What a milestone! Škoda is throwing a proper celebration for 25 incredible years of vRS in the UK – that’s a whole quarter century of performance brilliance that’s helped define what the brand stands for today.
Here’s what makes vRS so special: since day one, it’s been pulling double duty in the most exciting way. For Škoda’s talented engineers, vRS has been their playground – a chance to push boundaries with cutting-edge powertrains, drivetrains, and chassis tech. For drivers like us? It’s been an absolute gift: genuine performance that gets your heart racing, wrapped up in the space, practicality, and fantastic value that Škoda does so well.
And let’s not forget where all this passion comes from! Škoda’s motorsport heritage stretches back over a century, from legendary competition machines like the Popular Monte Carlo and 966 Supersport, through the iconic 180/200 RS and the absolutely legendary 130 RS. That winning spirit lives on today with international rally triumphs in the Fabia R5 and the latest 2025 Fabia RS Rally2. This rich competitive DNA flows directly into every single vRS model on the road.
Octavia vRS Mk1 (2001–2006)
Talk about making an entrance! The Octavia vRS Mk1 arrived in 2001 and completely changed the game for Škoda in the UK. Bringing back the RS nameplate (as vRS for British roads), it packed a punchy 1.8-litre turbocharged petrol engine delivering 180PS – making it the most powerful, fastest, and yes, priciest production Škoda of its era, with a thrilling 146mph top speed.
What really set it apart was the bespoke chassis fine-tuned by Škoda Motorsport, complete with WRC-inspired styling that looked absolutely brilliant. But here’s the genius bit: it still seated five comfortably and swallowed up to 580 litres of luggage. Right from the start, the Octavia vRS nailed what vRS is all about – everyday performance that actually works in real life.
Fabia vRS Mk1 (2003–2007)
Škoda really shook things up with the Fabia vRS! While rivals were going all-in on high-revving petrol engines, Škoda boldly chose a 1.9-litre turbodiesel. Genius move! With 130PS and a class-leading 310Nm of torque, this little powerhouse delivered fantastic real-world punch while sipping fuel at an impressive 53.3mpg. Light on its feet, practical with five doors, and absolutely brimming with character, the Fabia vRS was perfectly suited to British roads.
Octavia vRS Mk2 (2005–2013)
The second-generation Octavia vRS took everything brilliant about the original and turned it up a notch! A new 2.0-litre TSI petrol engine pumped out 200PS, and then Škoda added a 170PS diesel variant with a muscular 350Nm of torque – showing real confidence in performance diesel tech. Available as both a hatchback and estate, the Mk2 vRS broadened its appeal while staying true to that winning combination of thrills and practicality.
And here’s a jaw-dropping moment: in 2011, to celebrate vRS’s 10th birthday, a specially prepared Octavia absolutely smashed it at the Bonneville Salt Flats, setting a 227.080mph land speed record for 2.0-litre forced-induction cars! With bespoke streamlining and a heavily modified engine cranking out around 600PS, it was an unforgettable achievement.
Fabia vRS Mk2 (2010–2013)
When the second-generation Fabia vRS launched in 2010, it switched to petrol power with a technically brilliant 1.4-litre engine that combined turbocharging AND supercharging to deliver 180PS. Paired with a slick seven-speed DSG gearbox, it rocketed from 0-62mph in just 7.3 seconds! Sharper steering, firmer suspension, and the clever XDS electronic differential made it a genuinely engaging drive, showcasing Škoda’s growing expertise in creating exciting, well-sorted performance cars.
Octavia vRS Mk3 (2013–2020)
The third-generation Octavia vRS was a real coming-of-age moment, offering the most choice ever: multiple body styles, powertrains, and drivetrains to suit every taste. Petrol and diesel engines delivered up to 220PS and 184PS respectively, with the even hotter vRS 230 joining the lineup later. Advanced tech like multi-link rear suspension and integrated electronic differential systems sharpened handling and traction, while that famously spacious interior meant you never had to compromise on practicality.
Kodiaq vRS Mk1 (2019–2024)
Who says performance can’t come with seven seats? The Kodiaq vRS brilliantly proved that the vRS magic works just as well in a family SUV. Initially powered by the most powerful diesel engine ever fitted to a production Škoda – a mighty 2.0-litre biturbo producing 239PS and a whopping 500Nm – this all-wheel-drive beast even set a Nürburgring Nordschleife lap record for seven-seat SUVs! Later switching to a 245PS petrol engine, it showed how Škoda’s performance strategy was evolving with the times.
