SKODA has managed to morph big car practicality and economy with impressive performance - at a bargain price.

A hot diesel in an estate body is on offer with the oil-burning version of the Octavia vRS.

It is a sported up, sexed-up version of the standard Octavia and though it might not be first to the finishing line in class, it can flex some healthy punches.

The car's 2.0-litre 181bhp turbo diesel engine was mated to a lovely six-speed manual transmission which provided slick and precise movement through the gate.

There's an unmistaken German style quality which is transmitted to other dynamics, too, particularly through body control - despite the vRS estate riding 15mm lower than the standard Octavia model and riding on larger wheels.

It sits on the same platform as the VW Golf, so it is hardly surprising that it sits well on the road, and it demonstrated excellent grip and handling through bends, again, despite the body's rectangular shape.

The triple whammy here is that the Octavia vRS offers oceans of room as a family-business-friendly workhorse - but with a lot of quality and sporting sparkle - plus, a mesmerising average fuel return of 61.4mpg.

You'll have difficulty beating that combination across the sector, though, admittedly, it doesn't take pole position in the 0-62mph achievements. But managing the sprint in just 8.1 seconds demonstrates that this hot diesel "tourer" can  up the tempo.

There's decent interaction between driver, steering wheel and front wheels and despite the estate architecture the vRS maintains good equilibrium.

With Eco, Sport and Normal drive modes on offer, you can choose to spice up the steering dynamics a little in 'Sport' - but, to be honest, the feedback and precision is pretty good in 'Normal' mode. Switch to Eco if you are in a righteous, green mood.

The hot diesel estate's ride isn't as comfortable as that in its standard stablemates.

The lower suspension and larger alloys make their impact but in fact this didn't prove a problem especially if, like me, your preference is a firmer suspension. In any case, the figure-hugging seats were superbly supportive.

The diesel, which propels the estate to a top speed of 143mph, can sound clattery under pressure, but no more than rival oil-burners in this class.

There's sufficient bodykit, large alloys, suspension and steering tweaks to give the vRS decent street cred.  It's fast, but by no means the fastest and there's still a good deal of fun to be had in this heated up estate.

The body kit, sexy red brake calipers and vRS badging, plus sporting touches inside and to the steering wheel give the vRS a rite of passage in a sector where punters want it all - a family-friendly fun car with awesome economy.

That's in addition to lots of standard kit such as LED running lights, climate control, lane-keep assist, xenon headlights and a 5.8-inch colour touch screen infotaibnment system.

With such a comprehemnsive equipment list this fourth generation of potent Octavia estates is well priced and well suited.