Škoda’s new Octavia vRS iV is a baby performance hybrid

That’s right, the electrified Octavia vRS iV will combine a 150PS 1.4-litre petrol engine with an 85kW electric motor to deliver a total power output of 245PS (241bhp) and maximum torque of 400Nm (296lb ft).

Power goes to the front wheels via a six-speed DSG, allowing the vRS iV to accelerate from 0-62mph in 7.3 seconds and go on to a top speed of 140mph. The electric motor alone provides 330Nm (244lb ft) of torque from zero rpm, so the car should leap away from the traffic lights like no other vRS. What’s more, the 13kWh lithium-ion battery gives the vRS an all-electric range of 60km, or around 37 miles.

To look at its unmistakable vRS, with black 18-inch alloy wheels, red brake callipers, and a black grille, front splitter, rear diffuser and window frames. It’ll be available in both hatchback and estate guises, with both sporting a RS rear spoiler.

Oliver Stefani, Head of Škoda design, said: “We have given the already dynamic shape of the new Octavia an even sportier appearance using familiar RS insignias… the car is immediately recognisable as a member of our RS family.”

The ‘murdered’ interior features black sports seats, with optional Alcantara and leather Ergo seats. There’s a three-spoke leather multifunction sports steering wheel, too, complete with flappy paddles, not to mention aluminium pedals, while vRS logos and contrast stitching throughout the cabin round off the sporty appeal.

Škoda Board Member for Technical Development Christian Strube added: “By introducing the Octavia RS iV, we are starting a new chapter in the success story of our RS portfolio. We are using plug-in-hybrid drive in a sporty top-of-the-range model for the first time. In the new Octavia RS iV, this both increases performance and reduces fuel consumption as well as CO2 emissions.”

Joining the new vRS iV in the Czech manufacturer’s new EV line-up are three other electrified Octavias. The plug-in hybrid Octavia iV – available in SE and SE L trims – will combine the same 1.4-litre petrol engine and 85kW electric motor as the vRS iV to make 204PS (201bhp) and max torque of 350Nm (259lb ft).

For the first time, Škoda will implement mild-hybrid technology, enabling energy to be recovered under braking and stored in a 48-volt battery, before using it to support the combustion engine with an electrical boost of up to 50Nm (37lb ft). Two e-TEC mild-hybrid variants will be available, with a 1.0-litre three-cylinder producing 110PS (108bhp) and a 1.5-litre four-cylinder with 150PS (148lb ft).