Skip advert
Advertisement

New Skoda Octavia vRS line-up completed with arrival of new diesel variant

Trio of hot Skoda Octavia vRS models offer choice of petrol, plug-in hybrid or diesel power for UK buyers

Skoda has completed the new fourth-generation Octavia vRS line-up in the UK by introducing the third and final variant: the vRS diesel, which is on sale in Britain now.

It joins the petrol powered vRS and the first ever plug-in hybrid version of the brand’s performance halo car, mirroring the hot trio of Golfs now offered by Volkswagen (GTI, GTD and GTE.)

The petrol powered Octavia vRS TSI is priced from £30,605, with an estate version from £31,835. It is uses the Volkswagen Group’s familiar turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, which is also found in the latest Golf GTI. It has an output of 247bhp and 370Nm of torque – enough, says Skoda, for a 0–62mph time of 6.7 seconds and a top speed of 155mph. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

Buyers can choose between a six-speed manual gearbox or seven-speed automatic, with no fuel economy or CO2 discrepancy between the transmissions. The estate bodystyle is slightly heavier though, so its 40.2mpg and 159g/km CO2 figures are slightly down on the 40.8mpg and 157g/km numbers claimed by hatchback versions of the vRS TSI. 

The plug-in hybrid Octavia vRS iV is powered by a 1.4-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine and a 113bhp electric motor. Like the GTI’s unit, the vRS shares this with a hot Golf – in this case the GTE – and develops 242bhp and 400Nm. 

Skoda claims that the Octavia iV can go from 0–62mph in 7.3 seconds and reach a top speed of 139mph. From a full charge of its battery, it offers a 37-mile range on electric power alone. Both petrol and electric drive is sent to the front axle only, via a six-speed DSG gearbox that can be controlled using paddle-shifters found on the back of the steering wheel. Fuel economy and emissions for the hatchback are claimed at 249.9mpg and 26g/km, with the vRS iV Estate model returning 233.3mpg and 27g/km based on WLTP testing. 

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

The hatchback variant of the Octavia vRS iV has an entry price of £35,645, while the estate model starts from £36,875. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

The new vRS diesel is priced from £32,260 for the hatchback and £33,530 for the estate. It uses a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine developing 197bhp and 400Nm torque, and uses a seven-speed DSG gearbox as standard too. 

However, alongside front-wheel-drive versions, the diesel is also available with four-wheel-drive, priced from £33,745. Front wheel drive versions of the vRS diesel achieve 0-62mph in 7.4 seconds, with the added traction of four-wheel-drive dropping 4x4 versions to 6.8 seconds. Top speed is 155mph in the basic vRS diesel, which also claims 56.6mpg and 130g/km CO2. 

Standard equipment for the new Octavia vRS includes 19-inch alloy wheels, an aggressive body kit, LED Matrix headlights, privacy glass and chrome finishers for the exhaust tips. Buyers also get front and rear parking sensors, red brake calipers and a new tailgate spoiler.

Inside, buyers get heated sports seats, a leather sports steering wheel, Alcantara trim for the dashboard and aluminium pedals. There’s a few technology upgrades over the standard model, too, such as keyless go, an LED ambient lighting package and a pair of 10-inch screens – one behind the steering wheel and one mounted in the centre of the dashboard.

Skoda has also fitted a range of chassis upgrades for the vRS line-up, including 15mm lower sports suspension, adaptive dampers, a unique steering profile and a limited-slip differential for the petrol-powered models. The TSI versions come with 17-inch disc brakes all round, while the upcoming diesel gets 16-inch brakes up front and 15-inch brakes at the rear.

Check out the most economical cars on sale now...

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

BMW 1 Series review
BMW 1 Series 2024 facelift - front

BMW 1 Series review

The latest BMW 1 Series is still a great family hatchback that’s built well and fine to drive, although practicality isn’t the best
In-depth reviews
6 Dec 2024
BMW 128ti vs Volkswagen Golf GTI: understated hot hatches have plenty of used appeal
BMW 128ti vs Volkswagen Golf GTI

BMW 128ti vs Volkswagen Golf GTI: understated hot hatches have plenty of used appeal

The BMW 128ti and Volkswagen Golf GTI are great-performing, eminently practical hot hatches, but which is the best used buy
Car group tests
18 Nov 2024
New BMW M135 2024 review: less power but more fun
BMW M135 xDrive - front

New BMW M135 2024 review: less power but more fun

The updated BMW M135 takes the fight to the Mercedes-AMG A 35 and Audi S3 with a reworked chassis
Road tests
6 Nov 2024
The most powerful Skoda Octavia vRS ever is now on sale
New updated Skoda Octavia vRS - front cornering

The most powerful Skoda Octavia vRS ever is now on sale

Skoda’s award-winning Octavia gains new variants in range, including top-spec vRS
News
13 Aug 2024

Most Popular

Driver whose towbar voided his insurance wins payout
Towbar

Driver whose towbar voided his insurance wins payout

Allianz tells Auto Express it was ‘right in principle’, but has agreed to cover the claim in full
News
20 Dec 2024
New BMW 330e 2024 review: one of the best plug-in company cars you can buy
BMW 330e - front tracking

New BMW 330e 2024 review: one of the best plug-in company cars you can buy

The facelifted BMW 330e PHEV is a top business choice
Road tests
18 Dec 2024
Car Deal of the Day: Hyundai Kona Electric is a winner at £199 a month
Hyundai Kona Electric - main image

Car Deal of the Day: Hyundai Kona Electric is a winner at £199 a month

Hyundai’s Kona Electric impressed us from day one, and it’s our Deal of the Day for 17 December.
News
17 Dec 2024