Reference Auto

Czech carmaker Skoda has finally unveiled the Octavia vRS, which is a third generation car with a powerful and efficient engine (along with a futuristic look), coming in a racy design along with a slew of innovations in technology but would it be priced judiciously in order to spur sales?

Initially, the Octavia vRS would hit the European markets around July.

The new Octavia vRS can accelerate from 0 to 100 km per hour in 6.8 seconds and is capable of touching a top speed of 248 km per hour (with manual six-speed gearbox).

Two new engines propel the new Skoda Octavia vRS. The choices are: The two-litre petrol coming with 217 bhp or a two-litre diesel with 182 bhp.

The 2.0 TSI-petrol engine, with its six-speed manual gearbox, can take the Octavia vRS from 0 to 100 km per hour in just 6.8 seconds while the new Octavia vRS 2.0 TDI-diesel can rev up from 0 to 100 km per hour in 8.1 seconds and comes with a top speed of 232 km per hour (the model which has the six-speed manual gearbox).

Compared to the second generation Octavia vRS, the new engines have more power and consume almost 20 per cent less fuel. In these new models, start-stop and brake energy regeneration come as standard fittings. Options for both engines (with six gears) are either a manual gearbox or DSG dual clutch transmission.

There is a new suspension, which offers stability and good handling of the car and the body has been lowered by 12 mm.

There is a new multi-link axle, which is used as the rear axle. In the new Octavia, electronic differential lock XDS integrated into the electronic stability control (ESC) is available as standard. This enhances traction of the wheels. There is also a new electro-mechanical progressive steering for improved handling and flexibility. With the help of this, drivers can make sharp turns very easily.

The new Skoda Octavia vRS comes with a new front bumper, which has a bigger air dam featuring a honeycomb grille and sleeker fog lamps. There is also lower ride height, new sporty alloy wheels, which can be ordered in 17, 18 or 19 inch sizes.

Also present is red brake calipers, while the rear bumper gets a large black air diffuser which has a red reflector strip on top and incorporates twin trapezoidal chrome exhaust pipes at both ends. The new Octavia also has bi-xenon headlights and LED tail lamps.

The interiors of the new Octavia vRS have ambient lighting for the door handles (which is new), RS-design sports seats, a sporty three-spoke steering wheel, which has perforated leather and stainless steel pedals. The instrument panel has a new RS design while RS badges are seen in the steering wheel, gear lever, seats, door sill panels and floor mats.

So, with a slew of innovations in technology and snazzy look, the focus for the Skoda Octavia vRS would be the price.