Friday 3rd February 2017

Skoda Octavia vRS 245 announced

Fast Octavia finally gets the VAQ 'diff', plus a 7-speed DSG option and Golf GTI-matching power

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Alright, it still looks a little strange. However, if you can get past the appearance, this '245' looks like being the best Octavia vRS yet.

First point of note is the power boost, this car now matching the latest Golf GTI Performance with 245hp. Torque is up to 273lb ft also, enough says Skoda for 155mph and a 6.6-second sprint to 62mph (or 6.7 for the estate). Those figures are the same for both the standard six-speed manual and new (for the Octavia) seven-speed dual-clutch.

In addition the vRS 245 gets the VAQ 'diff', as used in the old vRS 230 and which also sees service in the Golf GTI Clubsport S and Leon Cupra. Hopefully it will prove more effective now than it did in James's old long-termer.

Those are the significant changes, with updates inside including an onboard Wi-Fi hotspot and real-time nav as well. A few elements of the exterior are painted black, presumably in an attempt to avert gazes from the headlights.

Skoda will show the vRS 245 at Geneva next month, with sales due to commence soon after. Don't forget though, if you were to pick up a nearly new Octavia vRS there are people who can liberate rather a lot more power from it...

[MrHooky]

Personally don’t think the lights look so bad – at least not in the photos.

It’s those wheels which I’m not convinced about. In the flesh they’re too shouty and don’t suit the Skoda image. Look like something off a blinged up Astra or Corsa…

Great car for the money still - nearly leased the previous shape this time last year, but by the time I added a couple of options the monthly cost got dangerously close to 330d touring money.

[Jonno02]

Previous shape is much prettier.

[daveco]

Jonno02 said:

Previous shape is much prettier.

It looks like they've done nothing but change the front bumper to split/come up into the headlights??

I quite like the Skoda Octavia shape

[Jonno02]

daveco said:

It looks like they've done nothing but change the front bumper to split/come up into the headlights??

I quite like the Skoda Octavia shape

A change for the sake of making a change. And not a good one.

[anonymous-user]

However it is extremely ugly.

Shame as the last few have been decent.

[Uncle John]

Yes the front of the car is definitely a step back, but they are only doing what every other manufacture does. Very un-Skoda but change for change sake so the fashionistas have to buy the latest one.

Other than that, should be a great all rounder.

I think the top spec Skoda's really are stepping on the toes of the supposed more premium VW's,and surprised they are allowed to if I am honest. I know what I would rather have, and indeed do.

[Remagel2507]

I drove a standard one of these a while back and I wasn't really expecting it to be anything special however I really liked it, I know its not by any means a fair comparison but it felt better than the S3 I drove a few days earlier.

Still not sure on this face lift version though, the lights just don't look right; the previous estate was definitely a good looking thing though especially in the grey or blue they offered.

[anonymous-user]

Don't like the wheels

Is it going to be a EA888?

[RizzoTheRat]

Agree about the wheels. The standard alloys on my Mk2 are much nicer.

Looks like they've changed the proportions a little on the back end of the hatchback too, I always think the back of mine doesn't look quite right from the side, but can never quite put my finger on what it is.

[Timmay0]

Learn2MergeInTurn said:

Don't like the wheels

Is it going to be a EA888?

The pre-facelift VRS is an EA888, I guess this one will be the same.

[J4CKO]

Oh FFS VAG, let them put the full fat engine in Leon, Golf R, S3 etc, if you cant put it in a Seat, why not a Skoda ?

Or is it that engine detuned ? wonder if it has the bigger turbo, that could be an interesting remap opportunity if it is, over 100 bhp for the taking ?

[RB Will]

MrHooky said:

Great car for the money still - nearly leased the previous shape this time last year, but by the time I added a couple of options the monthly cost got dangerously close to 330d touring money.

Where the hell were you getting a deal that good on the BMW?

I have an Octy estate with a few options and its still £85 a month less than a no options 330d tourer. Im also allowed twice the mileage on the Octavia.

Why cant they just build the one I want. They build a diesel 4x4 version and have the 280-300bhp petrol engine to use.
Just combine that in the one car!

[anonymous-user]

J4CKO said:

Oh FFS VAG, let them put the full fat engine in Leon, Golf R, S3 etc, if you cant put it in a Seat, why not a Skoda ?

