Skoda unveils 178bhp Fabia vRS

Skoda’s hot Fabia vRS, revealed at the Geneva motor show, will get 178bhp and more aggressive styling than its predecessor when it arrives in the UK later this year.

Borrowed from the Seat Ibiza Cupra, the 1.4-litre ‘Twincharger’ unit propels the car to 100kph in 7.3sec, before reaching to a top speed of 225kph. Fuel economy is rated at 18kpl. A seven-speed DSG ‘box, equipped with paddle shift, comes as standard.

Shunning the conservative styling of the last vRS, the new car will have a tough sporting look and will be easily identifiable against the standard car. Styling upgrades include a new front bumper, a new rear bumper, rear diffuser, 17-inch alloys and twin exhausts.

The previous Fabia vRS was diesel-powered, but Skoda has ruled out an oil burning version. Skoda has also confirmed an estate version of the car will be sold. Skoda is predicting annual sales of around 1500 units.