see what the standard set up is like.
The exhaust making sod all noise is annoying imo, but I guess they have load of tat helping with emmisons in place, could be why it has slightly better stats than the Gti in that area.
Lot of car for the money, I’m looking at the Hybrid VRS as it’s the most interesting car in the company list.
If it’s like the GTE it won’t be a very inspiring drive
Take a look at one in the flesh first, the hybrids ride higher due to suspension setup and it looks strange.
@@volkswizard I get that but it's all about the tax saving hence why a hybrid is a must. It's either this, a GTE or a Merc A250e.
Just 2 minutes in in the video and the Octavia wins on front end style. That Golf is ugly, what are VW playing at?
Feels like this golf is a cheap knockoff. Feels very un golf like
True, the mono brow design is a huge step back. Mk 7.5 have just gone up in value! Geez the new Golf R is fast though! 0-100 in 3.9!
VW know what they are doing. Different buyers and ultimately needs. I bought my vRS because of the space (and value). A few years on, I don’t need the space now, so my needs have changed.
I'm on my 3rd VRS. I currently have a 2020 VRS Challenge, I love it.
So am I. I had the Ltd Ed Mk1 Fabia VRS, then the Mk2 VRS Fabia Estate and now the Mk 3 Octavia VRS Challenger Estate. I had to look at the Octavia because Skoda would not produce another Fabia VRS. No regrets and can now easily fit my bike in the boot which was a little tight in the Mk 2 Fabia. However, there are days when I really miss that twin charger, it was such fun to drive even though it lacked the better braking and handling of the Octavia. A bit like comparing your adolescence to adulthood lol.
it was never designed to be an equal to a golf, it's a more affordable alternative......
I get that, the point of video is to explore if the Golf is worth the premium.
@@volkswizardno, the point was to put it in the inferior box to your beloved Golf’s. Watch just about every other review of the VRs, no one else reviews it in such a poor way as you do. It’s simply so much better than you say.
Take the skoda every day!
How about turning the sound in the cabin or fake engine noise sound on , this video is no comparison to a club sport, you just love your club sport..no comparison really thats 40 mins of my life gone , but hey ho you either love the vrs or you don't .
02:49 Mate I don't think VW Group emissions figures should be taken seriously, whenever I read VAG figures I take them as Folklore or Urban Legends or Mathematically incorrect or Undefined😂😂😂😂😂🚮
I think before that was true but they have to be squeaky clean now as does the whole industry, I can only assume a 19" wheels with 225/40 tyre is going to raise the gearing which might explain it maybe?
VRS is the boss and the Golf boys and girls know that too but the alloys could be a bit more grown up
Skoda for me also it's much better looking
Great video. The Vrs does have augmented fake exhaust sounds. It must have been turned off in the settings
You are a vw snob!!! Past over quickly all the things that vrs is so much better then the Gti you also need to test the VRS with DCC it's a completely different car also need to see the optional extra seats in electric and alcantara so much better then the standard seats !!!
What exactly did I pass over quickly that the vRS is so much better than? If you missed the fact this car had did have DCC you probably missed quite a lot of other stuff I said too
@@volkswizard sorry about the DCC !!! iDCC must have a completely different setup in Ireland ...it completely changes the dynamics of the car and the sound generator is extremely loud in different modes and can be adjusted...brush over the boot space the rear legroom the gas bonnet struts the glasses holder the extra storage the snow brush and umbrella in the doors the lower emissions larger and better breaks better steering wheel buttons the interior is better then you made it out to be ..vrs is a much better looking car !!!
Just ordered an Octavia Vrs in race blue with DCC for the comfort mode round town and then sport mode for some fun. Good quick car with loads of room and huge boot. Seems you didn’t turn the sound on and although a fake noise, it’s adds to the fun.
It doesn't have the fake noise.
@@italianjob4947 - yes it does. Watch some other reviews.
@@14Jem No it doesn't. Not in the UK.