Or is it that engine detuned ? wonder if it has the bigger turbo, that could be an interesting remap opportunity if it is, over 100 bhp for the taking ?

The 300bhp 2.0tsi is available in a skods superb

[Timmay0]

J4CKO said:

Oh FFS VAG, let them put the full fat engine in Leon, Golf R, S3 etc, if you cant put it in a Seat, why not a Skoda ?

Or is it that engine detuned ? wonder if it has the bigger turbo, that could be an interesting remap opportunity if it is, over 100 bhp for the taking ?

I think the turbo is the main difference - VRS gets the Golf GTI turbo rather than the Golf R / S3 one. A remap will apparently get the pre-facelift 220hp engine up above 300hp.
The revo stage 3 package adds the Golf R turbo and can allegedly reach over 400hp.

[Rawwr]

Looks like a Cylon f*cked a dustbin.

[mk4gtiturbo]

J4CKO said:

Oh FFS VAG, let them put the full fat engine in Leon, Golf R, S3 etc, if you cant put it in a Seat, why not a Skoda ?

Agreed, 300hp 4x4 petrol I'd bite their hands off.

My pre-facelift is nearing the end of the PCP but I don't really want to go with the ugly. Might just buy mine and remap it!!

[J4CKO]

Learn2MergeInTurn said:

J4CKO said:

Oh FFS VAG, let them put the full fat engine in Leon, Golf R, S3 etc, if you cant put it in a Seat, why not a Skoda ?

Or is it that engine detuned ? wonder if it has the bigger turbo, that could be an interesting remap opportunity if it is, over 100 bhp for the taking ?

The 300bhp 2.0tsi is available in a skods superb

Yes, good point, someone on Briskoda has tuned one to over 500 bhp, 4wd as well.

So, why cant they put it in the Octavia, am guessing this is the smaller turboed version with a little bit more boost.

[anonymous-user]

J4CKO said:

Learn2MergeInTurn said:

J4CKO said:

Oh FFS VAG, let them put the full fat engine in Leon, Golf R, S3 etc, if you cant put it in a Seat, why not a Skoda ?

Or is it that engine detuned ? wonder if it has the bigger turbo, that could be an interesting remap opportunity if it is, over 100 bhp for the taking ?

The 300bhp 2.0tsi is available in a skods superb

Yes, good point, someone on Briskoda has tuned one to over 500 bhp, 4wd as well.

So, why cant they put it in the Octavia, am guessing this is the smaller turboed version with a little bit more boost.

I seen that the other day! What a family wagon!

Last skoda article I said they should do a octy vrs with the 300bhp tsi, but everyone said it would devalue audi s3 and golf r, so vag group don't bother

[J4CKO]

Learn2MergeInTurn said:

J4CKO said:

Learn2MergeInTurn said:

J4CKO said:

Oh FFS VAG, let them put the full fat engine in Leon, Golf R, S3 etc, if you cant put it in a Seat, why not a Skoda ?

Or is it that engine detuned ? wonder if it has the bigger turbo, that could be an interesting remap opportunity if it is, over 100 bhp for the taking ?

The 300bhp 2.0tsi is available in a skods superb

Yes, good point, someone on Briskoda has tuned one to over 500 bhp, 4wd as well.

So, why cant they put it in the Octavia, am guessing this is the smaller turboed version with a little bit more boost.

I seen that the other day! What a family wagon!

Last skoda article I said they should do a octy vrs with the 300bhp tsi, but everyone said it would devalue audi s3 and golf r, so vag group don't bother

Does the Leon not do that, I think generally Audi people wouldnt look at the other brands, plenty would take a 100 bhp 1.6 with an Audi badge and would rather take the bus than a Skoda, some folk are that fickle.

[alock]

mk4gtiturbo said:

J4CKO said:

Oh FFS VAG, let them put the full fat engine in Leon, Golf R, S3 etc, if you cant put it in a Seat, why not a Skoda ?

Agreed, 300hp 4x4 petrol I'd bite their hands off.

My pre-facelift is nearing the end of the PCP but I don't really want to go with the ugly. Might just buy mine and remap it!!

The question you have to ask is why do you desperately want the Skoda over the VW or Seat?