Skoda announces new Octavia vRS
The Skoda Octavia vRS is back and its better than ever. The third generation of the Octavia vRS is the fastest production Octavia ever and it ticks all the right boxes with distinct styling and a range of fuel-efficient engines. It will be available both in sedan and station wagon ‘Combi’ bodystyles.
The 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine is the same as that used in the international Volkswagen Golf GTI, and puts out 217 bhp. It will allow the Octavia vRS to sprint for 0 to 100 kmph in 6.8 seconds and will hit 248 kmph flat out. Another option is the 2.0-litre TDI diesel unit from the Volkswagen Golf GTD, tuned to produce 182 bhp and 280 lb-ft of torque. It will hit 100 kmph in 8.2 seconds and go on to touch a top speed of 232 kmph. All these figures will apply to the standard six-speed manual gearbox, and a six-speed dual clutch transmission with paddle shifters will be on the options list. Skoda claims both engines are up to 19% more fuel efficient than the outgoing fast Octavias.
The new Octavia vRS comes with sports suspension and front wheel drive, with an electronic XDS differential equipped as standard to help improve traction and reduce understeer. Also featuring is a retuned steering set-up to require less steering angles on more challenging roads.
The vRS can be easily distinguished from standard Octavias due to a host of external modifications, most prominent of which is a new bodykit. Alloy wheels can be ordered in sizes of 17, 18 or 19 inches diameter, and add to the sporty feel of the car. Red brake calipers and bi-xenon lights with integrated LEDs are standard on the Octavia vRS. Compared to the standard model, it rides 12mm lower (13mm in the case of the Combi), has a new front bumper with a bigger air dam featuring a honeycomb grille and sleeker fog lamps as well as a rear diffuser flanked by chrome exhaust pipes on either side. Traditional vRS badges all around ensure that nobody mistakes it for a standard Octavia.
Sports seats, a leather-wrapped sports steering wheel, stainless steel pedals and a new instrument panel can be found inside. The new Skoda Octavia is expected to launch in India later this year, while the Octavia vRS will hopefully follow suit soon after.
Image courtesy: Skoda
