NEWS: New Skoda Octavia vRS To Debut At Goodwood Festival of Speed 2013

In one of the longest press releases of the year – Skoda has revealed full details of their fastest Octavia vRS to date, which is set to make its world debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed on July 10th.
Let us precis the headline facts... deep breaths everyone! 

They say it's "the perfect combination of sportiness, space and functionality.' It offers 0-62 mph in 6.8 seconds and V-max of 154mph, from the two-litre petrol 220 PS and there's also a new two-litre diesel 184 PS diesel (managing 0-62 mph in 8.1 seconds with a top speed of 144 mph); both offering more performance, lower fuel consumption and fewer emissions. 

The new third generation Octavia vRS also offers "innovative technology" with updated safety and comfort assistance systems, progressive steering and new design language Bi-xenon headlights with integrated LED daytime running lights and a fresh look of four new 17, 18 and 19-inch alloy wheel options. And of course sports suspension comes as standard, in usual vRS style. And there's a manual gearbox or DSG dual clutch transmission available as options for both engines, each with six gears. Meanwhile, Start-Stop and Brake Energy Regeneration are fitted as standard, as is an Electronic differential lock XDS integrated into the electronic stability control (ESC). 

The new cars are longer (+86-88mm), wider (+45mm) and the wheelbase is 102mm longer too compared to the 2nd Gen. vRS.  

Of course, there's also a range of Skoda's ‘Simply Clever’ features, such as the foldable cargoitems as well as the double-sided boot flooring, an ice scraper in the fuel cap and the high-vis jacket under the driver’s seat. There are also litter containers, multimedia holders and a number of storage compartments, holders and hooks fitted as standard in the new Octavia vRS. The new Octavia estate vRS has an optional adjustable boot floor. The jacket shelf under the boot cover is new in the estate vRS. The roller cover for the boot can be removed and stowed under the adjustable loading floor. The backrest of the rear seat can also be folded 60:40.
"The new ŠKODA Octavia vRS is in a sports league of its own," says ŠKODA CEO Prof. Dr. h.c. Winfried Vahland. "Our latest model stands for horsepower and fuel efficiency and, at the same time, for emotion and rationality. Never before has an Octavia vRS been so fast and dynamic and yet so spacious, convenient, safe and comfortable as the third generation of our compact sports car. In this perfect combination, the new Octavia vRS and Octavia estate vRS set new standards in the sporty compact class and also takes the brand’s sporty genes with it on the road. A perfect car for free time and everyday use, maximum power, the latest technology and great value for money," explains Vahland.
See more images on our Facebook page. 

NEWS: New SKODA Rapid Launched

We've just returned from the UK launch of Skoda's 7th member of its range – the Rapid. It's a 'price sensitive' A-sector, family car which sits between the current Octavia (due to get a re-launch and go more upmarket & techy early in 2013) and the Fabia. It starts at £12,900 for the 1.2 75PS S model, rising to £17,890 for the 1.6 TDi CR 105PS DPF model. There are three specs – S, SE & Elegance. And there are five engines – four petrol (1.2 75PS, 1.2 TSi 86PS, 1.2 TSi 105PS & 1.4 TSi 122PS) and one 1.6 TDi CR 105PS diesel, with either five or six-speed manuals, or seven-speed DSG on the 1.4 TSi 122PS petrol range-topper. Greenline variants will be released in 2013, but, sadly, there will be no vRS version for fast families. That's a real shame, because the chassis is superb.
This is the first Skoda to feature the "new Skoda DNA" design which, according to the designer they brought in from the factory is "elegant, timeless and has sheer, precise lines and plays with light and shadow." It also proudly wears the new Skoda badge, up high on its fresh front end, featuring the 'power dome' V-lines. And at the rear, there's C-shape LED lights and a striking triangular recess for the number plate – all part of the new Skoda look, to be rolled out in forthcoming models.
Inside, there's the usual Skoda/VAG quality, simplicity, headroom and legroom and also a 'best in class' 550-litre storage space with the seats up – as demonstrated by packing an unreal amount of luggage in the boot on the launch – & 1490-litre seats down – enough to rival some estates! It's also loaded with Skoda's "simply clever" design touches, like a groovy green ice scraper fitted in the fuel filler cap for those icy mornings, a reverse-able boot floor with carpet on one side and rubber on the other for messy boot loads, A-pillar ticket holder, boot hooks etc. As they say, it's functional, clever, smart, spacious, accessible and authentic. And it drives really nicely too, especially the petrol models. Ford's Focus, Peugeot's 308, Vauxhall's Astra and Renault's Megane better watch out... Rapid is in showrooms later this week. And Skoda are selling like hot cakes at the moment... you have been warned!
See more Rapid images at our Facebook page here: www.facebook.com/roadmagblog and read the full Road Magazine test of the car in a future issue very soon at www.roadmagazine.co.uk

And read our latest Skoda special here: http://issuu.com/roadonlinemagazine/docs/road_26_small