Skoda opens the order books for the Octavia Hatch and Estate vRS and Scout models.

• Prices range from £25,130 to £29,265
• Retailers open Octavia vRS and Scout order books on 1 March
• Revised model features striking new front end design and new technologies
• vRS available with 230PS 2.0-litre petrol or 184PS 2.0-litre diesel engine
• Scout exclusively 4X4 with 2.0-litre diesel producing 150PS or 184PS

ŠKODA has announced that ordering for the new Octavia vRS and Scout ranges will open on 1 March, with prices starting from £25,130 OTR.  

vRS

The 2017 Octavia vRS features the same evolution of the brand’s celebrated design language as the standard Octavia, with a distinctive new quad light layout featuring full LED headlight technology and the crystalline detailing that defines the look of the new Kodiaq. vRS models are available in two body styles (hatch and Estate) with a choice of petrol or diesel engines, manual or DSG automatic gearboxes and front or four-wheel drive.

 The 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine now produces 230PS as standard (+10PS), and can accelerate from 0-62mph in 6.7 seconds (6.8 seconds for DSG) before reaching a top speed of 155 mph. Combined fuel consumption for the petrol-powered Octavia vRS is 43.5 mpg for the manual version, and 42.8 mpg for the DSG-equipped model.

Later in the year the petrol vRS range will be bolstered by a vRS 245 model with 245PS, extra equipment and an improved 0-62mph time of just 6.6 seconds.

Diesel models are equipped with a 2.0-litre engine producing 184PS, and can be specified with either front or four-wheel drive, the latter exclusively equipped with a DSG automatic gearbox. The powerful diesel engine accelerates the Octavia vRS from 0-62mph in 7.9 seconds (7.6 seconds for the 4X4 model) and can return up to 62.8 mpg on the combined cycle.

vRS models also enjoy a significant boost in equipment levels with full LED headlights, 18-inch alloy wheels, sports seats and upholstery, Performance mode selection, Amundsen 8-inch touchscreen navigation system with WiFi hotspot, ambient lighting with 10 colour choices and a super sport 3-spoke leather multifunction steering wheel with vRS logo and paddles for DSG models. Those looking to personalise their vRS can add new Alcantara sports seats and upholstery, gloss black elements for the front grille and wing mirrors and a choice of 18-inch and 19-inch alloy wheel finishes.

Scout

Scout models once again deliver the perfect combination of comfort and rugged 4x4 ability and feature Alcantara and leather Scout upholstery, Amundsen eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system, full LED headlamps, Scout body styling details and off-road mode. Scout models also come equipped with a rough road package that delivers increased protection for the underside of the vehicle along with Lane assist, heated front seats and heated multifunction steering wheel. 

The new Octavia also offers state-of-the-art solutions for connectivity. ŠKODA Connect is comprised of two categories: Infotainment Online services that provide additional information such as weather reports and parking space availability, along with real-time navigation details. Care Connect provides remote access as well as assistance. A year’s subscription to Infotainment online is available as an option on Scout and vRS models.

Safety and assistance systems have also been boosted significantly as part of the model update. Trailer assist is able to control the steering when the vehicle is slowly reversing, while predictive pedestrian protection has been added to the acclaimed Front assist system. Park assist has also been improved thanks to the addition of a new rear radar and rear view camera that introduces Blind Spot Detection and Rear Traffic Alert to the Octavia’s armoury.

Scout		CO2	VED	Recommended OTR	BiK 16/17	P11D value
Estate	2.0TDI 150PS 4x4	130	D	£26,525.00	26%	£26,470.00
	2.0TDI 184PS 4x4 DSG	133	E	£29,450.00	26%	£29,265.00
vRS		CO2	VED	Recommended OTR	BiK 16/17	P11D value
Hatch	2.0 TSI 230PS	149	F	£25,130.00	26%	£24,930.00
	2.0 TSI 230PS DSG	149	F	£26,520.00	26%	£26,320.00
	2.0 TDI 184PS	119	C	£25,160.00	23%	£25,105.00
	2.0 TDI 184PS DSG	129	D	£26,550.00	25%	£26,495.00
	2.0 TDI 184PS DSG 4x4	134	E	£28,130.00	26%	£27,945.00
Estate	2.0 TSI 230PS	149	F	£26,330.00	26%	£26,130.00
	2.0 TSI 230PS DSG	149	F	£27,720.00	26%	£27,520.00
	2.0 TDI 184PS	119	C	£26,360.00	23%	£26,305.00
	2.0 TDI 184PS DSG	129	D	£27,750.00	25%	£27,695.00
	2.0 TDI 184PS DSG 4x4	134	E	£29,330.00	26%	£29,145.00

Revised VW Jetta now open for ordering.

