When having my car serviced this week, I noticed a brand new vRS for sale in the showroom (Colbornes, Woking). May be of interest for those who don't want to endure the long wait that I keep reading about.

Spec from what I could see was Metallic black, CR diesel, manual. Marked as only having to pay 5% VAT on the windscreen.

May be of use to someone.

I'm currently sitting next to it...

Its availiable now,

2.0 170 vRS Hatch in Black Metallic with MDI

VAT offer price £18996...

Not a bad price - though I remember paying £17470 for one last year, no MDI either. In fact, I didn't have any extras...

Admittedly that was 0% VAT so probably sounds about right

I only paid £18400 for mine last year with most extras