Skoda is continuing the tradition of its performance vRS models in the fourth-generation Octavia. This model is the first from Skoda to be offered in three different drive systems.

In addition to the Octavia vRS versions with either a petrol or a diesel engine, the Octavia vRS iV - the brand's first vRS plug-in hybrid - is also being offered.

With a power output of 241bhp, the new Octavia vRS iV with plug-in hybrid drive and six-speed DSG as well as the Octavia vRS equipped with a 2.0-litre TSI petrol engine and a manual six-speed gearbox or seven-speed DSG are each on a par. 

The 2.0-litre TDI meanwhile delivers 197bhp and is always coupled with a seven-speed DSG, with all-wheel drive being an optional extra.

The control electronics of the optional all-wheel drive react to changing driving conditions within a fraction of a second and support the driving dynamics. For example, when cornering fast, the system transfers part of the driving torque to the opposite wheel when the load on the inner wheel is reduced and maintains traction.

vRS models traditionally look much more dynamic than other Octavias. In addition to exclusive front and rear aprons, they feature numerous black attributes. These include the Skoda-typical grille, diffuser, and air curtains above the exclusive LED fog lights. The wing mirror housings and the window frames also come in gloss black, as do the estate's roof rails. At the rear of the hatch, the aeroflaps, diffuser and vRS rear spoiler are gloss black too.

vRS models feature black 18-inch alloy wheels as standard. The brake calipers boast an eye-catching vRS-typical red finish. 19-inch alloys are available as an option. The sporty top-of-the-range versions are characterised by exclusive vRS badges on the Skoda grille and tailgate. Standard equipment includes the innovative full LED Matrix head lights, which are making their Octavia debut.

The interior of all Octavia vRS models is predominantly black. The redesigned multifunction leather sports steering wheel has three spokes and bears the vRS logo.

The front sports seats with integrated headrests are upholstered in black fabric, whilst the optional ergonomic seats come with a cover made of Alcantara, leather and artificial leather as well as seat-depth adjustment and a massage function. The seats bear the vRS logo and coloured decorative stitching in red or silver-grey, which can also be found on the leather steering wheel, the armrests and the Alcantara-covered instrument panel.

In the three nippy range-topping models, dynamic driving characteristics are ensured by the progressive steering system which comes as standard and vRS-typical sports suspension, which is lowered by 15mm for the 2.0-litre TSI and the 2.0-litre TDI.

Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) is available as an option and constantly adjusts the damping, thus enabling a particularly dynamic driving style in Sport mode.

In Driving Mode Select, DCC now enables parameters such as suspension, damping and steering characteristics or the operation of the DSG to be adjusted to suit individual preferences. 

These adjustments are made using sliders via the central touchscreen. The ground clearance of the Octavia vRS iV remains unchanged when equipped with DCC. In TSI variants, an electronic VAQ limited-slip differential provides more traction on the front axle. The two most powerful versions feature 17-inch brakes, whilst the diesel is fitted with 16-inch brakes at the front and 15-inch brakes at the rear.