Skoda is planning its most comprehensive Octavia vRS line-up ever, including the addition of a plug-in hybrid version for the first time. Details are still to be confirmed, but sources within the company have hinted that the new models will be the fastest and most focused yet to wear the vRS badge.
Standard versions of the new generation hatchback and estate were unveiled late last year, but it’s expected that the hot vRS won’t make its public debut until the Geneva Motor Show in March.
More details on Skoda's new petrol and plug-in hybrid Octavia vRS revealed here
Leading the charge is expected to be the PHEV version, which promises to use the most potent version yet of the drivetrain already seen in the latest VW Golf GTE. As before, there will also be 2.0-litre petrol and diesel models, with the former promising even more power than the car's 242bhp predecessor.
However, it’s the plug-in hybrid that’s the most intriguing addition, with sources suggesting that, in terms of outright power, it will match the petrol. That means the familiar turbocharged 1.4-litre and electric motor should be good for nearly 250bhp when both are working flat out, while torque could be as much as 300lb ft. However, expect it to be slightly slower off the line than its ICE sibling, with a 0-62mph sprint of around seven seconds, even with the standard DSG transmission (a manual gearbox is unlikely).
This is largely a consequence of the car’s expected extra mass; the addition of an electric motor and a rear-mounted battery pack (suggested to deliver up to 13kWh) will add over 200kg to the kerbweight. This will no doubt have an effect on the Skoda’s handling, although engineers will aim to keep the weight increase as low as possible, while the suspension will feature bespoke spring and damper rates. And what the PHEV lacks in outright pace and agility it will make up for with instant electric torque and the ability to run for around 30 miles in pure electric mode.
It's the petrol vRS, though, that's set to be the quickest of the lot. Details aren’t official, but sources suggest that the venerable EA888 motor will be tuned to deliver the most power yet in an Octavia, but without treading on the toes of Volkswagen Group's R and Cupra R models. You can expect the same circa-250bhp figure as the PHEV, while torque could rise above 280lb ft. Performance is expected to improve over the existing car, with 0-62mph being done and dusted in approximately 6.5 seconds.
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