It should be on in sport mode by defsuit and it wasn’t
@@volkswizard - well that’s a blow. Most disappointed 🙄
I’m getting the new vrs petrol. Was going to but the new gti but as I’m 6 ft 3 , my wife is 6 ft and we have a 4 year old with all the stuff needed the golf is just not practical enough. No room in the back
Skoda Octavia vrs
All day long .
I’ve had 4 Golfs and 2 Octavia’s.
Im sorry to say but I would take the Skoda over the VW. It’s got a classier image.
The Golf R nobheads have turned the Golf into the number 1 chav mobile.
The decision to buy an Octavia 4 vRS above a Golf GTI was the space for luggage and stroller. Off course we realised the VW is higher in the “premium” line then Škoda but there is no Golf Variant GTI and sorry but I put the Škoda brand above Seat with their cheap looking interior. It’s al about perception... as second car we have an Up GTI.
The GTI is louder both in engine noise and cabin noise. There was certainly a lot more road noise in the cabin compared with the Octavia.
I’ve got a VRS PHEV Wagon on order, I cannot wait
Still trying to work out if you can show the gear number selected (not just D/S), and can't find a way to fine tune the proximity of the adaptive cruise control as you could on a Mk 3. But that apart, and the little niggles with the infotainment interface, this new vRS is an amazing piece of kit.
Proximity is set by the little toggle switch on top of the cruise control stalk.
I had a mk1 vrs - loved it
Now got a Honda
Hondas going…getting another vRS
I've had hodas for 20 years, just changed to vrs 245 and like it a lot . A better daily driver.
My dad has had Octavia VRS for nearly 11 years and I have to admit that like the Golf they are amazing but between them I have always found it hard to find a favourite
wow I like the looks of the vrs
Nice review, funny more people are complaining the screen of the new Golf over the new Octavia.
Indeed, that was my point - dieselgate has a lot to answer for
VRS is great value for money and works in the real world for most people. It looks really good too. The Golf is more about having fun.
I think the GTI is a great car and maybe if I didn't have two young kids I'd be of the same opinion but the VRS offers practically and a bit of fun when you need it. It just works as a family car and is a usable car that's easy to live with (if you spec dcc)
Can't argue with that Riaan, the extra space must be great if you need it regularly👍
I have owned 4 golf GTi or GTDs over the years. However this time I’ve ordered a new VRS EV. Overall I think it’s a better car than the equivalent Golf GTE. Looks, space, drive, simply clever plus the step back in quality in the Golf made my decision easy. Losing the gas struts on the bonnet was a big mistake by VW.
It's weird the little things people get hung up on. How often do you open the bonnet, and stick tech too much for you? I'll take that over the Golf's naff haptic buttons on the steering wheel and the non-illuminated haptic slider on the dash.. Now's that's something that is annoying every time you drive it, not once in a blue moon.
Great review loving the clubsport think it will be my next car, the octavia seem good value for money though liking the seats
Excellent review, excellent video as usual! My question is as follows : which one would you have? A 2019 Octavia VRS estate that has 10k miles on the clock and save the extra cash, or the new one? Is the 4th generation worth the extra cash?
Thanks! Cheers!
I think because of *that* screen, it would have to be the old one.
Stick with the old model and pocket the difference. Same engine/drivetrain, you'd be basically paying for updated infotainment and a slightly nicer cabin ambience. Is that worth several thousand bucks?
Who cares about the plastics down beside your thigh? Why sweat it? Oh gee, the plastics down by the lower centre console are a bit hard and scratchy.. does someone really give a damn about this sort of thing? Probably the same type of nit picking git who spends a hundred bucks on a kettle because it 'looks so nice and has beautiful silver lettering in cursive script' but it still boils water exactly the same as the twenty buck kettle! VW/Audi will gladly take your money and make a nice fat profit off your hard-earned, leave Skoda to less pedantic buyers who know value when they see it.
im sorry to all the skoda drivers , but they are for comfort no matter how many V's R's and S's they put on it , it is not sporty its brisk and comfortable , just a huge car with a good engine
And that's just what Skoda meant it to be - a family conveyance with lots of luggage space, some good straight-line and cornering performance without being so hardcore it alienates the intended buyer group.
