2003 Skoda Octavia vRS review from UK and Ireland

Nothing.

The Carpets being white, are very difficult to keep clean.

Octavias are a pain to reverse due to the crap rear view afforded by the high boot lid.

The plastics used in the interior have a nasty cheap feel compared to VWs. Why couldn't they have put more money into the styling of the car rather than waste it on things like over the top brakes and white carpets?

The car is fast, but wheel spins in 3rd gear which is good for impressing boy racers, but indicates poor traction even in the dry.

The handling is generally good, for a big barge of a car like this. It certainly isn't a sports car - more a large family saloon with delusions of grandeur and aspirations beyond it's means.

At the end of the day, Skoda have come a long way, but this car will always be a Skoda. It just fails to inspire. I regret buying this car because it tries too hard to be something it's not. You can modify it until you are blue in the face, but your mates are only impressed for a short time before they're secretly thinking "Yes, very nice dear, but why on earth did you buy a Skoda".

The Car represents excellent value for money, for a new car. But just think what £16K can buy these days - if you don't mind owning a three year old car for example.