Skoda’s Performance vRS Variants Not So Profitable, Future Is Uncertain

The Skoda Octavia is the only car in the brand’s current lineup to add the vRS suffix, as the automaker has focused instead on developing its Monte Carlo, Laurent & Klement and Sportsline packs.

The latter three have proved to be both popular with buyers and profitable as well, which cannot be said on the vRS ones. Subsequently, the Czech manufacturer’s new chief, Bernhard Maier, is now looking to see whether the fast vRS cars are profitable enough to justify their development costs, as Autocar reports.

“Theoretically, there are no barriers to any kinds of derivatives, but it is a question of demand. We have had a wonderful experience with trim upgrades, so I expect to do them again“, Maier said.

When it comes to the recently launched Kodiaq, it’s clear that a more powerful variant over the current 187 horsepower diesel is in the pipeline, but it’s unknown whether a true vRS derivative will be made. “I can say now that it will have many emotional directions and we will leverage it in every way possible, so as to leave as few people as possible out“, Maier added.

There’s no official info on possible Superb and Kodiaq vRS, but the Brits state that these two remain the most likely candidates to gain such variants, as due to their size and pricing range, buyers are more willing to spend a little extra for the additional muscle.

However, contradictory reports state that Skoda’s chief is more willing to spend the R&D’s money on upcoming hybrid and electric powertrains, rather than projects that add low profit or sales volume.