The new Skoda Octavia vRS has taken the Octavia to a new level. Let’s take a look at some of the new features of the 2013 model.
Improved performance
The new Octavia vRS comes equipped with a 2.0 litre 220 BHP TSI petrol engine, taken straight from the new Volkswagen Golf GTi, with the diesel equivalent coming from the Volkswagen Golf GTD – the 2.0 litre TDi 184 BHP.
The petrol variant can accelerate from 0-62 mph in only 6.8 seconds, while the diesel can reach the same speed in 8.1 seconds.
The new Octavia is also the fastest series production Octavia ever produced since the model’s launch in 1996, with the petrol and diesel models reaching a top speed of 154 mph and 144 mph respectively.
However, this fact hasn’t stopped the 2013 Octavia from becoming more economical, with the new model consuming 19% less fuel than the previous model.
All variants also come with electronic stability control that will, Skoda hope, reduce understeer when cornering at pace.
Design upgrades
In addition to improved performance, the 2013 Octavia vRS has seen some significant design upgrades. There is a new front grille, front and rear bumpers, a black rear diffuser, chrome exhaust tips, a rear spoiler, LED rear lights and bi-xenon front headlights with integrated LED daytime running lights.
Red brake callipers also add a new dimension to the design, clearly visible through your choice of 17, 18 or 19-inch alloys.
There is also the familiar vRS brand logo on the front grille that will distinguish this car from the pack.
Driver convenience
As standard, the new Octavia will feature a six-speed manual gearbox and start/stop technology, as well as Brake Energy Regeneration.
There are also sports seats and a leather steering wheel to enhance the driving experience.
The suspension has also been dropped, which makes for a lower ride height, giving the new Octavia that sporty feel.
Additional features include Adaptive Cruise Assistant, which keeps the car a set distance from the car ahead to prevent front-end collisions. Automatic Parking Assistant is also available to help the driver manoeuvre in and out of tight spaces.
The new Octavia - known as vRS in the UK but RS elsewhere in the world - will be first retailed in the UK in July and will be available from Arnold Clark for its launch. Check out the Skoda Octavias we currently have in stock by clicking below.