Goodwood debut for new Skoda Octavia vRS

The curtain rises for the fastest production Octavia ever - the new Skoda Octavia vRS - which will celebrate its world debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed on the 10^th of July.

Two new engines power the new Skoda Octavia vRS. There is a choice of the 2.0-litre 220bhp petrol or the 2.0-litre 184bhp diesel. The 2.0 TSI-petrol, in conjunction with the six-speed manual gearbox, thrusts the Octavia vRS from 0 to 100km/h in only 6.8 seconds.

The maximum speed now lies at 248km/h, making it 6km/h faster than the second generation Octavia vRS. As for the 2.0 TDI-diesel, it manages 0 to 100km/h in 8.1 seconds with a top speed of 232km/h (with six-speed manual gearbox).

Compared to the second generation Octavia vRS, the new engines provide more power whilst consuming up to 19 percent less fuel. A manual gearbox or DSG dual clutch transmission are available as options for both engines, each with six gears.

The new Skoda Octavia vRS is fitted with sports suspension as standard. The body has also been lowered by 12mm compared to the standard Octavia (13mm for the estate). Electronic differential lock XDS integrated into the electronic stability control (ESC) now comes as standard. This function improves the traction of the wheels and reduces the tendency to understeer in fast cornering.

For better handling and greater agility comes the new electro-mechanical progressive steering. Thanks to this technology, the driver can make smaller movements in steering to achieve the desired turning radius. That means less grip is needed for tight corners.

The front view is dominated by the creative interplay of the characteristic Skoda front grille sporting the vRS badge, distinctive honeycomb air intakes, a new vRS-style front bumper and fog lights as well as the new bi-xenon headlights with integrated LED daytime running lights now fitted as standard.

No other compact sports car offers more interior length (1,782mm), more legroom (73mm) or more headroom in the back (980mm). Even the boot sets another record in the class - boot volume in the Octavia vRS has increased by five litres to 590 litres, and the estate vRS has increased to 610 litres.

The new Skoda Octavia vRS will be available for retail in European markets as of July, starting in the U.K.