What's all this about?

Sound the 'run-out model' klaxon! We've got a special edition of the Skoda Octavia vRS.

Surely that's good news? As the vRS is a great car, no?

It is, but you've got to bear in mind that the third-generation Octavia upon which it is based has been on sale since 2013, so it's getting on a bit. And this is a UK-only special edition, which basically bundles in lots of extra equipment for a reduced fee.

What's the special edition called?

The Skoda Octavia vRS Challenge. It starts life as the more potent vRS 245 and then Skoda UK lobs £4,535 of equipment in for a £2,460 premium. The vRS Challenge is available as a hatchback or as an Estate, with prices starting at £30,085 for the former and £31,285 for the latter, and for your money you get 19-inch Xtreme black alloys, a sports exhaust with black trim, black-finish folding and auto-dimming door mirrors, and black 'vRS' badging. Inside, electrically adjustable, heated Alcantara vRS seats can be found up front, while the trip computer in the display - complete with a lap timer - is rendered in colour. And you'll enjoy keyless entry and go, too.

Is it just a styling exercise, then?

No, there's one chassis upgrade that's part of the Challenge's standard kit list and it's Dynamic Chassis Control adjustable dampers. A most worthwhile toy on the vRS, DCC will team up well with the 245's standard VAQ electronically controlled limited-slip differential, allowing Challenge owners to make the most of the 2.0-litre TSI engine's 245hp and 370Nm. Expect to see 0-62mph in as little as 6.6 seconds (for the hatchback) and a top speed of 155mph in either. Customers can choose between the standard six-speed manual or a seven-speed DSG twin-clutch auto for the gearbox.

Matt Robinson - 1 Feb 2019