New Skoda Octavia vRS unveiled

New Skoda Octavia vRS in a nutshell:

• New Octavia vRS comes with a choice of three different drive systems for the first time.
• Like the vRS plug-in hybrid, the 2.0 TSI petrol delivers 180 kW (245 PS), while the 2.0 TDI generates 147 kW (200 PS).
• Skoda says it’s ‘Typically vRS’: with a black exterior accents and sporty interior.
• Dynamic Chassis Control for particularly dynamic handling in Sport mode.

Performance meets practicality with this brand new Skoda Octavia vRS, an already-attractive car that’s been treated to an extensive facelift.

As with previous incarnations, this fourth generation Octavia vRS comes as either a hatchback or an estate.

But for the first time ever the Octavia vRS now arrives with a choice of three engines - a plug-in hybrid, a petrol and a diesel.

And with subtle tweaks to hone both the exterior and interior, it’s an enticing package throughout.

Let’s start with those drive systems- 

First up is the brand’s first vRS plug-in hybrid – which uses the same 1.4 litre petrol engine and electric motor set up as the new Volkswagen Golf GTE.

The vRS hybrid produces similar power to the GTE, too, namely 245hp, married to a six-speed DSG (Direct-Shift Gearbox) automatic gearbox, and which allows the vRS to reach 62mph from a standing start in 7.3 seconds.

The petrol option sees the vRS fitted with a 2.0 TSI, which produces the same power as the plug-in hybrid, and which can be enjoyed with either a manual 6-speed gearbox or 7-speed DSG.

Finally the The 2.0 TDI mill delivers a healthy 197bhp. While the diesel only comes as an automatic, you can opt for Skoda’s clever all-wheel drive system, which reacts and fine-tunes power delivery to the wheels to counteract any loss of control.

As Skoda points out: “Here, the system transfers part of the driving torque to the opposite wheel when the load on the inner wheel is reduced, and maintains traction.”

Besides what’s underneath the bonnet, there’s also some big changes to the way the Octavia vRS looks, too.

There are new front and rear aprons, an aggressive-looking front grille, and Air Curtains above the brand new LED lights.

There’s no shortage of gloss black paint, either - which even features on the estate’s roof rails.

Meanwhile black 18-inch alloy wheels are fitted as standard, brake callipers have the trademark vRS red finish, and you can choose meatier 19-inch alloys as an option.

Inside the cabin it’s a similar story - more swathes of moody black material.

There’s a redesigned multifunction leather sports steering wheel featuring rearranged buttons and new ‘knurled wheels in a chrome design’ that control various functions.

Meanwhile all variants of the new vRS are fitted with Skoda’s ‘Virtual Cockpit’ instrument panel as standard - a high tech digital display that does away with traditional dials, gauges and sub-screens.

It’s through this Cockpit that you can access a host of different driving modes - including a sporty new ‘vRS’ mode.

And Skoda has safety in mind, too, with Collision Avoidance Assist, Turn Assist and Exit Warning as well as Local Traffic Warning all available to those behind the wheel.

František Drábek, Head of the Compact Model Range at ŠKODA AUTO, said, “No matter which drive concept you opt for as an Octavia vRS enthusiast, ŠKODA’s vRS models deliver exactly what you would expect: they combine the performance that has been cherished by customers for decades and supreme everyday practicality."

“All three drive systems are convincing with their consistent power delivery and excellent fuel consumption, and showcase the latest technology in impressive style.”