Skoda will only be making vRS performance-focused models for the Octavia range in the foreseeable future, according to online reports.
Skoda’s vRS badge was introduced to the British car market in 2001 through the first-generation Octavia. Representing the quickest, range-topping specification in the family car’s line-up, vRS derivatives have also been introduced for the second and third (current) generation Octavia.
Skoda also first introduced a vRS derivative for the first generation Fabia supermini back in 2003. Between 2010 and 2014, vRS performance versions were also made for the second-generation Fabia hatchback and estate.
Since the launch of the latest Skoda Fabia in early 2015 however, a vRS derivative has been absent and little indication has been given towards its future arrival. This has left the Octavia as the only current Skoda to offer vRS models.
According to several online reports, Skoda intends to keep the Octavia as the only car in its product range to offer vRS derivatives. This will remain the case when the Octavia receives its next major update, rumoured to be due in 2017.
That would mean that the sportiest derivatives for other current Skoda models will include the Sportline trim for the Superb, which debuted earlier this month at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show. For other Skodas, like the Citigo, Fabia and Yeti, the sportiest derivatives is likely to remain the limited edition Monte Carlo.
The latest Skoda Octavia vRS shares many of its underpinnings with the Volkswagen Golf GTI and SEAT Leon Cupra but is more affordable than both. It is priced from £23,830 for the five-door hatchback and £25,030 for the estate model. Engines include two 2.0-litre turbocharged units – an 182bhp diesel and a 217bhp petrol. Regardless of engine and bodystyle, the latest Octavia vRS can go from a standstill to 62mph in less than 8.5 seconds.
Like the sound of a new Skoda Octavia vRS? Check out our video review of the estate version of Skoda’s nimble family car: