The vRS badge is pretty much a cult thing. No, it may not possess the same aura as a GTI or a Type R moniker, but nevertheless it still means ‘fast’. The latest gen Octavia has been around for a while and has been ferrying corporates in more than reasonable luxury, but it was a bit of a worry when they were running late for work. Well just for that reason Skoda has finally unleashed the new Octavia vRS.
Exteriors get updates in the form of a new front section with a wider radiator grille, which has been extended with additional lamps featuring a crystalline look, and also get wider air intakes with a honeycomb structure in the redesigned bumpers. The rear is dominated by a powerful black diffuser element and broad red reflector lamp above just so that you don’t mistake it for a run of the mill Octavia.
Insides get vRS-Sport seats in the leather/fabric combination and are also available in Alcantara as an option. The multi-function sports steering wheel (for DSG gearbox with shift paddles) has a perforated leather crown. Oh and should you decide to head out in the rains, there is an umbrella under the passenger seat as well (like in the Superb..oh and in a Rolls-Royce too).
To go faster you got to ride lower and the Octavia vRS sits 15mm lower with its sports suspension. The rear track is 30mm wider than the predecessor as well and will result in better road hugging ability. 18-inch wheels are available as standard, while 19-inch wheels are available as an option.
There’s a bunch of electronics too. You get progressive steering, Performance Mode Select with Performance Sound Generator (option), the stability program ESC with electronic cross barrier XDS+ and Dynamic Chassis Control or DCC. DCC basically allows the driver to choose between Comfort, Normal or Sport modes.
Now to the heart of the matter. The vRS gets a 2.0 TSI petrol engine and that makes a very potent 226bhp and 350Nm with which the car will dismiss the 0-100kmph run in a scant 6.7 seconds. Keep the pedal on the metal for longer and it will go on to hit a top speed of 248kmph. There’s a diesel too. The vRS 2.0 TDI makes 181bhp and 380Nm. The diesel hits a 100kmph in 7.9 seconds and hits a top speed of 230kmph. Plenty fast for a diesel. Both the engines get the option for a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed DSG gearbox. The diesel however, does get a 4x4 option too.
India did get the first and second generation vRS models which already have a cult following and enthusiasts will definitely get their hopes high for this car. While we are sure the 4x4 diesel will not make it to India, we are also sceptical about the 2.0 TSI making it thanks to the quality of fuel. Skoda might just give it a stiffer suspension set up with the same 1.8 litre TSI unit that’s doing duty in the current Octavia which was also the case with the previous Laura vRS. But then again there’s nothing wrong in being hopeful and we hope Skoda is listening considering the Octavia vRS is due for launch mid next year.
