Revealed: New Skoda Octavia vRS with petrol, diesel and hybrid options

Skoda has unveiled the all-new Octavia vRS, with a choice of petrol, diesel or plug-in hybrid powertrains. 

The 2020 Skoda Octavia vRS will arrive in the autumn, with the range-topping 245PS vRS plug-in hybrid model getting the option of a 1.4-litre, 150PS turbo petrol engine combined with an 85kW electric motor and paired with a six-speed DSG.

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Similar to the rivalling Volkswagen Golf GTE, the plug-in hybrid setup gives a combined power output of 245PS. Skoda claims 0-62mph in 7.3 seconds, which isn't exceptionally quick but it produces just 30g/km of CO2 and 37 miles of electric running on a full charge.

The petrol variant gets a 245PS 2.0 TSI engine with a manual six-speed gearbox or seven-speed DSG. The 2.0 four-cylinder diesel delivers 200PS  and is coupled with a seven-speed DSG and all-wheel drive as an optional extra. Skoda is yet to release prices or performance figures, but the purely petrol car is expectd to be quicker considering it's lighter than the PHEV.

The interior is expected to represent a significant step-up in quality for the Octavia, with standard equipment including a 10-inch Virtual Cockpit display, a 10-inch infotainment touchscreen including wireless Apple CarPlay, adaptive cruise control, three-zone climate control, an electric boot, front and rear parking sensors and keyless entry.

Revealed in both hatchback and estate forms, Octavia hot hatch get all the expected vRS designs - including 19-inch black alloy wheels, twin exhausts, wider front bumper and black grille. The hatch receives a black rear spoiler, while the estate’s spoiler will be the same colour as the body. Full-LED matrix headlights and LED rear lights are standard.

Upgrades inside include Alcantara vRS-branded seats that are electrically adjustable and heated for both driver and front passenger. The headlining and dashboard trim features Alcantara and there's 10 ambient lighting colours to choose from, too. 

The Octavia vRS is fitted with retuned ‘signature vRS’ sports suspension, which lowers the car by 15mm compared with the standard model.

Prices and final UK specs have yet to be announced but we expect them to be released closer to the autumn launch date.