2013 Skoda Octavia vRS news and pictures

Skoda has pulled the covers off the third generation Octavia vRS, the fastest road going Octavia ever. As with the outgoing sporty Octavia, the vRS will be available with a choice of petrol or diesel engines – and boast a higher top speed than the standard Golf GTI.

As before, the petrol version is the hottest model, with a new engine shared with the Mk7 Golf GTI – producing an identical 217bhp. This gives the vRS a 0-62mph time of 6.8secs and a top speed of 154mph, when fitted with the six-speed manual gearbox, which beats the Golf’s 152mph.

Skoda has always pushed its high performance diesel models, and this vRS is no different. Again, it borrows an engine from the more premium Golf, this time the 2.0-litre TDI engine in the same 181bhp state of tune as the recently unveiled GTD. Both engines are offered with the six-speed manual or DSG gearbox.

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The Octavia has undergone significant changes from the regular model under the skin, with sports suspension as standard. A 12mm drop in ride height (13mm for the estate), is the most noticeable visual change, but the vRS now also boasts fully independent multi-link rear suspension. Skoda has also made the electronic diff lock XDS standard, as well as electro-mechanical progressive steering.

New front and rear bumpers are fitted, with a vRS exclusive honeycomb grille and Tornado Red brake callipers. A diffuser, as well as twin-exit trapezoidal tailpipes, completes the look at the rear. 17-inch wheels come as standard, although 18 and 19-inch versions can be specified.

Although UK prices have yet to be confirmed, the cheapest diesel model is expected to start from around £23,000. Skoda says the car is set to make its world debut at the 2013 Goodwood Festival of Speed on 10 July, before going on sale at the end of July.