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

Geneva Motor Show will see the global launch of the new Skoda Octavia vRS in both bodystyles.

• Power output of new 2.0 TSI turbocharged petrol engine increases to 245 PS
• Top speed of 155 mph and acceleration from 0 to 62 mph in 6.6 seconds
• The VAQ limited-slip differential provides the ultimate driving experience
• With 7-speed DSG transmission for the first time
• Sporty design details with distinct front section
• Pioneering infotainment and driver assistance systems
• ŠKODA Connect with mobile online services
• World premiere at the Geneva International Motor Show

The most powerful ŠKODA OCTAVIA in the company’s history is on its way. The new ŠKODA OCTAVIA vRS 245 delivers 245 PS – 15 PS more than the previous top-of-the-range vRS variant. 

The powerful engine and innovative chassis technology including the electronically regulated VAQ limited-slip differential offer the ultimate driving experience. 

The powerhouse is available as a hatchback or an estate and will be celebrating its world premiere at the 87^th International Motor Show in Geneva.

The compact sports car accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in just 6.6 seconds (Estate: 6.7 seconds); its top speed is limited to 155 mph. 

As is usual for a ŠKODA, the car features a spacious interior and luggage compartment. In addition, the latest driver assistance systems are also available for the ŠKODA OCTAVIA vRS 245. 

The infotainment system means occupants have the opportunity to be online on the move, thanks to the optional Wi-Fi hotspot and LTE module. Numerous ‘Simply Clever’ features are further testimony to the compact car’s practical talents.

Gloss-black features and an unmistakeable high-performance sound

The ŠKODA OCTAVIA vRS 245 features the new face of the brand and has particularly sporty design details. The completely new front section with wider radiator grille and the wide honeycomb air inlets in the redesigned bumper provide the ŠKODA OCTAVIA vRS 245 with a masculine and dynamic appearance. 

The slats on the radiator grille and the trim that frames it both come in gloss-black. The redesigned headlight clusters in a crystalline look feature full-LED technology and AFS adaptive front headlights as standard. The fog lights, tail lights and number plate illumination also feature LED technology and a crystalline appearance.

The exterior mirror housings and the trapezoid tailpipes are also black. The radiator grille and the tailgate both sport the vRS logo featuring a gloss-black ‘V’. Features such as the spoiler at the back of the hatchback or roof spoiler on the Estate are further attributes of the car’s emotive and sporty design.

The ŠKODA OCTAVIA vRS 245 can also be recognised as a high-performance sportster acoustically thanks to the husky sound of its exhaust system. 

Sports seats and aluminium design details in the interior

The sporty look also dominates in the interior, which has also been designed largely in black – from the roof lining to the footwell including its silver-coloured pedals with an aluminium finish. With their high sides and integrated headrests, the Alcantara sports seats provide maximum support in fast corners. 

The front seats bear the vRS logo – as do the front door sills. The multifunctional sports steering wheel with perforated leather and integrated steering wheel paddles (for DSG transmissions) matches the car’s dynamic ambience. The LED ambient lighting in the vRS-245-specific decorative trims immerses the interior in one of the ten choices of colours. A colour Maxi-DOT display forms part of the instrument cluster.

A lot of power, little consumption

The ŠKODA OCTAVIA’s top-of-the-range model has a 245-PS, four-cylinder, TSI petrol engine under its bonnet – 15 PS more than its predecessor had to offer. Maximum torque of 370 Nm is achieved between 1,600 and 4,300 rpm. There is a choice of a 6-speed manual gearbox or – for the first time in a ŠKODA OCTAVIA – a 7-speed, dual-clutch transmission. From a standing start, the hatchback reaches 62 mph in 6.6 seconds; the Estate does it in 6.7 seconds. In addition, the engine’s flexibility is particularly impressive. In fifth gear, the ŠKODA OCTAVIA vRS 245 with a manual gearbox can manage the short burst from 37-62 mph in just 6.4 seconds (Estate: 6.5 seconds), 50-75 mph takes only 6.6 seconds (Estate: 6.8 seconds) – a reassuring safety buffer.

The ŠKODA OCTAVIA vRS 245 bristles with emotion and dynamism. In the compact car segment, it provides exceptional value for money for sporty and ambitious yet practical, down-to-earth drivers.

