Skoda has produced the fastest vRS ever, with the Octavia Hatch and Estate vRS 245

• First examples of the most powerful vRS model ever set to hit the UK
• Prices range from £27,595 to £30,185
• Available in hatch and estate forms, plus optional seven-speed DSG
• Standard electro-mechanical front locking differential delivers sporty drive
• Additional equipment over vRS includes gloss black design features and 19-inch alloys
• 0-62mph time of 6.6 seconds makes vRS 245 the fastest vRS model ever

It’s the vRS that packs the mightiest punch ever: the new Octavia vRS 245 has just touched down in the UK. Delivering 245PS and 370Nm of torque, the new sporting flagship of the range launches with an equally headline-grabbing price that starts from £27,595.

A key new model in SKODA’s revised 2017 Octavia line-up, the new vRS 245 offers 15PS more than the previous range-topping model, and comes with a raft of additional equipment to deliver the brand’s sportiest drive to date. Available in both hatch and estate forms, the vRS 245 model is also offered with a choice of a six-speed manual or a new seven-speed DSG transmission.

Powered by a modified version of the existing 2.0 TSI four cylinder vRS powerplant, the vRS 245 can sprint from 0-62 in just 6.6 seconds (Estate 6.7 seconds) and has exceptional in-gear flexibility. 

In fifth gear, for example, the vRS 245 with a manual gearbox sprints from 37 to 62 mph in just 6.4 seconds (Estate: 6.5 seconds) and from 50 to 75 mph in only 6.6 seconds (Estate: 6.8 seconds).

And it’s not just an increase in engine power that marks the Octavia vRS 245 as something special. Thanks to the standard fitment of an electronically regulated VAQ limited-slip differential, drivers can fully exploit the car’s performance - even in challenging conditions. The VAQ limited-slip differential was originally developed for motorsport and works with an electronically regulated multi-plate clutch located between the differential and the powered axle on the right-hand side. When needed, 100 per cent of the power can be directed to one front wheel. When cornering, the differential transfers an increased amount of engine power to the outer front wheel (wheel with the most grip) as required.

In terms of equipment, the vRS 245 builds on the already impressive specification of the standard vRS with a host of additional items. Externally, the vRS 245 is distinguished by striking 19-inch ‘Xtreme’ gloss black alloy wheels, gloss black front grille, door mirror housings and exhaust tailpipes. Inside, the vRS 245’s cabin features heated and electrically adjustable vRS sports seats trimmed in Alcantara and decorative trim panels finished in gloss black. The colour multifunction trip computer, located in the main instrument panel between the speedometer and rev counter, also includes a lap timer as standard.

Other equipment highlights shared with the standard vRS range include Amundsen satellite navigation with eight-inch display and integrated Wi-Fi, full LED headlights with adaptive front light system and LED daytime running lights, LED interior light pack (10 colours) and a Super sport three-spoke leather multi-function steering wheel with vRS logo and paddles for DSG-equipped models.

The Octavia vRS 245 is available to order now, with UK deliveries in July.

Octavia vRS 245		CO2	VED Band	Recommended OTR	BiK 2017/18	P11D value
Hatch vRS 245	2.0 TSI 245PS	150	H	£27,595.00	29%	£27,340.00
	2.0 TSI 245PS DSG	146	H	£28,985.00	28%	£28,730.00
Estate vRS 245	2.0 TSI 245PS	150	H	£28,795.00	29%	£28,540.00
	2.0 TSI 245PS DSG	146	H	£30,185.00	28%	£29,930.00

Improved quality and refinement for 2014 Subaru XV

• Enhancements improve refinement, ride, handling and safety
• Further improvements to class-leading safety
• XV range rationalised to provide simpler customer offer
• Prices from £21,995 on-the-road

The Subaru XV compact crossover has received a number of upgrades for 2014 that bring improvements to refinement, ride, handling, safety and cabin quality. The 2014 Subaru XV goes on sale across Subaru UK’s nationwide dealer network from this month.

The most significant improvements to the XV are found in petrol-engine models, with 2.0 litre models receiving suspension modifications to improve ride quality and a range of new valve-train components that reduce engine noise. NVH is also improved across the XV range – including 2.0-litre diesel models – with additional sound-proofing in the bulkhead to further insulate the cabin from engine noise.

The electronic power steering system in has been revised to improve stability and feel. A new inflating dynamic damper system reduces steering wheel and column vibration, while engineers have fine-tuned the system to provide more weight, greater straight-line steering feel and a more linear steering response.

Safety has been improved with the addition of a thicker, reshaped front suspension lower-arm and reinforcements around the base of the A-pillar, which yield further improvements in the XV’s five-star Euro NCAP crash safety performance. With a score of 90%, the XV already has one of the highest Euro NCAP scores in the industry for child protection.

Inside, the cabin has received a number of changes to improve the overall look and feel, with the addition of the traditional blue Subaru logo on the steering wheel, higher-quality silver surrounds housing the steering wheel buttons and heater controls, and new gloss-black switches to control the car’s air-conditioning system.

Two new features have been added to enhance safety and driver convenience – a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and instrument cluster Gear Shift Indicator, both now fitted as standard to every model in the range.

UK model range

As part of the range rationalisation, the 1.6i petrol engine will no longer be offered in the UK market. Two Boxer engines are now available, a 2.0i petrol and 2.0 diesel, in either SE or SE Premium trim. Customers buying petrol models can choose between a six-speed manual or Subaru’s Lineartronic CVT transmission, while diesel versions are available only with a manual transmission. The XV is among the best in class for fuel efficiency, with the 2.0-litre diesel recording 50.4mpg and CO2 emissions of 146g/km (combined cycle).

Two new colours will be available on the 2014 model range, Venetian Red Pearl and Quartz Blue Pearl, alongside the existing range of five exterior paint finishes.

The high level of specification on the Subaru XV SE models remains unchanged, and includes such items as auto lights and wipers, 17inch alloy wheels, xenon headlamps with pop-up wash, Hill Start Assist, dual–zone air conditioning, knee airbags, rear vision camera and Bluetooth.  The new SE Premium trim level replaces the previous Lux Premium model, adding satellite navigation and leather interior to an already long list of features.

In spite of the upgrades, prices for the 2.0 litre Subaru XV are unchanged, starting at £21,995 on-the-road. Prices were reduced by £2,300 last July, making the XV one of the best value All-Wheel Drive crossovers on the market.

As with every model in the Subaru range, the XV is sold as standard with a five-year, 100,000 mile warranty.

Paul Tunnicliffe, Managing Director for Subaru UK, commented: “The Subaru XV has proven popular with buyers looking for a rugged but stylish compact crossover that can take on all conditions. For the upgraded model, Subaru engineers have focused first and foremost on improving ride comfort and refinement, while further improvements to the car’s steering and passive safety will give drivers even more confidence on the road.”

On sale since 2012, the Subaru XV stands out in its sector by benefiting from permanent All-Wheel Drive as standard. The XV also boasts the highest ground clearance and is among the lightest vehicles in its class, aiding the car’s genuine off-road ability, while a low centre of gravity enhances on-road handling.

Subaru XV 2014 on the road prices

Subaru XV 2.0i SE £21,995
Subaru XV 2.0i SE Lineartronic £23,495
Subaru XV 2.0i SE Premium £23,995
Subaru XV 2.0i SE Premium Lineartronic £25,495
Subaru XV 2.0D SE  £23,995
Subaru XV 2.0D SE Premium £25,995