When Skoda launched the fourth-generation Octavia vRS with an electrified powertrain four years ago, it was a signal of intent from the Czech brand for its future performance models, especially given this flagship’s long association with diesel power.
Now, while other car makers look to push their plug-in hybrid offerings, both the hybrid and the diesel have been binned as part of the model’s mid-life refresh, with just the 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol remaining. Surprised? Considering that the pure-combustion variant was the line-up’s best-seller, Skoda says you shouldn’t be.
This updated vRS adopts the same unit as the recently revised Volkswagen Golf GTI, which features upgraded fuel injectors, increasing power by 20bhp to 262bhp (although torque stays at 273lb ft), making this the most powerful Octavia vRS to date. It also drops the car’s 0-62mph time by 0.2sec to 6.4sec.