Skoda launches new Octavia 2.0 TDI PD vRS

The Skoda Octavia vRS has established itself as a genuine performance car with the ability to carry five in comfort, and proves that practicality and excitement really can be had in one package. It has also proved that an estate can have the same sporting DNA as a coupe – another unique feat in the sector.

We’re pleased to announce that the Octavia vRS now has another trick up its sleeve – the ability to return a spectacular 48.7mpg. The Octavia 2.0 TDI PD vRS goes on sale next month and combines all the dynamic brilliance and class-leading practicality of the petrol version with an advanced 2.0-litre turbodiesel powerplant that produces 170bhp.

The Octavia has never been short of pulling power, but the new engine takes flexibility onto a new level. With 350Nm of torque available from just 1,800rpm, the 2.0 TDI PD vRS offers amazing thrust from low revs. Thanks to piezo injector technology that provides exceptionally accurate high-pressure fuelling to each cylinder, the diesel-powered vRS is every bit as thrilling to drive as its petrol counterpart. The 0-62mph sprint can be dispatched in just 8.5 seconds (8.6 seconds for the Estate) and top speed is 140mph (Estate 139mph).

Then there’s the fuel consumption. As the award-winning Fabia vRS has proved on many occasions, a great sporting car doesn’t always need to punish you at the pumps. Both the hatch and estate versions of the Octavia 2.0 TDI PD vRS return an amazing 48.7mpg on the combined cycle, which gives a potential tank range of 589 miles.

As you would expect, the new Octavia 2.0 TDI PD vRS is fully EURO IV compliant and is fitted with an advanced diesel particulate filter (DPF) which helps reduce exhaust emissions to a minimum. In terms of CO2 output, both the hatch and estate versions produce just 157g/km.

Finally, there’s the price. The Octavia 2.0 TDI PD vRS costs £18,370 (OTR) for the hatch version and £19,220 (OTR) for the estate. That’s a premium of just £845 over the 2.0 TFSI petrol version.

As with the petrol vRS, both the hatch and estate enjoy the same luxurious specification, which means creature comforts such as climate control, CD player and alloy wheels are fitted as standard. Safety equipment includes ESP and traction control, plus driver, passenger and side airbags.

Deliveries of the new Octavia 2.0 TDI PD vRS start next month and given the success of the petrol-engined version, business is expected to be brisk. After all, how often do you come across a car that’s practical, exciting and frugal?