You might want to cancel that trip to the tuners, because Skoda has finally confirmed that they will be launching the vRS version of the current Octavia in India. The only downer is that you will have to wait till 2017 to get your hands on one.
The vRS Octis had always enjoyed a cult following in India, especially the MK1 Octavia vRs which was launched in the middle of the last decade here in India, followed by the Mk2 Octavia vRS, badged here as the Laura vRS.
The new Octavia vRS will be packed with lot horses than the 150 bhp of the original one. While the new vRS is available with both, a petrol and a diesel engine in Europe; the one coming to India will probably be the 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol putting out 217 bhp and 35.7 kgm and coupled with a six-speed DSG double clutch transmission. Which should be enough to get you to 100 kph from standstill in less than seven seconds, according to Skoda.
How is it different from a normal Octavia? Well the vRS gets stiffer springs, beefed up anti-roll bars and the XDS+ system, which acts like an electronic differential by braking the front wheels individually to increase grip and reduce slipping. On the outside, there is a bigger airdam, Bi-Xenon headlights, 18 inch anthracite alloys, a spoiler, a diffuser and a chrome tipped twin exhausts at the back. And yes, it is available in electric blue.
Over the last few years, the Skoda brand has taken a beating thanks to owners taking their woes of unreliable Skodas to the social media and their less than desirable experience at service centres. To make things easier for future owners, Skoda revamped its warranty coverage, extending it to 4 years/100,000 and it will cover all major parts like the engine and the gearbox, with the guarantee that the replacement parts will be genuine Skoda examples. Also the customers can avail of the Skoda roadside assistance program, called the Skoda Assist, for 4 years at no extra cost.
Other than the vRS, Skoda has a few more launches planned in 2017. First up, is the Octavia Black Edition, a limited trim line with additional standard equipment coupled with a dark paint theme. Later in the year, the facelifted Skoda Rapid will be launched, to be called the Rapid Monte Carlo.
