Just over a month after Skoda released details of the updated 2017 Octavia range, we've had our first glimpse of the hot vRS version due next year. The Ford Focus ST rival gains a radical redesign, extra tech and small power boost.
The biggest change to the vRS, as with the regular Octavia, is the distinctive new front-end treatment. The 'split' headlights and wider air intakes are part of giving the fast hatch and estate the new-look family face, while optional adaptive full-LED tech also features. The changes at the rear are limited to some new LED tail-lamps and a revised diffuser design.
Tell-tale vRS design cues include 17 or 19-inch alloy wheels, a 15mm lower ride height and a rear track that's 30mm wider than the previous car's. We've yet to see pictures of the interior, yet we know it'll feature the same larger, new generation infotainment system, sports seats, gloss black trim and a new Alcantara wheel trim option.
The familiar 2.0 TSI turbo petrol engine features, but now all Octavia vRS' see power jump by 10bhp to 227bhp - previously only the vRS 230 offered that. It makes both hatch and estate models a tenth of a second faster from 0-62mph. Interestingly, Skoda claims slightly worse CO2 emissions than the old car, as 149g/km plays 142g/km. The 2.0 TDI diesel version is unchanged mechanically, yet also emits more CO2 officially.
As well as the wider track aimed at improving handling, all Octavia vRS' are available with Dynamic Chassis Control offering Sport, Normal and Comfort modes for the suspension and controls. The XDS+ electronic front differential still features, too, as does an optional engine sound generator.
Prices for the updated Octavia vRS range haven't been announced yet, though we expect more official details to surface next year.
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