Does anybody have any opinions as to whether there is any benefit to be had from running an octavia Vrs on super unleaded rather than regular unleaded?

RON 98 unleaded petrol is specified for the vRS; if RON 95 is used, engine output is slightly reduced. (At least, that is what the Owner's Manual says).

Short answer: yes, you will get more power out of a vRS using super unleaded (97/98 RON) instead of regular (95 RON) unleaded. The same will be true of any engine which has been mapped to take advantage of the higher octane rating.

Long answer: click here for an awful lot of technical stuff about petrol, octane ratings, etc. It's a fascinating read if you're a techie, if not, don't bother.

IF you can afford it then fine - a handful of extra bhp. If you do some miles or are watching the pennies, its not necessary. My Jabba'd 4x4 has run fine for 20k on unleaded with an honestly marginal difference when I've tried the odd tank of super.

Whereas, my Impreza was useless on unleaded, and had to be run on super

have to say that i actually do notice a difference with optimax, with better 'urge' in the midrange. have also been impressed with bp ultimate.