Still need a reason to buy a Skoda?

It’s not often the world gets worked up about a new Skoda, but that’s what’s happening with its performance flagship, the Fabia vRS (above). On sale from the end of July, it’s the fastest version of the popular supermini ever, hitting 62mph in 7.3 seconds. It’s powered by a 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine that’s then supercharged to deliver 180bhp. And who would have thought you would be able to get a seven-speed sequential paddleshift gearbox on a Skoda runabout? You can now. The vRS is available as a hatch and – for the first time – an estate. Standard kit includes 17-inch alloys, LED daytime running lights, smoked glass and a bodykit. You can even get an optional white or black roof to contrast with the body colour. Inside there are sports seats and a three-spoke multi-function steering wheel. And all that for £15,700 for the hatch and £16,495 for the estate. Impressive value. It’s the thinking man’s hot hatch. Or estate.