ŠKODA vRS and RS – Explained

byAshlyn Oswalt/December 30, 2022/inHelp & Advice, Vehicle News

ŠKODA’s high-performance models feature a vRS and an RS badge to showcase their status. However, some countries feature ‘vRS’ while others feature an ‘RS’. We decipher the differences, meaning, and history behind the acronyms.

Is it vRS or RS?

The ‘vRS’ stands for ‘victory Rally Sport’ and is the correct, and original, term used in the UK. Elsewhere, ŠKODA uses the simple ‘RS’. The RS, or ‘Rally Sport’ model dates to the 180 RS in the 1970s.

ŠKODA was forced to add the ‘v’ to the RS model when Ford, who use RS on their motorsport-themed models, threatened to file a lawsuit against them for using their famed acronym. Elsewhere, ŠKODA simply uses ‘RS’.

ŠKODA’s RS Beginnings

That 180 RS that we mentioned earlier was the first performance car made by ŠKODA. There was also a 200 RS, and both were hand–built and made exclusively for rally racing. The lightweight prototypes featured four-cylinder engines, in 1.8L or 2.0L capacity, which is where the 180 and 200 model names come from.

ŠKODA has an impressive rally car history, so it’s no surprise the RS badge would be a nostalgic nod to their humble beginnings.

ŠKODA’s Modern History with RS

When ŠKODA joined the Volkswagen Group in the ‘90s, the brand had a bad reputation for producing unreliable cars. Volkswagen’s mission was to change this perception, and part of their vision included the 2001 OCTAVIA vRS model.

The model, released as a performance version of the popular ŠKODA OCTAVIA, was powered by a 1.8L turbocharged engine, taken from the Volkswagen Golf GTI, and flew from 0-62mph in under eight seconds. ŠKODA also added sleek visual updates to the model, like chunkier bumpers and chrome exhausts. This was a gamechanger for ŠKODA and gave the brand some serious street cred.

ŠKODA RS Today

ŠKODA OCTAVIA RS

Performance

1,984cc (2.0L) Turbo Petrol
180kW Power, 370Nm Torque
7 Speed DSG

Comfort & Convenience

Navigation ‘Columbus’ 10″ Touchscreen, 8 Speakers
Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Wireless Connect
Wireless Smartphone Charging
KESSY Electronic Keyless Entry (5 Door) With Motion Sensor
Electronic Open/Close Tail Gate with Virtual Pedal

Discover the OCTAVIA

The RS badge is alive and well in New Zealand today. If you’re keen to drive a performace-inspired ŠKODA, get in touch with a Product Specialist to explore your options.