Skoda has some form when it comes to oddball performance cars: making the first Fabia vRS diesel only, for example, or producing a Fabia vRS estate the next time, or putting the Passat R36 engine in a Superb that looked like a cab-spec diesel. With all that, launching the next Octavia vRS solely as a hybrid hot hatch would have been rather in keeping with long-running tradition. However, that won't happen this time around, Skoda now confirming that conventional petrol and diesel models will comprise part of the vRS range, along with manual and all-wheel drive options too.
The 2.0 TSI option matches the hybrid's power output at 245hp, though overall torque is a little lower without the electrical assistance at 273lb ft versus 295. Where the petrol vRS claws back its advantages, though, are in weight and speed; its kerbweight including driver is rated at from 1,520kg, against a chunky 1,695kg for the hybrid equivalent. So while the electrified car takes 7.3 seconds to hit 62mph and tops out at 140mph, the TSI brings the vRS back into familiar performance territory: 0-62mph takes 6.7 seconds, and it'll do 155mph. Expect that weight advantage to pay dividends dynamically, too, especially with VW's clever VAQ front axle technology fitted as standard to the TSI.
While the 245hp petrol is set to be available with both manual and DSG transmission options, the 200hp diesel Octavia vRS will be auto-only. There isn't full performance specs for that car yet, though even with the optional all-wheel drive (exclusive to the oil burner) it probably won't quite match the petrol off the mark. Could give the hybrid a fright, however, especially with another gear in the standard DSG. As for peak UK vRS spec - the diesel, all-wheel drive wagon - we'll have to wait for confirmation a little longer. For now, this is merely the digital reveal for everyone.
"No matter which drive concept you opt for as an Octavia RS enthusiast, Skoda's RS models deliver exactly what you would expect: they combine the performance that has been cherished by customers for decades and supreme everyday practicality." That's the view of Skoda's head of Compact Model Range, Frantisek Drabek, and it's a promising statement - i.e. the formula hasn't been meddled with a great deal. Fast Skodas are never the most exciting driver's cars in the world, but they're not meant to be. Instead they do year-round performance, dependability and practicality like precious little else. Here's hoping this fourth-generation car can successfully update the formula for the 2020s, whether with hybrid, petrol or diesel power. More news to follow on UK specs and prices shortly.
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