Earlier this year Skoda revealed the latest version of its sporty Octavia vRS iV as a plug-in hybrid featuring a 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine and electric motor with a total output of 242bhp and 400Nm. That alone should make it an appealing prospect when you consider the car's ability to cover as much as 37 miles using only battery power and low CO2 emissions of 30g/km.
But if plugging in isn't for you, Skoda has confirmed that it will add petrol and diesel engines to the Octavia vRS range of five-door saloons and sporty estates. That petrol engine is the latest version of the EA888evo4 engine that appears in several other Volkswagen Group models. The 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine has a maximum power output of 242bhp and 370Nm of torque.
Skoda says that the TSI engine will power the Octavia vRS to a top speed of 155mph and sprint from 0-62mph in 6.7 seconds. A new VAQ electronically controlled limited-slip differential helps the front wheels get the maximum amount of traction by using predictive torque management that can divert more of the engine's torque to the outer wheel through a corner to minimise wheelspin. There will be a choice of a six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive with the TSI petrol engines.
Matching the plug-in hybrid Octavia vRS iV in the torque stakes is the 2.0-litre diesel. That model uses the turbocharged four-cylinder TDI engine which has come in for a significant overhaul to ensure that it meets all of the latest emissions standards. That EA288evo engine has a lower power output of 197bhp and 400Nm, and is only available with the seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox but will be offered in both front- and all-wheel-drive transmissions. In comparison to the petrol vRS, it's also only a tenth of a second slower in the 0-62mph mark thanks to its all-wheel drive, while the top speed is only marginally less at 151mph.
The Octavia vRS models get a host of upgrades and performance tweaks, ensuring that it will be plenty of fun to drive in addition to remaining hugely practical. All models will benefit from a progressive steering setup that is bespoke to the vRS. The system has a lower steering ratio of 10.5:1 that helps to give it a more direct feel once it moves off centre. It is convenient at slower speeds and when parking as it requires fewer turns from lock to lock, but it maintains a sporty feel through bends that complements the rest of the chassis setup.
In comparison to the standard Octavia models, the vRS version sits 15mm lower thanks to its specific spring and damper setup. Optionally, it will also be possible to specify the Octavia vRS with Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) suspension that upgrades the car to adaptive dampers that can provide a broader range of performance. With the DCC drivers can alter and adjust the car's suspension on the move for softer or firmer settings depending on the selected drive mode. Other upgrades to the vRS include the braking system, which sees the petrol and plug-in hybrid models get beefy 17-inch brakes discs on the front, while the diesel gets 16-inch discs and 15-inch rotors on the rear.
All Skoda Octavia vRS models come with 18-inch wheels as standard with the option of upgrading to 19-inch rims. It carries a more aggressive look with a gloss black grille and matching door mirrors along with a more pronounced rear spoiler. Full LED Matrix headlights will also be standard. There is a big step up in quality inside the cabin too. Sports seats in the front look the part and feature the RS logo and silver or red contrast stitching. The three-spoke multifunction steering wheel is upholstered in leather and features a new button system. A 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster is also standard and a new 10-inch touchscreen display for the infotainment system is also available.
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.”
Keyword: Full Skoda Octavia vRS lineup revealed