Sports chassis and mechanical limited slip

Compared to the ‘normal’ models in the range, the sports chassis lowers the body of the ŠKODA OCTAVIA RS 245 by 14 mm. Its rear track is 38 mm wider than that of the predecessor. The standard, gloss-black alloy wheels are 19 inches in diameter. The ESC stability system with Sport mode, as well as the electronically regulated VAQ limited-slip differential are also part of the standard equipment. This electronic inter-wheel lock for the differential on the driving wheels allows for particularly dynamic acceleration when exiting corners: the amount of slip on one of the front wheels is limited and transferring power to the road is optimised. The electronically regulated VAQ limited-slip differential will remain a distinctive feature of the vRS 245 model. Performance Mode Select with the Performance Sound Generator function enables individual adjustment of drive, chassis and comfort settings. The dynamic character of the ŠKODA OCTAVIA vRS 245 is additionally highlighted by the car’s progressive steering and the optional adaptive Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC).

Wi-Fi hotspot and real-time navigation

ŠKODA Connect offers pioneering mobile online services divided into the two categories of Infotainment Online (information/entertainment) and Care Connect (driver assistance). The controls for the new generation of infotainment systems are integrated in a glass design for the Bolero, Amundsen and Columbus versions and, with their capacitive touch screens, react even to a light touch; in the ŠKODA OCTAVIA vRS 245, they display a special start screen. The top-of-the-range Columbus navigation system features a 9.2-inch screen and an optional LTE module for super-fast data transfer, and provides occupants with a Wi-Fi hotspot. One of the particularly helpful services is Online Traffic Information, which offers recommended alternatives to the chosen route in the event of a traffic jam. In the Columbus system, destinations can be entered via voice control using the POI (Point of Interest) search. The system also provides news and information on the weather, petrol stations along the route (including fuel prices) or parking spaces. A Phonebox charges smartphones inductively.

Further online services are offered by the ŠKODA Connect app on a smartphone. By using the Remote Access feature, windows, doors, the sunroof and lighting can be controlled, the fuel level can be checked, or your parking location can be displayed. Care Connect also allows an Emergency Call to be made (automatically in the event of an accident in which restraint systems have been activated). The system alerts your breakdown service at the touch of a button and connects the driver to experts who can answer any questions regarding vehicle functions.

Driver assistance systems usually seen in higher segments

The electronic assistance systems surpass the usual level of the compact car segment by far. Newly available features include Trailer Assist (which steers and brakes the car and trailer when reversing), Predictive Pedestrian Protection (which brakes in the event of an impending collision with pedestrians) as a component of Front Assist, Blind Spot Detect (which warns of any vehicles in the blind spot), Rear Traffic Alert (its rear sensors warn the driver of approaching traffic when reversing out of parking spaces), Manoeuvre Assist (which brakes the vehicle as soon as the sensor detects an obstacle when moving forwards or reversing) and Crew Protect Assist (which closes the windows and sunroof in the event of an impending collision and tensions driver and passenger seatbelts). Crew Protect Assist works in conjunction with Front Assist including the City Emergency Braking function. In the ŠKODA OCTAVIA vRS 245, the proven Adaptive Cruise Control ((ACC), which helps the driver to maintain the selected speed and the desired distance from the car in front) can be activated up to a speed of 130 mph. 

A wealth of ‘Simply Clever’ features

The numerous ‘Simply Clever’ features in the new ŠKODA OCTAVIA vRS 245 include special bottle holders in the centre console (allowing PET bottles to be opened with one hand), a heated steering wheel, two USB ports in the rear, a personalisable key (allowing up to three users to programme their individual settings for the air conditioning, seats, the audio system’s volume and Driving Mode Select) and a removable LED torch in the boot of the Combi; the battery of the torch will recharge automatically while driving.

The abbreviation RS for the sportiest ŠKODA models

ŠKODA used the abbreviation RS for the first time in motorsport in 1974. In 2000, the synonym of sportiness entered the ŠKODA model range, and in the UK was badged vRS. This marked the beginning of the success story. 200,000 RS and vRS models have been sold to date – a whopping 100,000 of which are third-generation OCTAVIAs and have been sold since 2013. In the UK the vRS variant of OCTAVIA accounts for approximately 20 per cent of sales.

