Škoda adds sporting edge to new Octavia range with most powerful vRS model ever and adds new SportLine model [Photo Gallery]

A fully updated evolution of the Octavia vRS will be available to order from 14 August and available from £38,670 OTR. The sporting flagship of the revised Octavia range becomes the most powerful production Octavia ever offered by Škoda thanks to its revised 2.0 TSI engine that now generates 265PS. The new vRS will be joined by a new diesel-powered SportLine model as part of Škoda’s update of the Octavia line-up.

As with its acclaimed predecessors, the new Octavia vRS will be offered in both hatch and estate forms with a single powertrain option in the form of an updated 2.0 TSI four-cylinder petrol unit. The engine, which comes from the same EA888 family as the unit fitted to Škoda’s championship-winning Fabia RS Rally2 car, has been further developed over its predecessor to deliver more power and torque. Peak power has risen by 20PS to 265PS while peak torque is now 370Nm.

The revised engine drives through a seven-speed DSG automatic as standard and can propel the new model from 0-62mph in just 6.4 seconds (6.5 for vRS Estate). Despite its high power output, the Octavia vRS is remarkably efficient, with a WLTP combined fuel consumption figure of 40.8mpg (40.3 for vRS Estate).

Power is delivered to the road via a VAQ electrohydraulic differential lock that ensures that the vRS has optimised grip coming out of corners and turns naturally under throttle without slipping the inside wheel. Both vRS models also feature a chassis lowered by 15mm to further improve driving dynamics.

In terms of design, the updated, fourth-generation Octavia vRS features restyled front and rear bumpers and a new vRS logo on the radiator grille. The sporting flagship is further distinguished by a black radiator grille surround, side window trim and door mirrors. At the rear, the new bumper diffuser and tailpipes are also finished in black while the Estate comes with black roof rails as standard. Striking 19-inch Elias anthracite alloy wheels complete the exterior design package.

Black also dominates the bespoke vRS Design Selection interior where the standard equipment includes a sporty three-spoke multifunction leather steering wheel and aluminium pedal covers. The sports seats are upholstered in fabric as standard and feature contrast red stitching as well as the sporty vRS logo etched into the backrest, and the seats also offer electrically adjustable lumbar support and massage function.

Like other models in the updated Octavia range, the vRS comes with a large 13” infotainment system, 10” Virtual Cockpit and optional head-up display. Front seat passengers have access to fast-charging USB-C ports and a wireless charger with active ventilation. Rear passengers benefit from fast-charging USB-C ports, plus air-conditioning with its own rear-seat-only third zone. Other standard equipment on the new vRS models includes an electrically operated boot with virtual pedal, Keyless entry and start / stop and blind spot detection.

The new vRS models will sit above the current SportLine models in the updated Octavia range. The popular SportLine range will also expand to include a new diesel variant, bringing the total number of powertrain options to three. Škoda’s acclaimed 2.0 TDI 150PS engine will be available from £35,775 and will join the existing 1.5 TSI and 1.5 TSI e-TEC petrol units. The new SportLine combines sporty looks with an efficient engine that has a WLTP combined fuel consumption figure of 60.6mpg (59.9mpg Estate). The model is equipped with a seven-speed DSG gearbox as standard and comes with the same sporty looks as its petrol-powered stablemates. 

All SportLine models come with 18-inch Vega Aero black alloy wheels, metallic paint and gloss black trim for the radiator grille, window surrounds, door mirrors and badging. The interior features a special SportLine Design Selection that includes sports seats, a black headlining and carbon-effect door inserts. Like the vRS, it will be available to order in both hatch and estate forms.

Order books for the new Octavia vRS and SportLine 2.0 TDI 150PS models opens on 14 August, 2024.