Mother nature might be doing her best to make life as difficult as possible for British drivers, but ŠKODA is fighting back with the arrival of a new four-wheel drive version of the acclaimed Octavia vRS. Designed to conquer road conditions that blight UK roads through the dark winter months, the new Octavia vRS 4x4 has officially landed in retailers across the country.

The Octavia vRS 4x4 marks a further expansion of the vRS range, and follows hot in the wheel-tracks of the vRS 230 model unveiled last year. Available in both hatch and estate form, the new vRS 4x4 is priced from £27,315 (£28,515 Estate) and brings all-wheel-drive capability to the vRS range for the first time.

Powered by a 2.0 TDI 184PS diesel engine and equipped with a six-speed DSG gearbox as standard, the vRS 4x4 combines a high torque output (380Nm between 1,750-3,250rpm) with surefooted traction delivered by its four-wheel-drive system. Designed to maximise grip in all conditions, the four-wheel-drive system constantly monitors traction at each wheel and directs power to whichever axle requires it.

Like its vRS siblings, the new 4x4 model also features a host of engineering features that allow drivers to fully and safely exploit the car’s performance potential. These include multi-link sports suspension and electronic differential lock XDS+ for dynamic cornering, progressive steering and numerous assistance systems for enhanced safety and comfort. The vRS also features a striking design package that includes unique vRS bumpers, spoiler and interior. 

In terms of performance, Octavia vRS 4x4 hatch models can sprint from zero to 62mph in just 7.6 seconds (Estate 7.7 seconds) – some 0.3 seconds quicker than the two-wheel-drive model). Yet despite this sharper performance, the vRS 4x4 still enjoys remarkable fuel economy, returning 57.7mpg on the combined cycle (56.5mpg Estate). CO2 output figures are 129g/km for the hatch and 131g/km for the estate.

Prices for the Octavia vRS 4x4 range start from £27,315 OTR for the Hatch and £28,515 OTR for the Estate, a premium of £1,450 over the two-wheel-drive model. And, as customers have come to expect from ŠKODA, the vRS 4x4 comes packed with standard equipment, includingAmundsen touchscreen satellite navigation system, 18-inch Gemini anthracite alloy wheels, bi-xenon headlights, sports suspension and dual-zone climate control with humidity sensor.

More than 30,000 Octavia vRS models have been sold in the UK since its introduction in 2001. Its unique combination of performance, value and unrivalled levels of space has made it a popular choice with UK buyers.

The third-generation ŠKODA Octavia vRS was launched in 2013 at the Goodwood Festival of Speed and has enjoyed strong demand across all markets with more than 58,000 units produced to date. The UK remains one the strongest markets for the vRS, with more than 30,000 Octavia vRS models sold since the brand was introduced in 2001. In total, more than 165,000 Octavia vRS models have been built.