A stage 1 or 2 tune and DCC in sport modes fixes that! Not sporty my arse!
Don't be sorry, we are happy campers. Sorry you and others have to look at the front end of that Mk 8 golf. Ugly as a hatful of arseholes....:)
The golf mk 8 looks like it’s 7 years old already.
comparing sport club to normal vrs is funny to me, 245 hp to 300hp, and many more things are different, and clubsport starts at 45000€ skoda does at 36000, it even has more space and is better daily driver.
Yes! No fake noise no fake crackles, love that.
I would much rather have the Octavia
I have a b8 passat GT and i would have the Octavia no worries
You can easily map the skoda and add an aftermarket exhaust to the vrs. Still will be cheaper than the equivalent gti 👍
Warranty gone though, plus infotainment screen is the biggest issue.
@@volkswizard yeah very good point.
That Golf just looks so uninspiring, generic and boring, no thanks. I'd take a vrs estate.
Back at ya with the Octavia looks like a BMW which isn't bad but it's hardly forging a strong identity of its own. There is something a bit suspect about its proportions when you see them on the road too
@@volkswizard nah, nothing wrong with its proportions, I've seen plenty of them. That Golf is ordinary.
@@volkswizardjust a salty biased response from a Golf fanboy! 😂
Golf looks shiitake LOL get the octi
You're braver than I am Andrew driving that spirited along that narrow Chesterton Road!
You do have to be careful but it's a wide road if people use the edge, the grass is drier now too so that's your emergency option as there are no kerbs. I'm going to miss driving it in the dark soon as you can see cars coming for miles off with the headlights. The GTI section of that video was an obstacle course. It's a 60 mph road too and one of the few where you can demonstrate a modern capable hot hatch within the speed limit. I used to use it a lot but most of the time now I go the longer way on the Fosse Way if not filming, especially if an SUV or Honda Jazz has turned down it just before I was going to...
@@volkswizard I've driven the Chesterton Road a few times (local to me too) in my R. It's a great drivers road but as you say it's the traffic coming the other way that's a bit unnerving and yes, not really much space to get past all those drivers visiting the windmill!
Mk3 Octavia had a Sportline trim below vRS towards the end of its life. Maybe Mk4 will get a Sportline trim added over time?
I've just bought a mk3 2017 Octavia 4x4 Sportline 150hk diesel. Fully equipped. Haven't had the chance to try it yet (My dad has though). Looks really nice! Cant wait for Monday to come.
my friends 2014 skoda octavia had struts on the bonnet .
Ahh, might have got that wrong then.
I have always thought the VRS makes most sense as an estate. That for me is it's real market for people that would like a hot hatch, but have kids and a dog to accommodate. I think it's great how well equipped the Skoda is as standard. That really put me off the old model. I see no reason why they couldn't build an estate with the Golf R underpinning. That would be a brilliant car.
I doubt it will ever be a Golf R rival but it gives you the chance to have a GTI Estate which VW will never build. The hatch is quite good looking though which is handy as some people don't want the utlitarian look of an estate
@@volkswizard Golf is bringing out an R wagon mate.
Yes get vRS
I think I prefer the VRS to the MK8 and the estate is impressive. Although it’s not a comparison to the club sport I don’t see why you test drove the club sport. The VRS is the better motorway cruiser and family car.
tbh i would of took a formentor over the golf gti but i still would of paid £20 extra a month for the golf r over the gti.... 🖒
All good cars but the Clubsport is the only pure drivers car out of the 3 and that’s what I wanted amongst other things. It’s a Golf,?practical, smart but it will do Porsches on track days. R really isn’t as exciting to drive as the reviews are confirming. Please don’t mention drag races on this channel 😆👍
Haha, that telescopic gas strut is a real bug bearer!
