The OG Hot Hatch Remains as Reintegrating as Ever!
I remember driving the Škoda Octavia vRS when it first came out. It was brilliant and delightful, because it was completely unexpected. If you think back to the history of the brand, it was never really taken seriously in the UK at that time, despite the success of its compact rear-engined saloons in rallying. Then Volkswagen bought it, and customers warmed to the solid and sensible, quality cars it started offering.
Suddenly the vRS came along. It looked like a regular Octavia, with a hint of naughtiness in its stance and style. Get behind the wheel and it was like being in on a secret that no one else knew about.
Now, nearly 20 years later, I found myself reacquainted with the first-generation Octavia vRS on the iconic Isle of Man TT course. And you know what, the memory of those original drives came flooding back undimmed; this was a trip down memory lane that still left my heart racing.
Driving the First-Generation vRS
As I slipped behind the wheel of the 2004 Octavia vRS, it was like stepping into a time machine. The chunky three-spoke steering wheel, the manual gearbox, and the analogue dials immediately reminded me of a simpler era when driving didn’t involved spending a couple of minutes uncertainly punching a big touch-screen to set it up.
On the Isle of Man’s legendary roads, the original vRS felt surprisingly compact and agile. The steering was sharp, the feedback immediate, and the chassis playful yet balanced. It didn’t need driving modes, adaptive suspension, or artificial engine sounds to excite you. Every noise, every gear change, every input felt authentic.
This car remains an unfiltered driving experience, the likes of which are becoming rarer by the day.
The turbocharged 1.8-litre engine may only produce 180bhp (85 less than the latest model), but the car feels lively and eager, pulling with surprising gusto through its rev range. The 7.6-second sprint to 62mph might seem modest by today’s standards – the new car does it in just 6.4 seconds (and even that’s slow by EV standards!) but it’s the delivery that counts. The mechanical feel and satisfying clunk of a manual gearchanges are, oh so satisfying.
Modern Versus Classic – A Study in Contrasts
Having just driven the latest 2025 Škoda Octavia vRS, the contrast couldn’t be starker. The new car is objectively better in every measurable way: it’s faster, more efficient, safer, and packed with technology. The 265bhp turbocharged engine delivers exhilarating performance, while features like adaptive suspension, LED Matrix headlights, and a 13-inch infotainment system make it an absolute joy for modern drivers.
But… is it more exciting? That’s where the debate begins. The modern Octavia vRS is refined, sophisticated, and capable, but it can’t quite match the raw, analogue thrill of the original. Driving the first-gen vRS reminded me of why enthusiasts often yearn for older cars. They’re engaging, intimate, and full of character, even if they lack the tech and drivers’ aids we’ve come to expect.
Despite being nearly 20 years old, the original Octavia vRS still feels remarkably well-built. The interior might lack the polish of today’s cabins, but it’s durable enough, with everything you need and nothing you don’t. The seats are comfortable, the controls don’t hold any curiosities, and the driving position is spot on.
Practicality is a hallmark of the Octavia lineage, and the 2004 vRS is no exception. The liftback hatch design offers generous boot space, making it a performance car that doesn’t demand sacrifices.
The Verdict – A Classic Worth Keeping
The first-generation Škoda Octavia vRS is more than just a car; it’s a statement of intent that proved Škoda could compete with the big boys in the hot hatch market. Its blend of performance, practicality, and understated style made it a game-changer in the early 2000s, and it remains an engaging and rewarding car to drive today.
If you’re lucky enough to find one of these on the used market, snap it up. They’re becoming increasingly rare and are almost certain to achieve classic status in the years to come. Keep it, cherish it, and enjoy every analogue moment.
As for how it stacks up against its modern counterpart, the answer is both subjective and situational. If you value cutting-edge tech, blistering performance, and modern-day safety, the 2025 Octavia vRS is the obvious choice. But if you crave connection, character, and nostalgia, nothing less than the original vRS will suffice.So, what’s your take on the original Škoda Octavia vRS? Is it a future classic, or does modern performance leave it in the dust? Let me know in the comments below, and don’t forget to check out my review of the 2025 Octavia vRS.
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You’ve certainly changed your tune my friend, not so long ago it was in your UNCOOL list, where you wrote “…it hasn’t aged well. Once a sharp-looking saloon, it now looks like an old office printer. The boxy design, which seemed so smart in the early 2000s, now feels clunky and dated. It’s functional, but that’s about it. You might get one was a frisky budget runabout, but you’re not taking it to the car meet.”
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