Skoda Adds Muscle to Octavia Hatch, Station Wagon

MLADA BOLESLAV, Czech Republic – Hard on the heels of the launch of Skoda’s latest-generation Octavia midmarket sedan, the automaker reveals its most powerful series-production model to date.

The Octavia vRS, available in both 5-door hatch and station wagon body styles, puts out 230 hp using an upgraded 4-cyl. 2.0L TSI gasoline engine and will be sold alongside a 184-hp 2.0L TDI diesel-powered model.

The range-topping gasoline sports tourer also boasts maximum torque of 258 lb.-ft. (350 Nm) at 1,500 to 4,600 rpm and will sprint from 0-62 mph (100 km/h) in 6.7 seconds on the way to a top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h). It claims combined fuel consumption of 36.1 mpg (6.5 L/100 km).

The Octavia vRS 2.0 TSI is equipped with a standard manual 6-speed transmission and an optional 6-speed dual-clutch gearbox.

In keeping with its sporty image, the vRS uses a sports suspension lowered 0.6 in. (15 mm) and rear track widened 1.2 ins. (30 mm) compared with its predecessor. Alloy wheels measuring 18 ins. are standard, while 19-in. wheels are available as an option.

Sports-orientated technology includes speed-sensitive progressive steering, performance mode with an option for performance-engine acoustics, electronic stability control with electronic cross-barrier XDS+ and dynamic chassis control. Visually, the car features a wider radiator grille, wider air intakes with honeycomb structure in the redesigned bumpers, four full-LED headlamps with adaptive front-lighting system, LED side-mounted lamps and roof-mounted spoilers at the rear of both the hatch and station wagon.

Also at the rear is a black diffuser element and broad red reflector lamp above.

Inside the cabin there are the vRS-Sport seats in a leather/fabric combination or in full Alcantara as an option. The recesses of the door handles are illuminated, the pedals have an aluminum finish and the entry panels bear the vRS logo. The automaker’s “Simply-Clever” solutions include an umbrella under the passenger seat and a removable LED lamp in the trunk of the station wagon.

Prices have not yet been announced.