Skoda Octavia vRS 245 revealed - Skoda's Golf GTI rival gets more power
Top of the range Octavia vRS gets 242bhp and limited slip differential, shown off in Geneva
It wasn’t that long ago that Skoda revealed the updated Octavia vRS, but it’s already announced an even more powerful version. Called the Octavia vRS 245, the new car made its debut at the 2017 Geneva motor show.
Powered by the same 2-litre TSI engine that’s in the rest of the petrol vRS range, and the Golf GTI, the new Octavia vRS 245 has 242bhp and 273lb ft of torque. That's 15bhp more than the previous most powerful Octavia vRS, making it the most powerful car to wear Skoda’s sportiest badge.
> Read more about the updated 2017 Skoda Octavia vRS
The new vRS is available as either a hatchback or an estate. The hatchback version can accelerate from 0-62mph in 6.6sec, while the estate is just 0.1sec slower at 6.7sec. Irrespective of the bodystyle, the vRS 245’s top speed is limited to 155mph.
To help control the car’s increased performance, it’s equipped with an electronically controlled limited slip differential as standard. It’s the same system used in the Golf GTI with the performance pack and the SEAT Leon Cupra, it uses a clutch pack on the front axle that is controlled by hydraulic pressure to vary the amount the front axle locks.
The differential isn’t the only change to the drivetrain, as the vRS 245 can be equipped with an optional seven-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission. Although the DSG transmissions are very competent, we’ve always preferred the Octavia vRS with a manual gearbox. Thankfully, the vRS 245 does come with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard.
> Read our review of the Skoda Octavia vRS
Another option that has the potential to change the car’s character significantly is a set of adaptive dampers. The vRS 245 can be outfitted with Skoda’s Dynamic Chassis Control that changes their stiffness depending on which mode the driver has chosen.
Just like the rest of the Octavia vRS range the 245 sits 14mm lower than the ordinary, non-sporty Octavias on 19-inch wheels. The rear track has been increased by 38mm, too.
Inside the vRS has Alcantara covered seats that wear the vRS logo, a perforated leather steering wheel and LED ambient lighting that can be set to one of ten colour choices.
