Skoda Octavia vRS
Published: 13th September 2005
Design
The sporty Octavia vRS builds on the design strengths of the standard car yet has a unmistakable visual link to the previous generation model and the current Fabia vRS.
Thanks to deeper bumpers, body-coloured side strips and stunning new 17 inch ‘Zenith’ alloy wheels, the vRS conveys a real air of sportiness. Customers wishing to go one stage further can specify larger 18 inch alloys as a cost option.
The front end is dominated by a large air intake in the lower half of the bumper, while the projector halogen headlamps further sharpen the whole look. At the rear, a strip of ‘Cats Eyes’ reflectors have been incorporated into the bumper, while the five door model is fitted with a distinctive spoiler that arches gracefully over the boot lip. Classic vRS touches such as the famous green brake calipers and vRS badging on the tailgate complete the exterior design package.
The Octavia vRS will be offered in a limited range of special colours, comprised of: Race Blue metallic, Sprint Yellow, Corrida Red, Diamond Silver metallic and Black Magic pearl effect. (Race Blue and Sprint Yellow will be introduced after launch.)
As you would expect for a car wearing the vRS badge, the Octavia’s interior design is focused on driver involvement and enjoyment. The new silver and black sports seats support the body in all key areas, while the three spoke, part-leather steering wheel is as good to hold as it is to look at. Other additions include aluminium-effect trim on the instrument panel and doors, black rooflining and a leather gearknob.
But where the Octavia vRS really stands out from the crowd is in terms of interior practicality. vRS models have always been family-friendly cars and the new Octavia vRS takes this on to a new level. Not only can the interior comfortably accommodate five adults, the huge load compartments - 560 litres for the hatchback and 580 for the estate (with the rear seats folded down, that increases to 1,350/1,620 for the hatch and estate, respectively) - mean that performance car motoring no longer requires a compromise on luggage.
Chassis
Unlike some so called ‘performance’ models the Octavia vRS has been created from the ground up and incorporates a number of key engineering changes designed to give the car an even more rewarding driving experience.
The rear section of the body has been braced with special reinforcements to increase torsional strength, while the suspension has been lowered by 12mm all round and features modified shock absorbers and springs. The result? A chassis that lives for corners and makes every drive an unforgettable event.
To reign in the extra power produced by the 200bhp engine, larger, ventilated brake discs are fitted as standard to all Octavia vRS models, while a host of electronic safety systems including EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution), ASR traction traction control and of course, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) are fitted as standard. UK spec vehicles will see the addition of ESP and TPM (Tyre-pressure Monitoring) as standard as well.
Skoda Octavia
Our Skoda Octavia Guide lists the full specification of the current UK Octavia range, including car prices, fuel consumption, dimensions and other vital data.
Price Range: £11,145 - £20,070
Body Style:
Fuel:
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Models in the range: 15
We have road tested the Skoda Octavia, to read our in-depth car reviews:
Skoda Octavia Review - Nov 2004
Skoda Octavia Review - Jan 2007
Our Car Buyer’s Guide covers all of the UK’s major new cars and includes CO2 ratings and car insurance groups. Data updated on the 21st Sep 2008
