Skoda reveals vRS Octavia 07 | 06 | 2013

SKODA HAS UNVEILED the fastest Octavia in the company's history. The new third-generation Octavia vRS is available with either petrol or diesel engines, and a choice of saloon and estate bodystyles.

In its most powerful petrol form, it will be capable of 0-62mph in 6.8sec and will accelerate on to a maximum of 154mph.

Due on sale across Scotland in August, priced from around £22,500, the new model will make its first public appearance at next month's Goodwood Festival of Speed.

Power comes from a choice of either the 217bhp 2.0TSI petrol engine lifted from the VW Golf GTI, or the 181bhp 2.0TDI diesel unit from the Golf GTD. The fastest diesel vRS Octavia hits 62mph from standstill in 8.1sec and reaches a 144mph top speed.

Both versions are fitted with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard, while the six-speed DSG dual-clutch is optional. Skoda says fuel economy on the front-wheel drive car has been improved by 19% over the previous vRS.

Externally the new vRS Octavia benefits from a number of sporty design changes, including bi-xenon front headlights with integrated LEDs, a new front grille, honeycomb air intakes, new front and rear bumpers, a black rear diffuser, chrome trapezoidal exhaust tips, a rear spoiler and LED rear lights. Red brake callipers also peer out from behind the alloys, and there's also black trim and vRS-badging.

While sports suspension is standard — and an electronic XDS differential helps improve traction and reduce understeer — there's a choice of 17in, 18in and 19in alloys. This is further supplemented by the choice of 225/45 tyres offered on the 17in and 225/45s offered on the 18in and 19in.

Inside the cabin of the new Skoda vRS Octavia, there's a new instrument panel, a leather-wrapped sports steering wheel, stainless steel pedals and sill plates, plus sports seats.

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Jim McGill