Launched in the UK in 2001, Skoda's first Octavia vRS packed a feisty 180hp Volkswagen Group 1.8-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Under the skin the unusual-looking five-door hatch claimed plenty of Golf running gear and a five-speed manual transmission. The venerable 1.8 meant 62mph was dispatched in 7.5 seconds whilst the top speed was an impressive 146mph. Comfortable to drive and boasting near-faultless reliability the torquey vRS hatchback rapidly built a cult following - the expertise of Skoda's skilled chassis engineers and a lowly £15,353 asking price ensured the practical and well-equipped vRS was soon acclaimed a high performance bargain.
Fast, cheap, practical - win!
Known as the RS in the rest of Europe (Ford owned the RS naming rights in the UK) this Mk1 1,325kg vRS model - with its low cost, reliability, tunable performance, and low-profile styling - was also popular with many UK police forces. The Mk3 still is today.
2002 saw the release of a Candy White WRC Limited edition, manufactured to celebrate 100 years of Skoda in motorsport. Only 100 were sold, of which 25 were RHD which were released to the UK at £20,700 - with a standard engine but a host of exterior motorsport options including WRC replica graphics and 17-inch white alloys. Xenon headlights, heated front seats and a CD autochanger.
An estate followed in 2003 and by the time the Octavia vRS was replaced in 2005 Skoda had sold 6,483 UK examples, 15 per cent of which were the estate version.
By contemporary standards the manual transmission isn't the slickest, and the front wheels are easily spun, but driven fast the Mk1 vRS still feels precise and composed - and retains a fair degree of comfort even when tackling fast corners.
Still no looker, even in yellow
Many have been since modified, but as Paul Farenden at tuning experts Revo Technik points out: "The Mk1 1.8T 20v engine is now very long in the tooth - and riddled with small issues. As a result good ones are proving harder to find." That said: "220hp is possible with a few choice bolt-ons," Paul tells us, "And there are plenty of aftermarket parts available for styling and performance."
And this view is backed up by Tony Taylor, Technical Director at Diesel Tuning UK Ltd, who reports that: "Prices are presently as low as they are likely to get and tuning options are abundant and well proven, but there are many abused examples out there."
And when it comes to price Rupert Pontin at trade expert Glass's confirms that:" Finding one that has sensible mileage and has not been abused is a little difficult to be honest. Those that do come to the trade will often sell quickly and for well into Glass's Guide Trade - as long as the mileage and provenance are good. Purists will go for an un-chipped car in its original specification with standard body and wheels with a good service history." We'd recommend one of the very first produced for the UK market, a WRC Limited Edition, or one of the last of the first generation produced in very early 2004.
Buy if: you want a future classic (mint unmolested standard examples only)
Don't buy if: you're seeking the ultimate in build quality or performance
We found: 2005 Silver 1.8 vRS hatchback, full service history, 80K miles, £2,993
Price Guide
Poor: Under £1,300
Good: £1,300 to £2,750
A1: £2,750+
Special Editions: Skoda Octavia VRS WRC Limited Edition £4,000+
