Skoda will expand the Octavia RS family with a plug-in hybrid version

Skoda is planning its most comprehensive Octavia vRS lineup yet, and company sources hint that the new models will be the fastest and most performance-focused to wear the vRS badge so far.

The standard versions of the new-generation Skoda Octavia were unveiled late last year, but the new performance models wearing the vRS badge will debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March, with a plug-in hybrid variant joining the vRS range for the first time.

The new PHEV version promises to offer the most powerful version of the powertrain already seen in the Volkswagen Golf GTE. As before, there will also be 2.0-litre petrol and diesel vRS models, and the former promises even more power than its predecessor’s 245 CV.

However, sources suggest the plug-in hybrid version will match the petrol model in terms of absolute power. That means the now-familiar combination of a 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine and an electric motor, coupled to a DSG dual-clutch automatic gearbox, should be good for nearly 250 CV and up to 500 Nm of torque. However, the heavier plug-in is expected to be slightly slower off the line than its petrol-only sibling, with a 0-100 km/h sprint time of around seven seconds.

Skoda Octavia vRS plug-in hybrid

The acceleration deficit is largely down to the extra mass. The addition of the electric motor and a rear-mounted battery pack (said to have a capacity of up to 13 kWh) adds more than 200 kg to the kerb weight, but this will be partly offset by instant electric torque and the ability to run up to 30 miles in electric-only mode.

The regular petrol is set to be the fastest in the Octavia vRS lineup. Details are unconfirmed, but sources suggest the familiar EA888 engine from the Group Volkswagen will be tuned to deliver close to 250 CV, while torque could rise above 400 Nm. Performance is expected to improve on the existing car, with the 0-100 km/h sprint taking approximately 6.5 seconds.

As before, buyers can choose between automatic and manual dual-clutch transmissions. However, it has yet to be confirmed whether the PHEV or the petrol will get the Group Volkswagen VAQ electromechanical limited-slip differential. This hardware appeared on the outgoing 245 vRS, so it is likely to reappear on the pure petrol versions.

The vRS TDI with diesel engine is expected to use essentially the same 2.0-litre engine as before, with 181 CV and 350 Nm of torque. However, changes to the engine’s internals and its management system will ensure the unit meets the latest strict emissions regulations.

Elsewhere, the vRS is expected to be as versatile as ever. Alongside the three different engines, there will be hatchback and estate body styles and both front-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive configurations.

Externally, the Skoda Octavia vRS is expected to receive the usual muscular styling update and a choice of more extrovert colour options. Meanwhile, the interior will benefit from heavily bolstered sports seats and bespoke trim and graphics.

Sales dates and prices remain unknown, but first deliveries are expected later this year. The plug-in hybrid model could become the most expensive Octavia yet, with a potential cost of up to 34,000 euros.

Technical specifications of this car

HatchbackSkoda Octavia24 versions · from 35,200 €