THIS is the sporty top model of Skoda's best-selling Octavia range which is the most powerful to date.

The Octavia vRS 245 is ready to order now with delivery expected late July or early August.

It comes as a hatchback or estate and is fitted with a 2.0 TSI engine which produces 245bhp which gives the hatch version a sprint time from 0to 62 mph in just 6.6 seconds, 6.7seconds for the estate.

It is the most powerful Octavia in the company's history and also comes with many exterior and interior features and details which emphasise the sporty nature but also offers the practicality of a family car but with the dynamics of a sports car.

The new Octavia vRS 245 is fitted with a four-cylinder TSI petrol with 245bhp which is 15bhp more than the current most powerful unit in the car. Maximum torque of 370Nm comes in from 1,600 to 4,300 rpm.

There is a choice of six-speed manual or seven-speed DSG semi-automatic gearbox and its top speed is limited to 155mph.

Best fuel consumption is claimed at 44.1 mpg for the DSG automatic which equates to emissions of 148g/km.

As far as looks go the vRS 245 new offering has the Skoda brand's new face while the car has a predominantly black interior with Alcantarasports seats and integrated headrests.

The driver's seat is electrically adjustable and has a memory function for up to three people.

Driving and safety aids include predictive pedestrian protection, blind spot detect, rear traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, lane assist and driver fatigue detection.

Skoda "Simply Clever" features include a bottle holder in the centre console for one-handed opening, the option of a heated steering wheel, two USB ports in the rear and a wireless phone charging pad in the centre console.

Exclusively for the estate model there is a removable LED torch in the boot as well as an adjustable boot floor, multifunctional shelf under the boot cover, a barrier net, four bag hooks and a 12-volt socket.

Prices run from £27,595 for the hatchback and £28,795 for the estate version.