Skoda Octavia vRS unveiled; to be launched in India

The new Skoda Octavia vRS was unveiled globally at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, held from 11th to 14th July in the West Essex, England. Skoda became an official partner of this festival for the third time, showcasing one of its upcoming vehicles. The Skoda Octavia has been in the news for a while now as it expected to create tremendous buzz in the Indian car market. Based on Volkswagen's Golf, the Skoda Octavia vRS will be available in both, sedan and estate versions.

Considered to be the fastest product in the history of Skoda, the Octavia vRS comes in two engine variants. One version is equipped with a 2-litre TSI petrol engine, which is also used in the Volkswagen Golf GTI. The other variant will be fitted with a 2-litre diesel engine that is shared with the Volkswagen Golf GTD. The petrol and diesel engine variants of the Skoda Octavia vRS are capable of generating outputs of 217 bhp and 181 bhp, respectively. Skoda Octavia vRS diesel clocks 100 kmph from 0 kmph in around 8.1 seconds and has a top speed of 232 kmph. On the other hand, the petrol version of the Octavia vRS boasts of a top speed of 248 kmph. Both the petrol and diesel variants of this car have six-speed manual gearbox mated to the engines. Along with, there is also an option of six-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission.

According to claims made by the company, the fuel efficiency of the new Skoda Octavia vRS has been increased by 19 per cent. The front-drive Skoda Octavia vRS features a standard sports suspension. Also, there is an electronic XDS differential, which facilitates reduction of understeer and improvement in traction. One can draw a clear distinction between the vRS and previous generations of the Octavia. The new Octavia vRS features a new front grille, revised bumpers (front and rear), honeycomb air intakes, black rear diffuser, rear spoiler, LED lights at the rear, bi-xenon front headlights and trapezoidal chrome exhaust trips.

A sporty 3-spoke steering wheel, stainless steel pedals and ambient lights for door handles are other highlights of the new Octavia vRS’s interiors. Along with these, it also features an RS design on the instrument panel and improved seats, gear lever and floor mats. However, it must be noted that the date of the launch of the new Octavia vRS has not been decided yet by Skoda. However, industry experts and a few sources suggest that it might be on its way to India by the end of this year.