Only 500 limited edition versions of Skoda’s flagship Octavia vRS are available, so if you’re inter-ested now’s the time for the all-important test drive.

Seven petrol engines and five diesels are on offer on the regular Octavia, with power outputs ranging from 80PS to 200PS. And there are nine trim levels – S, SE, SE Plus, Elegance, GreenLine II, 4x4, Scout, vRS and Laurin & Klement.

All models are fitted with air conditioning, twin front and side airbags and central locking.

However, I drove the new limited edition version called Blackline, which comes in both estate and hatchback guises together with some great options, including striking 18-inch black alloy wheels, rear parking sensors, satellite navigation, DAB digital radio and vRS branded leather upholstery.

It is powered by a 2.0-litre TDI engine developing 170hp, and vRS models enjoy all the same features as the standard Octavia but add a number of special elements to mark them out from the rest of the range.

These include height-adjustable sports seats finished in silver and black trim, a redesigned three-spoke, leather-wrapped sports steering wheel and aluminium-effect trim on the instrument panel and doors.

Black rooflining and a sporty leather covered gearknob are also part of the package, along with chrome-plated inner door handles and an illuminated and air conditioned glovebox.

The complimentary kit represents a saving of £1,900, and customers can also take advantage of Skoda’s ‘pay no VAT’ offer.

The vRS also features XDS (electronic differential lock) as standard.

This system is an extension of the Electronic Limited Slip Differential and uses the brakes to slow the inside wheel, rather than limit power to that wheel.

Touchscreen technology reduces the number of buttons on the dash, keeping it uncluttered and potentially less distracting to the driver, although I’d opt for steering wheel controls as this is the easiest and safest way of switching channels and adjusting volume.

If bags of space is a priority for you – and let’s face it, it’s an important consideration for most of us – the Estate boasts oodles of it, holding an impressive 1,655 litres of luggage.

The Octavia has composed handling and was a very comfortable ride.

I also liked the quirky features on the limited edition Skoda Octavia, which is available in three colours – candy white, race blue metallic and black magic pearl effect.

Fact File:
Car: Skoda Octavia
On the road: £22,300
0-62mph: 8.4 seconds
Top speed: 140mph
Fuel: 49.6mpg (combined)
CO2 emissions: 149g/km