New Skoda Octavia vRS announced | New Release - Car News Dec 2016

11:13 Wednesday 21 Dec 2016

The recently-revised Skoda Octavia range now has a new range-topping vRS model.

Available in both hatchback and estate form, the new Octavia vRS boasts a new front section, modified rear, and sports interior, and a choice of either a 184bhp 2.0-litre TDI diesel engine or a 230bhp 2.0 TSI petrol unit. Capable of 0-62mph in just 6.7 seconds, and with a top speed of 155mph, the latter is the fastest and most powerful Skoda Octavia to date.

The front end boast wider grille, additional full-LED headlamps, and larger air intakes, while the rear sports a spoiler and black diffuser element. Inside the new Octavia vRS are sports in either leather and fabric or Alcantara, a multi-function sports steering wheel - with shift paddles on DSG models - and ambient lighting as standard. Saloon models get an umbrella under the passenger seat, while the estate has a removable LED lamp in the boot.

A 15 mm lower sports suspension and a rear track 30 mm wider than its predecessor optimises the Octavia vRS’ handling. Red brake callipers mirror the vRS’ sporty character, as does the option of 19-inch alloy wheels to replace the standard 18-inch versions. Driver assistance systems include progressive steering, Performance Mode Select with optional Performance Sound Generator, Electronic Stability Control, electronic cross barrier XDS+, Dynamic Chassis Control which allows the driver to choose between Comfort, Normal or Sport modes, Trailer Assist, Blind Spot Detect, Rear Traffic Alert, and Crew Protect Assist.

Fuel economy on the 2.0-litre TSI version is a combined 43.4mpg with 149g/km of CO2 in hatchback form with the standard 6-speed manual gearbox. Meanwhile, in the same specification the 2.0 TDI offers a combined 62.8mpg, CO2 emissions of 119g/km, with the diesel-powered model going from 0-62mph in 7.9 seconds. Both engines are available with a 6-speed DSG transmission, and the latter with the option of all-wheel drive.

All versions get the latest generation infotainment systems. The capacitive touch displays are designed in glass. The top version has the Columbus navigation system with 9.2-inch monitor, WLAN hotspot and optional LTE module.

Pricing for the new Skoda Octavia vRS will be confirmed closer to its UK showroom launch.