Skoda seems bullish with its plans for India, as it prepares to strengthen its product portfolio for our market. Alongside the upcoming Kodiaq and the new Rapid, the Czech automaker has something in store for the enthusiasts as well. We have word from Skoda that the grin-inducing vRS variant of the Octavia is highly likely to make its way to India very soon.
Let’s talk about what makes the vRS special. The biggest change is in the engine department. Internationally, the go-fast version gets a 2.0-litre turbo petrol motor that whips up a generous 220PS of power, clocking a 0-100kmph time of just 6.8 seconds. There’s a diesel option as well, that features the same engine as in the standard diesel Octavia tuned to 184PS. This one is no slouch either, sprinting to 100kmph in 8.1 seconds. Top speeds are rated at 248kmph and 232kmph for the petrol and diesel versions, respectively. Both engines can be had with a manual or a DSG dual clutch automatic, each being six-speed transmissions.
The vRS gets subtle aesthetic upgrades to distinguish it from the run-of-the-mill Octavias. Upgrades to the exterior include a sporty body kit, larger wheels and the trademark spoiler at the rear. The interiors too get the vRS treatment including sporty bucket seats, an all black colour scheme and a whole bunch of badging to remind you what you’re driving. In fact, you’ll find the term ‘vRS’ splattered everywhere, including the steering wheel, gears knob, door sill plates, seats, and the floor mats too!
As much as we hate to say this, there’s also a possibility of India getting a watered-down version of the performance saloon. Skoda skimped on the bigger motor for the Laura vRS, and simply added a body kit and a set of stiffer springs to cook up a desi vRS. We fervently hope this isn’t the case with the Octavia, and we get to experience the whole hog.
The vRS is likely to have a limited run in the market, as Skoda wants it to be a halo product for the brand. The Octavia is doing pretty well for itself in the segment, battling the likes of the Toyota Corolla, the Volkswagen Jetta and the upcoming Hyundai Elantra. Notably, there aren’t any hot-blooded, performance-oriented saloons in the segment, which will give the Octavia vRS a fairly clean run. If launched in all its glory, expect a sticker price hovering around the Rs 25 lakh mark.
Source: cardekho.com
Skoda may bring in Octavia vRS to India
