Snowy conditions prove to be no match for the Skoda Octavia vRS

As the snow arrives, the Skoda Octavia vRS has proved to be more capable than ever. Mal Hay explains why it’s the perfect winter wagon

It’s the day after ‘Black Ice Monday’ and in this part of Oxfordshire we’ve christened it ‘Tonnes More Black Ice Tuesday’.

The weekend saw around six inches of snow dumped on our village before temperatures plummeted to as low as -12 overnight.

The Skoda's four-wheel-drive system proved useful as the snow arrived — (PA)

Living, as we do, on a quiet residential road at the bottom of a ruddy great hill, the conditions were perfect for putting our Skoda Octavia VRS Estate 2.0 TDI 4×4 DSG to the test.

I’m happy to report that the Skoda performed brilliantly.

Despite freezing temperatures, the Octavia didn't falter — (PA)

Before I talk about the handling, I must pay special tribute to the model’s fantastic demister. I timed it and, after de-icing, the huffed-up windscreen was completely clear and ready to go in less than a minute, even when the temperature dropped to its lowest point.

The heated wing mirrors and rear screen also performed fantastically well and made the cold-weather early-morning start much more bearable.

While others were left stuck, the Octavia continued to make progress — (PA)

Now on to the handling and first, the snow.

As it fell on Sunday evening it was accompanied by a fairly strong wind and this resulted in the car being surrounded on three sides by large drifts.

But while my neighbours grabbed snow shovels and cleared the snow from around their cars before setting off, the Octavia’s four-wheel-drive system meant I was able to pretty much jump in and go.

Then, negotiating the steep hill that leads up to the main road, it retained traction at all times. A number of cars had been abandoned, unable to make it up, but the Skoda’s passage was effortless and I managed it first time.

Ice stretched over every part of the Skoda's bodywork — (PA)

Next morning, the snow was still there but had hardened and iced over, thanks to the big overnight freeze.

Just walking to the car was a challenge as conditions were so treacherous, but again the Octavia was quickly ready to take on the worst the weather could throw at it.

We’d been woken early in the morning by the sounds of crunching ice, wheels spinning and engines screaming as drivers revved heavily and worked their way up through the gears trying to find grip – most, unsuccessfully.

Thankfully the Octavia was able to de-ice its screen quickly and effectively — (PA)

This time there were many more cars abandoned up the hill and a fair few people stood by the side of the road scratching their heads.

Again though, the Octavia made it up without a problem on the first attempt. Every now and then I could feel a wheel spin, but the 4×4 system made acceleration smooth and the climb effortless.

Once on the main road the icy conditions continued, but the car felt assured and capable at all times, helping my nervous passengers relax.

I’ve had my issues with the Octavia since it joined our fleet – mostly about whether it’s fun enough to wear the VRS badge – but I have to say that in this weather it’s proving to be a real gem and I’m very grateful to be able to call on it.

HIGHLIGHT OF THE MONTH: Making it through conditions that most other vehicles couldn’t

MODEL: Skoda Octavia vRS Estate
PRICE: £35,655
ENGINE: 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel
POWER: 181bhp
TORQUE: 380Nm
MAX SPEED: 139mph
0-60MPH: 7.5 seconds
MPG (COMBINED): 55
EMISSIONS: 134g/km
MILEAGE TO DATE: 11,254