JUST a few weeks ago Skoda launched the latest version of the Octavia and hard on its heels comes the higher-performance, sporty Octavia vRS.

It comes as a hatchback and estate and features exclusive redevelopment of the design which gives it a stand-out look in the high performance sector.

The new front section has a wider grille, plus additional headlamps and even wider air intakes with a honeycomb structure. It also comes with four full-LED headlights as well as LED side-mounted headlights integrated into the rear bumper.

The back end is dominated by a black diffuser and broad red reflector lamp above.

The vRS now features LED-technology license plate illumination and taillights in the Skoda's C-design as standard.

Inside, the vRS comes with sports seats with a leather/fabric combination and Alcantara as an option.

Skoda's "Simply-Clever" solutions include an umbrella under the passenger seat and a removable LED lamp in the boot of the estate.

The new Octavia vRS has 15mm lower sports suspension and the rear track is 30mm wider than the predecessor and comes with red brake callipers and it comes with 18-inch wheels as standard, while 19-inch wheels are available as an option.

The new petrol engine of the vRS, the 2.0 TSI, provides 230bhp and the front-wheel drive sports model sprints from 0 to 62mph in just 6.7 seconds and on to a top speed of 155mph.

Combined fuel consumption is claimed at 43.4 mpg. As standard, the Octavia vRS 2.0 TSI is equipped with a manual six-speed manual gearbox, optionally with a six-speed DSG semi-automatic system.

Diesel power comes from a 2.0 TDI engine with an output of 184bhp and gives acceleration from 0 to 62 mph in 7.9 seconds and a top speed of 144 mph.

The combined fuel consumption is claimed to be 62.8 mpg taking emissions down to 119g/km. It is available either with front-wheel drive (manual or six-speed DSG) or 4×4-wheel drive with the DSG box.

As with all versions in the Octavia series, the current new vRS comes with latest generation of infotainment systems including the top version of the Columbus navigation set up with a 9.2-inch monitor and WLAN hotspot.

It also comes with new features including trailer assist, blind spot detect, rear traffic alert, and front assist which closes windows and sunroofs in the event of an imminent accident, tightens driver and passenger seatbelts and works in conjunction with the improved front ssist including city emergency braking and predictive pedestrian protection.

Prices for the UK have yet to be announced but are expected to be similar to the current vRS models which are priced from around £25,000.