► Skoda Octavia vRS plugs in
► New 2020 RS iV is a PHEV
► Teased ahead of Geneva show
It was only a matter of time until the disparate worlds of electrification and high performance collided at Skoda – and here’s the proof: our first look at the new 2020 Octavia vRS iV.
We’ve already seen the fourth generation of the Skoda Octavia range (regular model below), which looks more than ever like a baby Superb family member (and we mean that in a good way). The company has confirmed there will be petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid versions of the Octavia vRS and now Skoda’s trailed the PHEV.
As the pictures show, the vRS comes with red brake callipers, a subtle bodykit and black 18-inch wheels as standard, with 19-inch ones available as an option. The front grille, bumper inserts, and window surrounds are smoked black, too, as well as the rear spoiler on the hatch – the estate gets a body-coloured roof one instead. You’ll also be able to identify this plug-in hybrid from the other vRS models by the charging port ahead of the front passenger side door.
Inside there’s a charcoal interior with contrast stitching on the fabric sports seats, a three-spoke multifunction steering wheel with paddles for the DSG ‘box and the obligatory set of silver pedals. Part-Alcantara and leather seats with additional seat adjustment are optional, along with red or grey stitching on the steering wheel, armrests and Alcantara sections of the dashboard.
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New 2020 Skoda Octavia vRS iV plug-in hybrid specs
This is the brawniest VW Group plug-in using the 1.4 TSI petrol engine we’ve yet seen and will be also found on the upcoming Cupra Leon and VW Golf GTE, surpassing the VW Passat GTE. The total system output here is 242bhp and the 85kW (114bhp) electric motor is proof that the balance of performance is swinging to the e-motor and away from internal combustion engines like all prior vRS models.
The 13kWh battery allows this vRS to drive on electric power alone for up to a claimed 37 miles. The electric motor alone produces 242lb ft of torque, so pulling away from standstill should be brisk, while switching into Sport mode will combine both electric and internal combustion motors for the full 242bhp and 295lb ft.
It takes 7.3 seconds to reach from 0-62mph and top speed is 139mph. We wouldn’t be surprised if the vRS iV also allowed you to drive in electric mode up to 80mph, just like the upcoming Golf GTE.
Power is sent to the front wheels only, via a six-speed DSG gearbox, although whether the diesel 4×4 of the previous version will make a comeback is yet to be confirmed.
Skoda quotes the following specs for the vRS iV:
- Engine capacity 1.4 TSI petrol
- Electric motor 85-kW
- System output 242bhp, 295lb ft
- CO2 emissions 30g/km (WLTP) approx.
- Zero-emissions range 37 miles
A variable ratio steering rack comes as standard, as well as a stiffened-up suspension setup to round off the vRS treatment – although, if history repeats itself, we suspect this will remain more comfortable to live with everyday than most rivals.
We’ll update this article with more details after the Geneva motor show next week.