It looks like the most powerful ŠKODA OCTAVIA in the company’s history is on its way and those going to Geneva will see it first. The new ŠKODA OCTAVIA vRS 245 is set to deliver 245 PS with its 2.0 TSI turbocharged petrol engine and with acceleration from 0 to 62 mph in just 6.6 seconds (Estate: 6.7 seconds). Its top speed will be limited to 155 mph.
Now, our very own Andrew reviewed the current 230 model, so click here to have a look at it.
What’s the downside to this new model? It appears nothing that I can see, apart from those who still think the name ŠKODA is something to avoid. What some forget is that ŠKODA is one of the longest-established vehicle manufacturers in the world. The company was founded in 1895, delivered more than 1 million vehicles to customers worldwide in 2016 and has only been part of Volkswagen Group since 1991.
The ŠKODA OCTAVIA vRS 245 is showing new design features for the new face of the brand. The completely new front section will have a wider radiator grille and the wide honeycomb air inlets in the redesigned bumper. The slats on the radiator grille and the trim that frames it both come in gloss-black. The redesigned headlight clusters feature full-LED technology and AFS adaptive front headlights as standard.
The exterior mirror housings and the trapezoid tailpipes are also black. The radiator grille and the tailgate both sport the vRS logo featuring a gloss-black ‘V’. Features such as the spoiler at the back of the hatchback, or roof spoiler on the Estate, are further attributes of the car’s sporty design. With a new “husky” sounding exhaust, I’m sure will hear it coming too.
With alcantara Sports seats and an aluminium design details in the interior. The front seats bear the vRS logo – as do the front door sills and the ( optional heated ) multifunctional sports steering wheel with perforated leather, integrated steering wheel paddles (for DSG transmissions), will help you feel that all important sports feeling.
For the first time in a ŠKODA OCTAVIA – a 7-speed, dual-clutch transmission. From a standing start, the hatchback reaches 62 mph in 6.6 seconds; the Estate does it in 6.7 seconds. Compared to the ‘normal’ models in the range, the sports chassis lowers the body by 14 mm. Its rear track is 38 mm wider than that of the predecessor. As standard the gloss-black alloy wheels are 19 inch.
Electronically regulated VAQ limited-slip differential is also part of the standard equipment. This electronic inter-wheel lock for the differential on the driving wheels allows for spirited acceleration when exiting corners: the amount of slip on one of the front wheels is limited and transferring power to the road is optimised. Much grip is to be had.
Other nice gadgets include Infotainment Online (information/entertainment) and Care Connect (driver assistance). The controls for the new generation of infotainment systems are integrated in a glass design for the Bolero, Amundsen and Columbus versions and, with their capacitive touch screens, react even to a light touch; they display a special start screen. The top-of-the-range Columbus navigation system features a 9.2-inch screen and an optional LTE module for super-fast data transfer, and provides occupants with a Wi-Fi hotspot. Online Traffic Information, which offers recommended alternatives to the chosen route in the event of a traffic jam and destinations can be entered via voice control ( this always works out well with a Scottish accent ) using the POI (Point of Interest) search. A Phonebox charges smartphones inductively, so leads and further online services are offered by the ŠKODA Connect app on your smartphone. By using the Remote Access feature, some nifty remote features are accessed. Windows, doors, the sunroof and lighting can be controlled, the fuel level can be checked, or your parking location can be displayed. Care Connect also allows an Emergency Call to be made (automatically in the event of an accident in which restraint systems have been activated). The system alerts your breakdown service at the touch of a button and connects the driver to experts who can answer any questions regarding vehicle functions.
Still think ŠKODA aren’t one of the better car manufacturers? It’s looking more and more like these cars are a bargain in the second hand car market.
