A new flagship Octavia vRS has been unveiled by Škoda, available in both hatchback and estate models.

With a new front section, modified rear and a sporty interior, both hatch and estate models of the upgraded Octavia vRS have two four-cylinder engines to choose from. While the 2.0 TDI diesel engine has the same 135 kW (184 hp) output as previously, the performance of the 2.0 TSI petrol engine has increased by 7 kW (10 hp) to 169 kW (230 hp), making it the most powerful and fastest series-production model in the history of the Škoda Octavia.

The wider front radiator grille has been extended with additional headlamps featuring a ‘crystalline look’, and the even wider air intakes with honeycomb structure in the redesigned bumpers are described as ‘masculine and dynamic’. The four full-LED headlights with Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS), as well as the LED side-mounted headlights integrated into the bumper, shape the new front end. At the rear, the hatchback’s spoiler and the estate’s roof spoiler are joined by a ‘powerful’ black diffuser element and broad red reflector lamp above, characteristics of the upgraded vRS model.

The new 230 hp 2.0 TSI has a maximum torque of 350 Nm at 1,500 to 4,600 rpm, mated to a manual 6-speed manual gearbox, or optionally to a 6-speed DSG. The front-wheel drive model sprints from 0 to 62mph in 6.7 seconds on to a top speed of 155 mph. The combined fuel consumption is 43.4 mpg (149 g CO2/km; all values: hatchback with manual transmission).

The 2.0 TDI diesel engine, with an output of 184 hp and a maximum torque of 380 Nm from 1,750 rpm ensures acceleration from 0 to 62 mph in 7.9 seconds and a top speed of 144 mph. The combined fuel consumption is 62.8 mpg (119 g CO2/km, all values: hatchback with manual transmission) and is available either with front-wheel drive (manual or 6-speed DSG) or 4×4-wheel drive and 6-speed DSG.

The 15mm lower sports suspension and the rear track - 30mm wider than the predecessor - as well as the red brake callipers all underline the ‘dynamic character’ of the range-topper says Škoda. 18-inch wheels are available as standard, while 19-inch wheels are available as an option.

The interior is characterised by the vRS Sport seats which provide 'plenty of lateral support', and in addition to the leather/fabric combination, the sports seats are now also available in Alcantara as an option. The multi-function sports steering wheel (for DSG gearbox with shift paddles) has a perforated leather crown. Ambient lighting comes as standard - the recesses of the door handles are illuminated, the pedals shine in an aluminium finish, and the entry panels bear the vRS logo.

Progressive steering, is joined by a Performance Mode Select with optional Performance Sound Generator, the stability program ESC with electronic cross barrier XDS+ and Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) which all add to the ‘intensive driving pleasure’, with the DCC allowing the driver to choose between Comfort, Normal or Sport modes.

New features for the Octavia vRS include Trailer Assist, Blind Spot Detect and Rear Traffic Alert, which monitors side and rear traffic when leaving a parking space. The Crew Protect Assist closes windows and sunroofs in the event of an imminent accident, tightens driver and passenger seatbelts and works in conjunction with the improved Front Assist including city emergency braking and predictive pedestrian protection.

Pricing has yet to be confirmed.