OCTAVIA vRS iV

ŠKODA’s range-topper now comes in a plug-in hybrid drive.

The ŠKODA OCTAVIA vRS iV is the brand’s first-ever vRS model to feature plug-in hybrid drive, and comes with exciting vRS features as standard - including progressive steering, shift-by-wire technology and a host of driver assistance systems - as well as some truly dynamic optional extras, from an adaptive chassis to interior comfort features such as leather upholstery, seat-depth adjustment and a massage function.

The standard vRS-typical sports chassis lowers the car by 15 mm, and adaptive Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) is an optional extra. DCC constantly adjusts the damping and enables a particularly dynamic driving style in Sport mode. Using slider controls on the 10-inch central touchscreen in Driving Mode Select, it is now possible to adjust DCC parameters such as damping, steering characteristics or the operation of the DSG (direct-shift gearbox) – this is a first. The multi link rear axle distinguishes itself by providing high levels of comfort and good handling.

The OCTAVIA vRS iV can be ordered with any of the new technologies and innovative assistance systems the fourth-generation OCTAVIA has to offer. Shift-by-wire technology to operate the car’s DSG is making its OCTAVIA vRS debut. Furthermore, the car now also boasts new systems, such as Collision Avoidance Assist and Turn Assist, to increase active safety.

With a move to shift-by-wire technology to operate the DSG in the OCTAVIA vRS models, the gear selector is no longer connected to the gearbox mechanically. Instead, it relays which gear has been chosen electronically. This saves space and offers new design options for the interior. The familiar DSG lever has been replaced with a new control module, housed in the centre console. This module features a small rocker switch for selecting the drive modes – R (reverse), N (neutral) and D/S (drive/sport) – as well as a button for the parking mode, P.

The ŠKODA OCTAVIA vRS models also feature progressive steering as standard. This ensures dynamic steering response and improved handling at higher speeds, while also providing optimum feel at low speeds. In addition, the OCTAVIA vRS models’ steering is transmitted much more directly in contrast to the standard steering: from lock to lock, only 2.13 instead of 2.70 turns of the steering wheel are required.

The ŠKODA OCTAVIA vRS comes with innovative and further developed assistance systems, too. By making targeted interventions in the steering, for example, the new Collision Avoidance Assist helps to drive around a pedestrian, cyclist or other vehicles, Turn Assist can detect oncoming traffic at an early stage when turning right at junctions, and can warn the driver or automatically stop the vehicle. The Exit Warning system, available from spring 2021, lets the occupants know if another vehicle or a cyclist is approaching from behind when a car door is open.

Another new feature is the local Traffic Warning function, which automatically warns of traffic hold-ups in the car’s immediate surroundings, such as the end of a traffic jam. Side Assist monitors an area up to 70 m behind the vehicle and warns the driver of vehicles approaching from behind or that are in the car’s blind spot and can help to prevent accidents on motorways and dual carriageways, by emitting a warning light on the inside of the wing mirror housings, where it is clearly visible. In urban environments, Front Assist – including Predictive Pedestrian and Cyclist Protection – warns of collisions visually, acoustically and by gently applying the brakes, slowing the car down when necessary. It detects moving and stationary vehicles in the direction of traffic, and also cyclists and people who are moving in front of the car.

Additionally, vRS vehicles sold in the UK now come with an innovative central airbag between the two front seats. This reduces the impact between the driver and front passenger, particularly in the event of a side on collision. This new airbag is located on the inside of the driver’s seat backrest.

Design-wise, the ŠKODA OCTAVIA vRS iV is certainly no slouch, either, and comes with full LED Matrix headlights and full LED tail lights, which includes dynamic indicators and an animated Coming/Leaving Home function, as standard. In addition to specific front and rear aprons, numerous black design details give the car its vRS-typical sporty appearance; vRS logos on the radiator grille and tailgate are inspired by ŠKODA’s motorsport tradition, the striking ŠKODA grille, the front diffuser and the air curtains located above the tinted LED fog lights are all designed in gloss black, and the wing mirror housings, the window frames, the estate’s roof rails and aeroflaps at the rear, as well as the diffuser on the rear apron, the ŠKODA lettering on the tailgate and the hatchback’s vRS rear spoiler all come with a black finish.

On top of this – or rather, underneath it all! – vRS models feature black 19-inch alloy wheels as standard; the brake callipers boast an eye catching vRS-typical red finish.

And the design touches continue inside, too. While ergonomic sports seats with Alcantara® and leather upholstery, seat-depth adjustment and a massage function are optional, the interior of the OCTAVIA vRS iV is nonetheless characterised by a sporty black, carbon-fibre look with Alcantara®. The redesigned three-spoke, multifunction leather sports steering wheel features a vRS logo and, if the vehicle is equipped with DSG, shift paddles. The front sports seats with integrated headrests come as standard and are upholstered in black fabric, while the red stitching on the seats and dashboard provides a striking contrast. The seats display a vRS logo and red or silver-grey stitching, which also adorns the Alcantara®-covered dashboard and leather steering wheel. Black roof lining, Alcantara® door trims, carbon-effect decorative strips on the dashboard, pedals in an aluminium design and a frameless rear-view mirror add the finishing touches to the car’s athletic appearance.

The ŠKODA OCTAVIA vRS iV is equipped with a 10.25-inch Virtual Cockpit as standard, which features an additional Sport layout and a vRS-specific welcome logo. The infotainment systems feature new-generation technology from Volkswagen Group’s Modular Infotainment Matrix and sport a 10-inch central display. A permanent internet connection is provided by a built-in eSIM which enables the use of numerous mobile online services. Thanks to the digital assistant Laura, who also understands entire sentences, the infotainment systems can also be operated using voice command at any time.

As the first PHEV to come in the vRS trim, the OCTAVIA vRS iV is an exciting and powerful addition to ŠKODA’s fleet, as enjoyable to drive as it is safe and comfortable to ride in.

P11D Value from £34,965

VED Band B

BiK 10%

CO2 emissions from 26 g/km