2009 Skoda Octavia vRS

Fresh images of the updated Octavia vRS have been released by Skoda. The facelifted Octavia range pushes the exterior design away from the more squared off look of its predecessor. It’s probably a 50/50 result, some will prefer the previous look, others will prefer the update. AUSmotive HQ falls into the latter category and are fans of the more sculpted bonnet and sportier lower grille treatment on the vRS.

The comparatively flowing headlights, which can now be optioned with xenons for the first time, are also a welcome addition. Jumping on the latest lighting fad, the Octavia vRS also has LED daytime running lights.

Of course, as with most cars that offer a wagon and sedan version AUSmotive reckons the wagon is the pick. Ever since Audi’s RS2 there has always been something intrinsically appealing about sporty estates.

The vRS can be powered by petrol and diesel four cylinder engines, both donated from parent company Volkswagen, and both with healthy performance. The 2.0 T FSI is good for 147kW and emits a relatively low CO2 figure of 175g/km. The 2.0 TDI CR, meanwhile, produces 125kW and emits 150g/km of CO2.

Both model variants are matched to a six speed transmission, which can be a manual or DSG.

Pleasingly, the updated model is lighter than the car it replaces. The petrol versions weigh 20kg less and the TDI is down 15kg. After driving the previous model and coming away more than impressed, this should only further improve the car’s sporting capabilities.

More from Skoda after the jump.

Å koda reveals new faces of Octavia vRS

• Å koda Auto reveals exclusive first pictures of facelift Octavia vRS

Å koda Auto has released the first official images of the facelifted Octavia vRS and Octavia Scout. Following the launch of the new Octavia late last year, the vRS and Scout have been updated to bring them into line with the current range and family face of Å koda.

The sporty Octavia vRS has proved extremely popular since it was launched in 2000. More than 60,000 have been sold, 70 per cent of which were the estate version.

The facelifted vRS has a redesigned front grille featuring the vRS logo and bold headlamps, which for the first time can be fitted with xenon headlights combined with the adaptive front lighting system. The car has two more completely new features: front fog lamps with optional cornering function and LED lamps for daytime lighting. The rear lights have been redesigned to look more attractive and new 18” Neptune alloy wheels are available.

Other changes to the vRS include a new metallic paint, Anthracite, and a lowered (now 127mm) sports-tuned chassis. The car is also lighter – the petrol version by 20kg and the diesel by 15kg. With reduced air resistance the maximum speed of the vRS is now higher and the car’s responsiveness and acceleration have also been improved.

The vRS is available with a choice of two engines, which both comply with the EU5 standard. The 2.0 T FSI 200bhp offers fuel consumption of 37.7mpg (combined cycle) and CO2 emissions of 175g/km. The 2.0 TDI CR 170bhp offers 49.6mpg (combined cycle) and emits 150g/km of CO2. Both engines are available with a six-speed manual twin-clutch DSG transmission.