Mic quality needs looking into - seems very fuzzy. Great review though, I’m picking up the new vrs in June 👍🏼
Yeah this wasn't the best vid sound wise (edit)
@@butchmeister80 for someone looking at this car, and from a sales perspective this video was very good! Gave you all the information you could of wanted
@@Christian6AT yes was good nearer the end was a bit dull at the start
@@butchmeister80 Yeah, but if your looking to buy one it is interesting tbh
The build quality of the Skoda is better than the golf
That's not the way it appeared to me. It's the same or maybe a little better for the Golf. VW Group know exactly how to position these cars in the market so people aren't drawn too much by the Skoda. It would make no sense to reduce the built quality of the Golf so it was lower than the Skoda especially when material quality is visibly superior in many obvious areas.
Electronic handbrake is on the drivers side! is that normal for a Skoda?
Good spot, probably another way they haven't converted for right hand drive maybe?
Octavia 😎
Lease deals would probably favour the Golf because of better resale,the badge does seem to mean a lot
Not in Germany it doesn't! It's Skoda's number 1 export country!!!!!!!!!!!! Besides, the winged arrow emblem is much more elegant than just a boring VW one!!!!!!!
Lease deals are actually better on the Skoda. So much so I'm expecting mine end of the month.
Get real
A skoda v golf different motors fo different scenarios one for messing about an one for family wiv a bit of oomph
Miight as well compare silk wiv cotton
Patronising
I really do love my vrs estate. Its a dads golf gti :)
I won't argue with that RB!
Ticks so many boxes and owned a 2014 vrs just a shame they are always underpowered compared to a golf R or I'm certain they would sell more
So true, just wish it had more grunt to match the sporty looks. I definitely think they'd sell more but I guess they don't want to upstage the other vag brands.
Great review. This VRS surprises me, it all looks like badge engineering. I had the Mk1 VRS (in 2003) I traded my Mk4 GTI in for it. I loved the car, more BHP than the GTI and looked more sporty too.
I now have a TCR got it in May '19 and still love it. By the looks of it the GTI CS is a better driving car, but for me the looks of the 7.5 are better.
Good point, first vRS was 180 before Mk4 Golf got the 180 but it did in the end and vRS was hobbled then by the cumersome 5 speed box when Mk4 180 got a slick six speeder. Was that to save money on vRS or to keep the GTI ahead?
What about road noise? Is it ridicules like on previous model?
There's no such a car like Octavia VRS.
The last time I looked the switches in my vRS were identical to those in my sons Golf!
Well they aren't anything life Golf switches in Octavia 4. What year is yours?
Obviously the co2 and power varies depending on which car they test,all engines will differ.My F10 M5 always felt really quick and as standard it was dyno"d at 606 BHP and a claim of 560,with a few miles on my old mk5 GTI showed 230.
But it can go the other way...my wife's ibiza 1.4 always felt a slug to me and gave 66 BHP against 85,those escaped horses were recaptured with a remap and an intake making it more pleasant. VW chasing economy there,but that went up from 37 ish to 42.
Defenetly Octavia RS TDI 184hp
The buttons are there to be used whilst wearing gloves in cold countries.
Does the octavia vrs have cooled glove box and cd player standard
What a time to come on UA-cam. Cant wait to watch this!
Hope it was worth it man 👍
@@volkswizard Yes and thanks to that positivity great review on the VRS I have one coming in 3 weeks 2023 with full spec DCC . Take care Andrew. Ps reading the comments seems like you pissed off all the wrong people who own VRS, nice one and love your videos 😂🎉
Sportline for skoda's top of the line looks with casual engines.
In sport mode the golf doesn’t sound louder outside to me.
Basically just a different body shell, the engines, electronics are all likely to be the same or similar
Agreed but there are still many other areas that are configurable which give the cars a very different character.
Good content Andrew and I am fairly sure you will agree. Simple one for me. If you want a quick, capable well built larger family car with space, but not overly fussy about styling go for the Skoda.
If you want to be seen in, and enjoy driving an iconic useable hot hatch it's the golf GTi/Clubsport every time, so it wins hands down. VRS a good car but not a great one!
That's a lot more concise that my video but pretty much sums it up!
@@volkswizard 👍 vid lot more entertaining though😏. Keep up the good work Andrew
Eye test required. Skoda looks way better, especially from the front. Unless you also have a caterpillar hibernating on your brow and are used to that look.
