Skoda launched the new Octavia sedan in India in 2013, replacing the Laura. The Laura was known as a driver’s car and the Czech automaker had launched a vRS version that made the beautiful car look sexy along with adding some important features. vRS models from the Skoda range are known to be driver-centric while also having a sportier appeal compared to their regular counterparts which ooze of premiumness. The new Octavia vRS was unveiled by Skoda last year and it has been learnt that this saloon will be arriving in India very soon.
Since the vRS is termed as a sportier version of the regular Octavia, it comes with a fair amount of cosmetic changes. The front and rear bumpers come in a different design while the front grille bears a vRS badge. The alloy wheels get a lip-smacking design. The front fog lamps are now LEDs while the headlights have been upgraded to bi-xenons. The rear gets a spoiler and a diffuser while the exhaust tips have also been changed. The interiors come with a full-black theme and the vRS badge is displayed at various places. The steering wheel and gear lever are wrapped in leather and the pedals get a stainless steel treatment. Overall, Skoda has done a great job in designing the Octavia vRS and it doesn’t look over-the-top.
The Skoda Octavia vRS gets two engine options. First is the 2.0-litre TSI petrol unit producing 217 BHP of power and 350 Nm of torque and completes the 0-100 km/hr sprint in 6.8 seconds. Then we have the 2.0-litre TDI diesel engine that churns out 184 BHP of power and 380 Nm of torque. The oil-burner takes 8.1 seconds to reach 100 km/hr from a standstill. Both the engines are mated to a 6-speed manual transmission while a 6-speed DSG unit will be offered as an option. The suspension of the Octavia vRS is different than the regular Octavia. The vRS also provides more steering feel. The ground clearance of the vRS is also 12 mm lower than the regular Octavia.
The Skoda Octavia vRS will be launched in August 2014. While the Octavia competes with the Volkswagen Jetta, Hyundai Elantra, Renault Fluence and Toyota Corolla, the vRS will have no true competitor. The Octavia vRS will prove to be a proper driver’s car and it can be expected to be priced below Rs. 25 lakhs. The vRS might also be considered by those who want an enthusiast’s car but find the three Germans above budget. The Octavia vRS is also available in the Combi variant but the estate won’t make it to India.
