My copy of Evo arrived this morning, and as I idly flipped through the Golf GTi vs Focus ST article, there was a sidebar about the Octavia vRS. They talked about it as a possible alternative to these two cars.

The piece was very complimentary, saying that the Golf GTi hard to work hard to keep up, and the Focus ST couldn't pull much ground on it. Ultimately, they dismissed it as a credible alternative, because it's set up more for comfort and safety rather than excitement. Still, to hold its own in that kind of company, it has to be something quite special.

The photos showed the vRS in black; this is definately the colour to pick as it hides all those fiddly details, and gives the car an air of class, especially with the chrome detailing around the grille. It's a shame that when Skoda finally got around to offering us blue on a vRS, it spoiled the lines.

I've driven both the gti and the vrs - really didn't rate the golf but thought the octy was a completely different animal and a really ewnjoyable drive - What Car agree with me but Auto Express and Evo obviously don't

Drove the new VRS on Tuesday at Bedford Autodrome. The handling is really well balanced and was not too soft for track use. Didn't feel that fast but thats probably down to the Turbo spreading its power well and not kicking in with a thump.

Bedford Autodrome.

Saw the signs for 'Skoda Auto' pointing towards bedford autodrome, what did they have there?