A little tip that some people may not have realised is that in the Golf if you want to drive manually it’s best to put it in sports mode first as it will then stay in manual. If you’re in normal drive it will go back to auto after a short time.
Ahh that’s a great tip👍
Great tip, I'll try it in my MK4 vRS
I noticed too in my R that if you put it in S and it’s hanging onto gears a bit you can use the cruise to set a speed and it will then go up to 7th - but when you need to do a quick overtake, merge etc on the motorway, press cancel and it’ll kick down a couple of gears immediately... I find in normal D it’s quite sluggish to get going unless you manually click it down a couple of gears
Great review Andrew, far more valuable detail than most car magazines I have read on the new vrs. I was considering a vrs or a mk8 GTI, I chose the GTI for the extra fun factor and overall golf quality and wellbeing. I also have a b9 A4 3.0 272 for family long trips. I can however totally understand those who choose the vrs if it was their main family car. It’s a rare breed - a high performance family large hatch. Not many large hatches or saloons to choose from at this price point. Can’t think of a Ford or Vauxhall sized equivalent now a days
A comparison I was very interested in seeing - having driven Skodas, VWs & Audi's, your remarks on the interior quality are spot on (although the gap between VW & Audi is pretty miniscule, I think).
I actually quite like the fact that the VRS has no fake noise - only noise I really want to hear from the car IS the engine. My Golf R (7.5) does have an over loud exhaust (not in Race mode either), which isn't great when I'm heading to work at 4am🤣). Im not a fan of exhaust crackles & pops anyway - I like subtlety 🤣.
I don't think I'd buy a VRs myself, but I can see the appeal of it - I'm guessing it's also available as an estate? That would fill a niche that VW & Audi don't have (a GTi estate/A3 Avant), which is good.
To be honest, I don't think I could live with the irritation that is the modern tech in these cars (I find my 7.5 a bit "teccy" & my Wife's new A3 Edition 1 drives me nuts - wish we'd found a previous gen A3 - she prefers my 7.5 Golf too!).
What would be an interesting video would be a 3 or 4 way shootout with the VRs, an equivalent Leon, a GTi & possibly an equivalent A3 (although I don't think there is one).
One other point....does the GTi Clubsport have foglamps? They seem to be missing, compared to the "regular" GTi?
I'd take the Skoda VRS especially the estate version.
Nice video but the audio quality is pretty poor on this. The highs are all cut and the noise gate is too strong Inbetween speech.
sounds like this is more the motorway cruiser which still offers some fun when you feel like it whereas the gti/cs is more b road blaster? seeing as you mention how much softer the vrs is, i wonder what it would be like on passive dampers with those 19s, could be a way to save a few more quid?
DCC is always worth it on a Golf at under £800, over £1k I’d want to test drive both. There is a subtle brittleness to the Octavia over sunken manhole covers etc, it will bang. Oddly GTI never feels like that even though it’s harder and on passive damper
Hi Andrew I know you've already got a GTI cs but let's just say given the choice and the budget for a standard GTI and the VRS which would you choose. Would you be brave enough to change your mind and pick the VRS over the equivalent spec golf GTI or would you stick to what your comfortable with.
I'd still go base GTI, after all this video was based on the rival car being a 245 PS car and having driven one and remembering it clearly, it didn't suffer from the 4 issues the vRS does.
He about reviewing the Cupra Formentor 310 Andrew? 🤔
Definitely on the list👍
@@volkswizard getting one delivered in a couple of weeks and will be interested to see how it compares with the 7.5 R I've been driving. The new R didn't quite fit the bill, I need a slightly bigger boot and the kit you get with the Formentor makes it fantastic value compared to a fully specced R. Looks better too I think. Plus it's from stock so no 6 month 😬
I Remember the days when the Mk1 Vrs was much better than the equivalent Golf GTI. Volkswagon group must have realised it later I guess and put a stop to it happening again.... Its a shame it turned out like this what with the better rally heritage that Skoda has over VW. The VRS is not a patch on the car it once was. Shame.