New Skoda Octavia vRS: petrol and diesel versions detailed

Skoda confirms details of pure combustion-powered versions of Octavia vRS after new plug-in hybrid model was first revealed

Skoda has released further details of its new generation Octavia vRS after the first plug-in hybrid versions was revealed earlier this year. 

As expected, the pure combustion-engined models use the same powertrains as their respective Volkswagen Golf GTI and GTD siblings.  The former is powered by a 242bhp 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine mated to either a six-speed manual gearbox or seven-speed DSG automatic.

The diesel version uses a 197bhp 2.0-litre unit, which is DSG-only. Both variants can be optionally had with an on-demand all-wheel drive system. No performance or economy details have been released as yet. 

The Czech brand first released details of the vRS iV plug-in version, which has a 1.4-litre TSI turbo petrol engine mated to a 114bhp electric motor for a combined system output of 242bhp (identical to the standard petrol car) and 295lb ft. That’s enough for a 0-62mph time of 7.3sec and a top speed of 152mph.

Official fuel economy figures have not been divulged prior to homologation, but Skoda is targeting CO2 emissions of about 30g/km. The Octavia vRS iV can also cover 37 miles on electric power alone on a full charge.

Revealed in both hatchback and estate forms, the fourth generation of the hot Octavia receives typical vRS design cues such as 19in alloy wheels, twin exhaust tailpipes, a wider front bumper, a black grille, air curtains and rear apron that includes a black diffuser. Black door mirrors also feature and the hatch receives a black rear spoiler, although the estate’s is body coloured.

Black wheels hide red-finished brake calipers, and full-LED matrix headlights and LED rear lights are standard.

Upgrades inside include Alcantara vRS-branded seats that are electrically adjustable and heated for both driver and front passenger. The headlining and dashboard trim features Alcantara as well and there are aluminium pedals.

Contrasting stitching for the sports steering wheel and seats aims to liven up the cabin, as does LED ambient lighting with 10 separate colours and the option of assigning different colours to the dashboard or footwell or creating “coordinated light scenarios”.

Further standard equipment includes a 10.0in touchscreen infotainment system running Skoda’s latest ‘always online’ MIB3 interface and offering a variety of connected services. A 10.0in Virtual Cockpit instrument display also features, as does adaptive cruise control, three-zone climate control, an electric boot, front and rear parking sensors and keyless entry.

The Octavia vRS is fitted with retuned ‘signature vRS’ sports suspension, which (on petrol and diesel versions only) lowers the car by 15mm compared with the standard model. Progressive steering is standard fitment, too. Prices and final UK specs have yet to be announced, but the first examples of the Octavia vRS will arrive in the autumn.

The UK is the second-largest global market for the vRS, which accounts for 20% of all Octavias sold.

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