When Skoda->ke82 says that the new Octavia vRS is the "fastest road-going skoda Octavia yet", we have to stand up and pay attention.

That's why it's important for us to pay heed to the upcoming Goodwood Festival of Speed this coming July because that's the event where the all-new Octavia vRS is scheduled to make its world premier.

The car will be based on the new generation Octavia, a car that Skoda had just unveiled earlier this year. Keeping in line with the automaker's renewed attempt to gain some traction in the industry, the Octavia vRS is being pegged to be longer, wider, and lighter than its predecessor, all important qualities that will make for a pretty interesting vehicle.

Describing the new sporty Octavia, Skoda officials are saying: "Never before has an Octavia RS been so fast and dynamic and yet so spacious, convenient, safe and comfortable as the third generation of our compact sports car."

Updated 06/05/2013: This review has been updated with the official details, images and specs.

Updated 07/11/2013: Skoda announced British prices and standard specifications for the new Octavia vRS. Click past the jump to learn them.

Are they right? Click past the jump to find out.

2013 Skoda Octavia vRS

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2013 Skoda Octavia vRS
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 220
  • Torque: 220
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

When compared to a standard Octavia, the new vRS version is a little bit sportier and more aggressive. Up front, you will notice a front grille sporting the “vRS” badge, distinctive honeycomb air intakes and a new vRS-style front bumper. The model comes with standard bi-xenon headlights with integrated LED daytime running lights and fog lights.

For the rear, Skoda is adding a black diffuser and a new exhaust system with large, trapezoidal-shaped chrome exhaust tailpipes. The sedan also features a large spoiler - the Combi version’s rear spoiler will be offered as a roof-edge type. The taillights feature LED technology, making it easier for other drivers to see you.

When compared to the previous generation, the new Octavia vRS has significantly grown, as it is 88 mm (3.46 inches) longer, 45 mm (1.77 inches) wider and has a 102 mm (4.01-inch) longer wheelbase.

Interior

Just like on the exterior, the interior is also characterized by a sportier look and feel. The driver and the front passenger will enjoy newly designed vRS-design sports seats. Additionally, there is a sporty three-spoke steering wheel with perforated leather, and a leather-wrapped gear stick knob and handbrake. The sill plates and pedals are made of stainless steel, while a cool "vRS" logo graces the steering wheel, gear stick, door sill panels, seats and floor mats.

Also, due to the increased dimensions, the new Octavia vRS will offer more interior room and the best in class boot volume: 590 liters (20.83 cubic-feet) for the sedan and 610 liters (21.54 cubic-fet) for the combi version.

Drivetrain

Customers can choose between two different engines: a gasoline and a diesel one. The 2.0-liter TSI engine delivers a total of 220 horsepower and will be mated to a standard six-speed manual gearbox. In this configuration, the new Octavia vRS will sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 6.8 seconds and up to a top speed of 154 mph.

The new 2.0-liter TDI engine delivers a total of 184 horsepower and will sprint the new vRS from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 8.1 seconds and up to a top speed of 144 mph.

Both engines will be combined with standard Start-Stop and Brake Energy Regeneration, while a DSG dual clutch transmission will be offered as an option.

Suspension and Brakes

The new Octavia vRS will be offered with new light-alloy wheels in three different sizes:17, 18 or 19 inches. "Dorado" 17-inch light alloys are offered as standard, and customers can also opt for 18-inch 'Gemini' and 'Pictoris' in silver or anthracite and 'Xtrem' 19-inch light alloys in black.

The new vRS will also be offered with sport suspension as standard feature, plus a newly developed multi-link axle used at the rear. The vRS also comes with a MacPherson strut setup with underlying triangle wishbone, Electronic differential lock XDS integrated into the electronic stability control (ESC) and a new electro-mechanical progressive steering.

Prices

The new Octavia vRS made its world debut at the 2013 Goodwood Festival of Speed and will be put on sale on August 1st.

Model

CO2

OTR

BiK (‘13-14)

P11D value

Hatchback

2.0 TSI 220PS

142

£22,990

20%

£22,795

2.0 TSI 220PS DSG

149

£24,380

21%

£24,185

2.0 TDI CR 184PS DPF

119

£23,260

18%

£23,205

2.0 TDI CR 184PS DSG DPF

129

£24,650

20%

£24,595

Estate

2.0 TSI 220PS

142

£23,790

20%

£23,595

2.0 TSI 220PS DSG

149

£25,180

21%

£24,985

2.0 TDI CR 184PS DPF

119

£24,060

18%

£24,005

2.0 TDI CR 184PS DSG DPF

132

£25,450

21%

£25,270


Octavia vRS standard equipment

-18" Gemini anthracite alloy wheels

-Energy recovery

-3 spoke MFSW for radio and tel with DSG paddles if DSG

-ESC incl ABS, EBV, MSR, ASR, EDS, HBA, DSR, XDS

-Acoustic rear parking sensors

-Hill hold

-Automatic post collision braking system

-Lane assistant

-Bi-Xenon headlights +AFS+LED "DAY LIGHT" with dynamic angle control

-LED rear lights

-Black door mirrors and handles

-Light assistant

-Bluetooth

-Rear backrest release (estate)

-DAB

-Rear electric windows (with child safety switch)

-Daytime LED running lights

-Roof rails (estate only)

-Driver alert system (fatigue detection)

-Sports suspension

-Driver knee airbag

-Stop/start

-Driving mode selection (eco/comfort/sport/custom)

-Touchscreen "Bolero" (with single CD player & proximity sensor)

-Dual zone air conditioning with humidity sensor and control

-TPM+

Competition

2013 Ford Mondeo Titanium X Sport

The Ford Mondeo Titanium X Sport is one of the more likely competitors for the Octavi vRS. With a 237-horsepower, 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine, it certainly has plenty of pop under the hood. The engine hooks up to a six-speed automatic transmission and this combination allows it to spring to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 7.5 seconds and up to a 153 mph top speed. Sure, it may not have the exclusivity or the looks of the Octavia vRS, but at £28,115 ($42,726 at the current exchange rate); it is likely in the ballpark in pricing. Additionally, Ford dealers are easy to find, should an issue arise, but Octavia dealers are quite as plentiful – food for thought at least.

Conclusion

The new Octavia vRS could be the perfect choice for those clients looking for a cheap, sporty sedan. It looks good, delivers enough power and comes equipped with tons of sport features.