The new updated Skoda Octavia to carry the torch into the future and continue high sales too.

• An even more streamlined design, new headlights with LED technology
• Reworked interior, optional colour-controllable LED ambient lighting
• New infotainment systems in a glass design
• ŠKODA Connect: mobile online services for improved assistance and infotainment
• New driver assistance systems for even greater safety and comfort
• Two TSI engines and three TDI engines ranging from 115 PS to 184 PS
• All-wheel drive for the top-of-the-range models, optional Dynamic Chassis Control
• Two vRS models: 2.0 TDI with 184 PS, 2.0 TSI with 230 PS
• The best rally car within its class: ŠKODA presents the WRC2 World Champion FABIA R5

An even more striking design, new equipment and state-of-the-art technology for assistance, infotainment and connectivity – the ŠKODA Octavia presents its new face for the first time. The comprehensive upgrade has been applied to the hatchback as well as the Estate.

It is the heart and soul of ŠKODA, it embodies all of the Czech car manufacturer’s strengths and lays the foundations for its success – the ŠKODA Octavia. 

This compact car offers interior space that is among the most generous in its segment and brings equipment and technology of a mid-size car into the compact class. Its design is striking, its quality is on the highest level, and above all it represents exceptional value for money.

The Octavia is ŠKODA’s top seller: since its market launch in 1996, the Czech car manufacturer has produced more than five million ŠKODA Octavias. 

In 2016, now in its third generation, the large compact car made up more than 40 per cent of ŠKODA’s total sales worldwide with 436,000 vehicles sold. 255,000 cars found buyers in Europe, 4.2 per cent more than in the previous year. In the UK the Octavia enjoyed its best ever year with 23,068 registrations, up 2% on the previous year, with more than 20% of those badged vRS (+18% on 2015). 

The model range has expanded: additions are the all-terrain Octavia Scout and vRS models, which – as with the higher-end variants – are increasingly appealing to our customers’ needs. Comprehensively upgraded, the Octavia hatchback and the Octavia Estate are now starting the second half of their life cycle.

Design

The ŠKODA design team has streamlined the Octavia’s lines even further. 

The new front end with wider radiator grille, which has been expanded by introducing additional headlights with a crystalline look, and the even wider air inlets with honeycomb structure in the redesigned bumper create a masculine and dynamic look – instilling the car with an instantly recognisable face. 

As an option, the headlights are available in full-LED technology with adaptive front headlights (AFS).

The LED tail lights come in a choice of two variants; the C-shaped lights now illuminate in a uniform manner across the surface. The upgraded ŠKODA Octavia has grown by 11mm (hatch) and 8mm (Estate) in length, and the width of its rear track has increased by 20 or 30 mm (depending on engine and rear axle).

The interior comes across as high-quality and functional, the multifunction display and the air-conditioning controls have been retouched slightly. Subtle lighting units in the doors (optional) provide ambient lighting which can be adjusted to one of ten different colours.

Infotainment systems and ŠKODA Connect

The infotainment systems in the ŠKODA Octavia are part of a new generation. Their capacitive displays react to even the lightest touch. All the infotainment systems (optional) feature a glass design, starting with the 8.0-inch Bolero unit. 

The top-of-the-range Columbus navigation system comes with a 9.2-inch display, provides passengers with a Wi-Fi hotspot and has an optional extra LTE module for super fast data transfer. In addition, Phonebox enables inductive smartphone charging.

The connectivity features are also groundbreaking. ŠKODA Connect offers a range of new mobile online services that are divided into two categories, with the Infotainment Online services providing information and entertainment, and the Care Connect services providing assistance and support. 

Other online services, including remote access to the car, operate using the ŠKODA Connect app on your smartphone. The SmartLink+ platform incorporates the Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, MirrorLink™ and SmartGate standards to pair the mobile phone with the car.

Driver assistance systems

The new generation of electronic assistance systems makes driving the upgraded ŠKODA Octavia even safer and more comfortable. 

