I owned and loved a Fabia Vrs so I wish I could afford the new Octavia Vrs.

The Skoda Vrs is marketed as having the same power as the Golf Gti whereas the Leon TFSi is advertised as only 185BHP. I've heard rumours that this is all a marketing ploy by VAG and that the engines probably give the same power. This may be too cynical but I wonder if it's true?

I know that VAG like to give the impression that all the brands within the group are semi independent companies who make their own decisions but I suspect that nothing happens at Skoda without being directed from above. I assume they can't even decide to use damped grab handles without the say so from VAG.

It doesn't bother me much as you get a Skoda of equal if not better quality than a VW for much less money.

Saw the Leon yesterday, very nice car.

Drive the deal are quoting

thats almost like fabia vRS drivers claiming 160bhp from a standard car

No , the leon is genuinely less powerful than the golf and octavia , but there will be a Cupra version of the leon next year with over 200bhp