Driven: Skoda Fabia vRS

I wrote on 24 May about the all-new Fabia vRS – Skoda’s hot hatch – and I’ve now had the chance to try it out. The UK’s motoring media met up at a private test track in the Midlands for a shakedown of the car, which is also available as an estate for the first time. I’ve never been 100 per cent happy with the Fabia’s exterior design – the proportions aren’t quite right – but it looks at its best with a bodykit and rear wing. It’s available in a range of colours, which can be specced with a black or white roof and alloys in a variety of tasteful shades and finishes. The vRS isn’t a balls-out hardcore machine, and Skoda’s belief that it’s a match for the Renaultsport Clio 200 is misplaced. But it’s a dynamic and exciting car to drive, with a nice balance of sporty ride, peformance and comfort. The thing that lets it down is the interior; it’s just not special enough. There’s vRS badging on the seats and steering wheel but that’s all. Company insiders say they’re aware of the problem and are looking at what can be done to boost its appeal. Contrasting stitching and chrome dashboard inserts seem the likely choices. The vRS is yours for £15,700, which is very good value.