Octavia vRS Mk4 and Octavia vRS iV (2020–present)
The fourth-generation Octavia vRS really opened up the possibilities! With petrol and diesel options (manual or DSG, front- or all-wheel drive), there was something for everyone. But the real headline? The groundbreaking Octavia vRS iV – the first-ever plug-in hybrid vRS! Combining a 1.4-litre petrol engine with an electric motor for 245PS and 400Nm, plus up to 38 miles of pure electric range, it showed how electrification could actually enhance performance.
Fast forward to 2025, and the Octavia vRS got even better with focused updates, including a beefed-up 2.0-litre TSI engine now producing 265PS (that’s 20PS more!) and 370Nm of torque. A newly developed sports exhaust became standard, adding extra excitement while keeping that everyday usability we all love.
Kodiaq vRS Mk2 (2025-present)
The second-generation Kodiaq vRS builds brilliantly on what made the original so appealing, proving once again that vRS performance and large-family-SUV versatility are a perfect match. Powered by an uprated 2.0-litre TSI turbocharged petrol engine (shared with the facelifted Octavia vRS), it delivers thrilling performance through a seven-speed DSG and all-wheel drive. The result? A seriously impressive 0-62mph sprint in just 6.4 seconds!
Enyaq vRS and Enyaq Coupé vRS (2023–present)
This is where vRS went fully electric – and what an exciting leap it was! The Enyaq vRS and Enyaq Coupé vRS put the badge right at the heart of Škoda’s electric future. With dual motors, all-wheel drive, and up to 340PS on tap, they rocket from 0-62mph in just 5.5 seconds, making them the most powerful production Škodas ever at launch! Instant electric torque, bespoke chassis tuning, uprated brakes, and advanced dynamics systems deliver confident, thrilling performance without sacrificing the space, refinement, and practicality you expect.
Want proof of their capabilities? In 2023, the Enyaq vRS smashed not one but TWO Guinness World Records on ice, setting new benchmarks for the longest continuous vehicle drift on ice and the longest ice drift by an electric vehicle – a controlled 7.351km (4.568mi) run that showcased its dual-motor all-wheel drive and beautifully balanced chassis even in extreme conditions!
Elroq vRS (2025–present)
The newest member of the vRS family brings electric performance to the compact SUV segment in spectacular fashion! With two electric motors churning out a combined 340PS (250kW) through all-wheel drive, the Elroq vRS has become the fastest-accelerating car in Škoda’s entire current lineup, hitting 0-62mph in just 5.4 seconds. And here’s the brilliant part: it delivers this exhilarating performance while still offering up to 339 miles of range, making it the perfect everyday companion that just happens to be seriously quick!
British drivers have absolutely embraced vRS over these 25 years, and it’s easy to see why. That perfect blend of understated design, accessible performance, and real-world practicality just works brilliantly. As Škoda looks to the future, vRS will continue to evolve with exciting new technologies while staying true to the core principles that made the first Octavia vRS so special a quarter century ago. Here’s to the next 25 year
FAQ’s…
What is the significance of Škoda’s vRS models’ 25th anniversary in the UK?
Škoda’s 25th anniversary of vRS models in the UK marks a quarter-century of performance excellence, showcasing the brand’s history and ongoing commitment to creating exciting, practical, and innovative performance vehicles.
What makes vRS models from Škoda unique?
vRS models are unique because they combine motorsport-inspired engineering and performance with everyday usability and practicality, often featuring advanced powertrain technology, sporty styling, and versatile interiors.
How did the first vRS models, like the Octavia Mk1 and Fabia Mk1, influence Škoda’s reputation?
The Octavia Mk1 and Fabia Mk1 vRS models made a significant impact by offering powerful engines, sporty styling, and practical features, helping Škoda establish a reputation for delivering exciting performance vehicles that are suitable for everyday life.
What are some notable milestones in the history of Škoda’s vRS lineup?
Milestones include the launch of the Octavia vRS Mk1 in 2001, setting a land speed record with the Octavia vRS Mk2 in 2011, and the introduction of electric vRS models like the Enyaq vRS in 2023, demonstrating Škoda’s evolving performance capabilities.
What can we expect from Škoda’s vRS models in the future?
Škoda’s vRS models will continue to evolve with new technologies, including electrification and enhanced performance features, while maintaining the blend of understated design, accessibility, and practicality that has made vRS models popular over the past 25 years.
