New Skoda Octavia vRS announced

A tad more power, new assistance tech and a, er, distinctive new look for the fast Octavia

While the 280hp Superb may have taken the Octavia vRS's title as the most powerful Skoda, there's still plenty to recommend the flagship Octavia. Just ask James. Now, in line with the updated standard car, the vRS models have been facelifted too.

The big news is additional power for the petrol car, now up to 230hp from 220hp. Presumably this has been allowed now that the Golf GTI boasts more power, although there's no mention yet of the VAQ limited-slip 'diff' being available yet as in the previous 230hp model. Skoda claims a 0-62mph time of 6.7 seconds and 155mph flat out with the standard six-speed manual; a six-speed DSG is again available as an option.

The diesel carries over unchanged, with 184hp and 280lb ft. It is capable of 7.9 seconds to 62mph, a top speed of 144mph and 119g/km. No jokes about what the actual CO2 is, please. The diesel is available in front-wheel drive with a manual or DSG, plus there's an all-wheel drive variant that's DSG only.

For the chassis, Skoda says this car is 15mm lower and 30mm wider at the rear track than the old vRS. 17s are standard, with 18- and 19-inch wheels available as an option. The usual raft of VW acronyms, including DCC and XDS+, are there to keep you on the straight and narrow.

New technology for this Octavia vRS includes Trailer Assist - even better as a track day tow car then - Crew Protect Assist and an improved Front Assist. There's also a revised range of infotainment systems.

And the new look? "Masculine and dynamic", says Skoda, with the focus on widening the look of the front end. Right. The headlights are now full LED as well.

UK pricing and specs aren't available just yet, Skoda only releasing general market information. Expect those at some point in 2017. Until then this 'old' vRS 230 estate looks like a bargain - 1,200 miles and £20K!

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patmahe

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