Škoda Auto has released the first official images of the facelifted Octavia vRS and Octavia Scout. Following the launch of the new Octavia late last year, the vRS and Scout have been updated to bring them into line with the current range and family face of Škoda.

The sporty Octavia vRS has proved extremely popular since it was launched in 2000. More than 60,000 have been sold, 70 per cent of which were the estate version.

The facelifted vRS has a redesigned front grille featuring the vRS logo and bold headlamps, which for the first time can be fitted with xenon headlights combined with the adaptive front lighting system. The car has two more completely new features: front fog lamps with optional cornering function and LED lamps for daytime lighting. The rear lights have been redesigned to look more attractive and new 18" Neptune alloy wheels are available.

Other changes to the vRS include a new metallic paint, Anthracite, and a lowered (now 127mm) sports-tuned chassis. The car is also lighter - the petrol version by 20kg and the diesel by 15kg. With reduced air resistance the maximum speed of the vRS is now higher and the car's responsiveness and acceleration have also been improved.

Skoda Octavia vRS Facelift (2009)
Skoda Octavia vRS Facelift (2009) - picture 1 of 3
Skoda Octavia vRS Facelift (2009) - picture 2 of 3
Skoda Octavia vRS Facelift (2009) - picture 3 of 3
The vRS is available with a choice of two engines, which both comply with the EU5 standard. The 2.0 T FSI 200bhp offers fuel consumption of 37.7mpg (combined cycle) and CO2 emissions of 175g/km. The 2.0 TDI CR 170bhp offers 49.6mpg (combined cycle) and emits 150g/km of CO2. Both engines are available with a six-speed manual twin-clutch DSG transmission.

The Scout range is an established and popular part of Škoda's portfolio, and the new Octavia Scout is the flagship of the line. Since its introduction in 2007, more than 22,000 customers have bought the Octavia Scout.

Skoda Octavia Scout Facelift (2009)
Skoda Octavia Scout Facelift (2009) - picture 1 of 2
Skoda Octavia Scout Facelift (2009) - picture 2 of 2
The new Scout has a redesigned front grille, bold headlamps and body-coloured side mouldings. The front fog lights can be fitted with the optional cornering function and the large front bumper emphasises the car's rugged appearance. A new metallic paint, Rosso Brunello, is also available across the Octavia range.

With 179mm ground clearance and efficient chassis protection, the Octavia Scout can also handle itself off-road. The all-wheel drive system features the fourth-generation Haldex clutch, which can transfer as much as 86 per cent of the torque to a single wheel.

The Scout is available with two engines - the petrol 1.8 TSI 160bhp (Euro 5) and diesel 2.0 TDI PD PDF 140bhp (EU4) - combined with a six-speed mechanical transmission.