They surpass the usual level in the compact segment by far – in typical ŠKODA style – and there is a wide range to choose from. Trailer Assist, the Predictive Pedestrian Protection function, Blind Spot Detect and Rear Traffic Alert are new to the portfolio. 

The same applies to Crew Protect Assist; it works together with Front Assist including the City Emergency Braking function. Park Assist comes in a new, enhanced configuration.

Engines and chassis

The range of engines consists of two TSI engines and three TDI engines; they combine strong performance with low consumption. Their power ranges from 115 PS to 184 PS.  

Besides manual gearboxes, DSG transmissions with six speeds are available for almost all of the engines; ŠKODA offers all-wheel drive for the 2.0 TDI. Optional Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) is a highlight for the chassis – with it, the driver can regulate the character of the suspension by selecting the Comfort, Normal or Sport modes. All engines conform to the Euro 6 standard.

Interior space and equipment

When it comes to interior space, the ŠKODA Octavia continues to set benchmarks. The hatchback and the Estate each offer 1,782 mm of interior length and 73 mm of kneeroom in the rear. Their boot capacities measure 590 and 610 litres respectively, with the back seats folded down it’s 1,580/1,740 litres. For the Estate, an electric tailgate is available as an option.

Some new ideas have been added to the many ‘Simply Clever‛ features already offered by the ŠKODA Octavia to date: two USB ports in the rear, folding tray tables on the back of the front seats, bottle holders that make the opening of PET bottles easier, and a removable LED torch in the Estate’s boot. The heated steering wheel and customisable keys in particular ensure extra comfort and convenience.

The vRS models

At the top end of the upgraded Octavia portfolio are two vRS engine variants – the 2.0 TSI petrol and the 2.0 TDI diesel. The hatchback and the Estate combine their high performance with the great strengths of the model range and the new groundbreaking technology for the infotainment, connectivity and assistance systems.

The vRS models also present themselves in the new, streamlined design with the expressive four-eyed face. 

The headlights, fog lights and tail lights feature LED technology; details like the black radiator grille, the distinctive air ducts, the spoiler and the large exhaust pipes hint at the dynamic character. In the interior, there are vRS sports seats with leather/fabric covers (Alcantara® as an option), elegant decorative strips and ambient lighting.

For the ŠKODA Octavia RS 2.0 TSI, the power output has been increased to 230 PS, the top speed is 155 mph. The 184 PS 2.0 TDI wows with its efficiency – 62.8 mpg on the combined cycle (115 grams of CO2/km). The vRS models are available with a 6-speed manual gearbox or a 6-speed DSG transmission.

The sports chassis lowers the body by 15 mm, the rear track is 30 mm wider than before. Wheel dimensions range from 18 to 19 inches. The ESC stability system with XDS+ electronic inter-wheel lock, and Performance Mode Select with the Performance Sound Generator (optional) complete the dynamic character of the upgraded Octavia vRS models.

The ŠKODA FABIA R5 rally car

At the press event for the upgraded Octavia in Vienna, ŠKODA presents yet another highlight – the FABIA R5, the winning rally car in the 2016 FIA World Rally Championship (WRC 2).

Having started seven times in the WRC 2 with the ŠKODA FABIA R5, the Finnish works crew Esapekka Lappi / Janne Ferm scooped the world championship drivers’ classification with four victories and two other podium finishes. 

In total, the car won 10 of the 13 world championship rallies. In addition, ŠKODA won the continental championships in South America, Asia-Pacific and in the Middle East as well as ten national titles in the 2016 season. 

“The many national and international titles and victories show that we have created a real winners’ car with the ŠKODA FABIA R5.,” said Christian Strube, ŠKODA Board Member for Technical Development. “The entire ŠKODA team is very proud of the extraordinary successes of our motorsport team.”

The best rally car within its class is powered by a 1.6-litre turbo engine, which produces 205 kW (290 PS) and 420 Nm of torque. A sequential five-speed transmission transfers the power to the 4×4 drive system that uses mechanical differentials on both axles. 

The wheel dimensions are 15 inches on gravel and 18 inches on tarmac. In accordance with regulations, the minimum weight for the rally car, which is just short of four metres long, is 1,230 kg; the price for customer teams is 180,000 euros.