Well, it’s time for a change…
After owning the 350Z, I knew whatever replaced it had a fairly difficult job. The Z was never the most practical car in the world, but that wasn’t really the point. A naturally aspirated V6, rear-wheel drive and a proper old-school sports car feel made it something a bit special, and I’ve had a lot of fun with it.
But circumstances change.
One of those circumstances is Merlin. As much as I love the Z, a two-seat sports car isn’t particularly useful when you’ve got a dog to take places. Apparently, “you’ll have to stay at home because Dad bought a sports car” isn’t an acceptable long-term arrangement.
The other factor is me.
I’m not getting any younger, and while getting down into a 350Z is still manageable, getting back out again is increasingly becoming an event in its own right. There comes a point where you have to accept that your head might still think you’re 25, but various parts of your body have started submitting evidence to the contrary.
So I wanted something more practical and comfortable, something Merlin could actually come along in, but I wasn’t ready to completely surrender and buy something boring.
The answer turned out to be something I’ve actually wanted for a very long time…
A 2019 Skoda Octavia vRS 245 Estate.
2.0 TSI, 245PS, DSG, VAQ differential and considerably more room than the Z ever dreamed of having.
On paper, going from a two-seat Japanese sports car to a Skoda estate probably looks like I’ve finally admitted defeat and grown up.
I prefer to think of it as getting older strategically.
And there’s actually a bit more history behind this car than there might appear.
Back in 2000, I went looking for an Octavia and somehow came home with a brand-new Fabia instead. Over the years I owned three Fabias, and every time I changed cars I looked at the Octavia vRS. Every time, though, the numbers never quite worked and the vRS remained the car I wanted but never actually bought.
So it’s taken about 26 years, but I’ve finally got the bloody vRS.
I’ll definitely miss the 350Z. That V6 soundtrack, rear-wheel-drive character and the feeling of driving a proper old-school sports car aren’t things an Octavia can replace. I’m very glad I got to own one and it’ll always be one of those cars I’ll remember fondly.
But the vRS doesn’t really need to replace what the Z was.
It needs to be something different.
It’s quick when I want it to be, comfortable when I don’t, has room for Merlin, room for everything else life seems to require these days, and there’s plenty of potential for a few carefully chosen modifications along the way.
The 350Z chapter is over.
After 26 years of wanting one, the Octavia vRS chapter finally begins.
And I’ve got a feeling it won’t stay completely standard for very long.