The revised Volkswagen Jetta is now open for ordering at Volkswagen Retailers, ahead of first deliveries in December. 

The new Jetta – which made its debut at the New York Auto Show in April – features revised styling front and rear, enhanced features and trims and greater efficiency.  The Jetta’s styling has been updated to make it sleeker than ever before, with an overall improvement in aerodynamics of 10 per cent.  At the front, there’s a revised radiator grille with three horizontal fins, and a reprofiled bumper beneath.

At the rear the boot lid has been redesigned to incorporate an aerodynamically efficient lip, which extends into the wings at the side.  Beneath this are new tail lights and a revised bumper.

Inside, the Jetta comes with revised instruments, a new design of steering wheel, a variety of new trims around the centre console and new fabric designs for the seats and door trims.  New ambient lighting in the Jetta GT gives an upmarket feel.

As well as styling revisions, the Jetta also comes with new optional assistance systems, including Blind Spot Detection with Rear Traffic Alert. 

All new Jetta models will feature BlueMotion Technology modifications, including stop/start and battery energy recuperation, and all engines are compliant with EU6 emissions legislation.  The engines on offer are a 1.4-litre TSI 125 PS unit with a six-speed manual gearbox; a 1.4-litre TSI 150 PS unit with a six-speed manual or seven-speed DSG gearbox; a 2.0-litre TDI with 110 PS and a five-speed manual or seven-speed DSG gearbox; and a 2.0-litre TDI with 150 PS and either a six-speed manual or six-speed DSG gearbox.

Three trim levels are available: S, SE and GT. Standard equipment includes DAB digital radio, ESC electronic stability control, electric windows and air conditioning.

SE trim adds to the list with 16-inch ‘Atlanta’ alloy wheels, lumbar support, Bluetooth telephone connectivity, a leather-trimmed multifunction steering wheel, MDI multi-device interface and cruise control.

Top-of-the-range GT trim comes with 15 mm lower sports suspension, 17-inch ‘Lancaster’ alloy wheels, front fog lights, front sports seats, automatic headlights and rain-sensing wipers, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, heat-insulating tinted rear glass, a colour multifunction trip computer, driver alert system and ambient interior lighting.

Trim	Engine/transmission	Combined mpg	CO2 (g/km)	Price (£), RRP OTR
S	1.4-litre 125 PS TSI 6-speed manual	52.3	125	18,815
S	2.0-litre 110 PS TDI 5-speed manual	70.6	105	20,095
SE	1.4-litre 125 PS TSI 6-speed manual	52.3	125	20,145
SE	1.4-litre 150 PS TSI 6-speed manual	53.3	123	20,850
SE	1.4-litre 150 PS TSI 7-speed DSG	55.4	117	22,275
SE	2.0-litre 110 PS TDI 5-speed manual	70.6	105	21,425
SE	2.0-litre 110 PS TDI 7-speed DSG	67.3	109	22,850
SE	2.0-litre 150 PS TDI 6-speed manual	67.3	109	22,425
SE	2.0-litre 150 PS TDI 6-speed DSG	62.8	120	23,850
GT	1.4-litre 150 PS TSI 6-speed manual	53.3	123	21,715
GT	1.4-litre 150 PS TSI 7-speed DSG	55.4	117	23,140
GT	2.0-litre 110 PS TDI 5-speed manual	70.6	105	22,290
GT	2.0-litre 110 PS TDI 7-speed DSG	67.3	109	23,715
GT	2.0-litre 150 PS TDI 6-speed manual	67.3	109	23,290
GT	2.0-litre 150 PS TDI 6-speed DSG	62.8	120	24,715