Wheels Over Wings – Brits Get Road Trip Ready with Škoda’s Adventure-Ready Octavia vRS Estate
Apparently, we’re a nation of explorers again – only this time, we’re swapping boarding passes for boot space. According to Škoda UK, a whopping 83% of us are planning to holiday right here on home turf this summer. No passport panic, no overpriced airport coffee, and certainly no one kicking the back of your seat at 35,000 feet.
To celebrate this newfound love for the Great British getaway, Škoda has taken its punchy Octavia vRS Estate and turned it into a mobile basecamp. Two of them, in fact, now kitted out with rooftop tents and an ingenious camping box tucked in the boot – perfect for folks who fancy taking the scenic route without the faff of tangled guy ropes or mysterious tent poles that never quite match the diagram.
Home from Home – on Wheels
These two adventure-ready vRS Estates are now part of Škoda UK’s press fleet, geared up for a summer of impromptu escapes and Instagram-worthy stopovers. With a roof tent that pops up quicker than you can say “where’s the mallet?”, and a bed-for-two setup you can be snuggled into within five minutes of pulling up, it’s ideal for the 36% of drivers who say they’d be more spontaneous if they had an easy camping setup. No stress, no swearing, no soggy canvas.
Because the bed’s up top, the Octavia’s cavernous 640-litre boot (which grows to 1,700 litres if you fold the seats flat) is still yours to cram full of coolboxes, walking boots, soggy dogs, or whatever else you lug around when escaping civilisation.
One of the cars even comes with a Czech-made EGOE camping box in the boot – think of it as a mini kitchen unit with an integrated gas cooker, collapsible sink, tap and hose, prep space, and some clever storage. Impressively, there’s still room for actual luggage, and the back seats stay usable – so the kids, the mutt, or your road trip buddy won’t get left behind.
Fast, Fun & Surprisingly Frugal
Of course, it wouldn’t be a proper Škoda vRS if it wasn’t a bit of a hoot to drive. Under the bonnet is the brand’s most powerful Octavia vRS yet – a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-pot pumping out 265PS. That’ll whisk you from 0–62mph in just 6.4 seconds, which is plenty quick enough for blasting past tractors or escaping midges in the Highlands.
That’ll appeal to the 34% of Brits who reckon a good road trip is all about enjoying the journey, not just the destination. In fact, 80% of us say the drive itself is a massive part of the holiday experience – so if you’ve got twisty roads ahead, this could be your perfect co-pilot.
Brits Hitting the Road in Style
Škoda’s survey of UK drivers paints a clear picture – we’re after freedom, fresh air, and a bit of flexibility. 61% are considering a road trip this year just so they can stop when and where they like. Over half (52%) fancy a bit of adventure and want to explore places they’ve never been before, while 37% are keen to swing by friends and family en route – assuming they’re on speaking terms after last year’s barbecue.
Naturally, good weather ranks as the number one ingredient for a proper road trip (68%), but a scenic route (64%) and decent company (53%) are right up there too. Cost also comes into play, with 33% saying driving is a cheaper alternative to trains, planes, and boats – and you don’t have to pay £6 for a lukewarm sandwich.
And it turns out we’re a hardy bunch – over half (55%) are happy to drive more than 300 miles for a road trip, while nearly 1 in 10 (7%) say they’d be up for smashing the 1,000-mile mark. So long as the snacks are on point, mind – 34% say they’re absolutely essential for a good trip. Fortunately, Škoda’s clever cubbies and cupholders make it easy to stash all your crisps, Haribo, and emergency pork pies.
Where to Go? The Top 5 Road Trip Spots
If you’re wondering where to point your wheels, Škoda asked Brits where they’d most like to go – and it’s a solid list:
Scottish Highlands (42%) – For dramatic views and even more dramatic weather.
Lake District, Cumbria (40%) – Beautiful, busy, and guaranteed to test your handbrake on steep hills.
Yorkshire Dales (36%) – Cracking countryside, endless dry-stone walls, and proper pubs.
Isle of Skye (35%) – Remote, rugged, and entirely worth the faff getting there.
St Ives, Cornwall (35%) – Sun, sand, and a 50/50 chance you’ll end up stuck behind a caravan.
So, whether you’re heading for the Highlands or just fancy a weekend away from the rat race, Škoda’s turned the Octavia vRS Estate into the ultimate staycation steed. Fast, fun, frugal(ish), and ready to roll at a moment’s notice.
Just don’t forget the snacks.