ON THE ROAD – IAN LYNAS PREVIEWS THE NEW SKODA OCTAVIA vRS

The Octavia has been one of the most successful models for Skoda; it first appeared in its present form in 1996 sharing its name with an earlier model produced between 1959 and 1971. Several generations of the modern-era Octavia model have been introduced with around five million sales. No surprise that Skoda would develop and introduce sports versions in keeping with the company’s motor sport heritage, they even at one stage produced a WRC version.

Now we have the latest sports version, the well appointed vRS, which will tick a lot of boxes for drivers who desire that something special from their motoring. Now the fourth generation, with the launch of the new vRS which boasts even higher levels of safety and new assistance systems, more comfort and modern connectivity features. Never before has Skoda offered as many powertrain variants as in the latest-generation models. The Octavia vRS iV is the brand’s first ever vRS model to feature plug-in hybrid drive and for the first time it is available with a choice of three powertrains. The two litre TDI from the new EVO generation now produces 200PS and comes with either front or all-wheel drive. The new two litre TSI has an output of 245 PS and the vRS iV also delivers 245 PS with front-wheel drive. With a drag coefficient from 0.25, the new model is extremely aerodynamic, which results in lower CO2 emissions and fuel consumption. Many of its body parts have been aerodynamically optimised, including the air curtains in the front bumper, the aero flaps, the diffuser on the rear apron and the hatchback’s rear spoiler and light alloy wheels also contribute to better aerodynamics. The vRS fitted with a TSI engine comes with an electronic limited-slip differential as standard, providing more traction and even greater driving dynamics. The sixth-generation electro hydraulic multi-plate clutch achieves a maximum lock-up torque of 1,600 Nm and the XDS+ function, which is a standard feature in other Octavia models, has a locking torque of 500 Nm. The limited-slip differential works in the Normal and Sport modes, which can be accessed in Driving Mode Select. The vRS sports chassis comes as standard, lowers the car by 15 mm, while Adaptive Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) is an optional extra. It constantly adjusts the damping and enables a particularly dynamic driving style in Sport mode. Using slider controls on the 10-inch central touchscreen in Driving Mode Select, it is now possible to adjust DCC parameters such as damping, steering characteristics or the operation of the DSG gearbox, this is a first. The multi link rear axle distinguishes itself by providing high levels of comfort and good handling. The two TSI’s 17-inch diameter brakes ensure optimum deceleration and the two litre TDI has been fitted with 16 inch brakes at the front and 15 inch brakes at the rear. The Octavia vRS features progressive steering as standard, this ensures dynamic steering response and improved handling at higher speeds, while also providing optimum feel at low speeds. In addition, the vRS models’ steering is transmitted much more directly in contrast to the standard steering: from lock to lock, only 2.13 instead of 2.70 turns of the steering wheel are required.

There is no mistaking this Skoda with exclusive black design details to accentuate the car’s sporty appearance while standard features include full LED Matrix headlights and full LED tail lights with dynamic indicators, and an animated Coming/Leaving Home function. In addition to specific front and rear aprons, numerous black design details give the car its typical sporty appearance, logos on the radiator grille and tailgate are inspired by the company’s motorsport tradition. The striking grille, the front diffuser and the air curtains located above the tinted LED fog lights are all designed in gloss black. The wing mirror housings, the window frames, the estate’s roof rails and aero flaps at the rear, as well as the diffuser on the rear apron, the Skoda lettering on the tailgate and the hatchback’s vRS rear spoiler all come with a black finish. The estate’s roof spoiler is body-coloured.

This member of the Skoda line-up is equipped with a 10.25 inch Virtual Cockpit as standard, which features an additional Sport layout and a vRS-specific welcome logo. The infotainment systems feature new-generation technology from Volkswagen Group’s Modular Infotainment Matrix and sport a 10 inch central display. A permanent internet connection is provided by a built-in eSIM which enables the use of numerous mobile online services. Thanks to the digital assistant Laura, who also understands entire sentences, the infotainment systems can also be operated using voice command at any time. This is a very complete car from Skoda which in no small way will be welcomed by the driver who like his car with a sports theme. The fastest version is the TSI with the seven speed DSG transmission it takes 6.7 seconds to reach 100kph (62mph) with a top speed of 250kph (155mph).

Ian Lynas