24 cars blue sky: Skoda Octavia vRS, A GTI In Sensible Shoes

The Skoda Octavia vRS is almost like the VW Jetta GLI we should have gotten. Using the MK7 GTI's MQB platform and 217-horsepower four-cylinder powertrain, the Octavia vRS is also available with a 2.0 TDI engine making 180 horsepower – and both powertrains can be had with the wagon bodystyle you see above.

With a price point below that of VW while offering identical performance, the previous Octavia vRS models were something of a cult performance car in Europe – and a favorite of the local constabulary in many parts of the UK. Especially the wagon. Too bad we won't see this stateside in any form – now that the Jetta has become its own North American-spec car, the Octavia's closest relative isn't even available to us anymore.