Most powerful Skoda Octavia vRS 245 revealed in Geneva

The Skoda Octavia vRS 245 is the most potent variant of the brand’s mid-range model produced yet thanks to a 15bhp boost in power.

Revealed at the Geneva motor show, the facelifted Skoda Octavia's turbocharged 2.0-litre engine has been uprated to produce 242bhp and 273lb ft of torque, which is a 15bhp and 15lb ft improvement on the old vRS 230.

This trims the car’s 0-62mph dash to 6.6sec, shaving a tenth of a second off the 230’s time. The Octavia vRS 245 estate takes 6.7sec, which is also a tenth quicker than its older sibling. The saloon can reach 155mph while the estate tops out at 153mph.

As before, the car comes with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard, but a new seven-speed dual-clutch DSG is offered with the model for the first time. Drive is sent to the front axle via a standard-fit electronic limited slip differential, which can brake the inside wheel to boost traction.

The vRS sits 14mm lower than regular Octavias and its rear track is 38mm wider than the old 230. The chassis settings can be adjusted along with the drivetrain’s characteristics via the drive modes, which cycle from normal to performance modes. The system’s effectiveness is heightened when optional dynamic chassis control technology is fitted.

Included with the 245 is a long list of cabin technology and driver assist programmes. The car is offered with a 9.2in touchscreen infotainment system and wi-fi connectivity. Voice control and inductive smartphone charging technology top the list options, while the Skoda connect app enables users to control features such as windows and door locks via their phone.

Added to the vRS is adaptive cruise control technology and Trailer Assist, which can steer and brake the car when reversing with a trailer. There’s also emergency braking technology to avoid impacts with obstacle and pedestrians, Blind Spot Detect, Rear Traffic Alert and Crew Protect Assist, which closes windows and the sunroof in the event of an impending collision and tensions driver and passenger seatbelts.