Currently reading: Most powerful Skoda Octavia vRS 245 revealed in Geneva
With a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine producing 15bhp more than the old car, this is the most potent Octavia produced yet

The Skoda Octavia vRS 245 is the most potent variant of the brand’s mid-range model produced yet thanks to a 15bhp boost in power.

Revealed at the Geneva motor show, the facelifted Skoda Octavia's turbocharged 2.0-litre engine has been uprated to produce 242bhp and 273lb ft of torque, which is a 15bhp and 15lb ft improvement on the old vRS 230.

This trims the car’s 0-62mph dash to 6.6sec, shaving a tenth of a second off the 230’s time. The Octavia vRS 245 estate takes 6.7sec, which is also a tenth quicker than its older sibling. The saloon can reach 155mph while the estate tops out at 153mph.

As before, the car comes with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard, but a new seven-speed dual-clutch DSG is offered with the model for the first time. Drive is sent to the front axle via a standard-fit electronic limited slip differential, which can brake the inside wheel to boost traction.

Vrs245 2

The vRS sits 14mm lower than regular Octavias and its rear track is 38mm wider than the old 230. The chassis settings can be adjusted along with the drivetrain’s characteristics via the drive modes, which cycle from normal to performance modes. The system’s effectiveness is heightened when optional dynamic chassis control technology is fitted.

Included with the 245 is a long list of cabin technology and driver assist programmes. The car is offered with a 9.2in touchscreen infotainment system and wi-fi connectivity. Voice control and inductive smartphone charging technology top the list options, while the Skoda connect app enables users to control features such as windows and door locks via their phone.

Added to the vRS is adaptive cruise control technology and Trailer Assist, which can steer and brake the car when reversing with a trailer. There’s also emergency braking technology to avoid impacts with obstacle and pedestrians, Blind Spot Detect, Rear Traffic Alert and Crew Protect Assist, which closes windows and the sunroof in the event of an impending collision and tensions driver and passenger seatbelts.

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Amid a broader vRS refresh, Skoda has built its most powerful Octavia yet to take on the established order

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Sales will commence shortly after the show, with prices set to increase slightly on the old 230, which costed from £25,130 for the saloon and £26,330 for the estate.

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odie_the_dog 6 February 2017

Nice bit of distraction from

Nice bit of distraction from the fact the Octavia's overall CO2 figures are up as are the list prices.

Try finding a new one with a sub 100g CO2 now.... Bit like the SEAT Leon, the CO2 figures are all much higher than they were making them far less attractive as BIK company cars.

Better look at a 308, Megane or Astra.

xxxx 4 February 2017

Best yet

It has :- Crew Protect Assist - " which closes windows and the sunroof in the event of an impending collision." no one will hear you scream
xxxx 4 February 2017

That's an opinion

£2000 more and less horse power from the same engine in a smaller car isn't