Skoda’s smallest EV has been given the vRS treatment, with the compact crossover packing 335bhp from a dual-motor drivetrain. Taking 5.4 seconds to reach 62mph from rest, the new Elroq vRS becomes the quickest accelerating Skoda on sale. However, it’s not the fastest vRS that money can buy, as its 111mph limited top speed falls short of what the Octavia vRS can achieve. While the drivetrain is almost silent, two external driving noises can be selected via the infotainment display. 

The Elroq vRS wears a relatively subtle bodykit to separate it from the rest of the range, with angled grille inserts, tailgate-mounted spoiler, unique rear bumper with a full-width reflector, and 20” aerodynamically optimised alloy wheels; 21” rims are optionally available. Black exterior trim for the window surrounds, mirrors, and badges come as standard.

The changes aren’t purely cosmetic, as the vRS gets lowered suspension that drops the car by 15mm at the front, and 10mm at the rear. Dynamic Chassis Control is set to be available as an option, offering 15 stages of adjustment for the adaptive dampers. The steering has been recalibrated to take advantage of the new suspension setup, and the high-performance variant gains enlarged front brakes with two-piston callipers. 

Between the axles sits a 79kWh usable capacity battery, which offers a range of over 340 miles on one charge. Topping up at a DC rapid charger requires 26 minutes at up to 185kW, with home charging taking around 10 hours with a 7kW wallbox.

Inside, the 5” drivers’ display and 13” infotainment screen get a vRS-specific suite of graphics. All five seats are upholstered in black microfibre, with lime green contrasting elements. The steering wheel is heated as standard, and is the only place where the winged-arrow logo appears within the cabin; its only external appearances being at the centre of each alloy wheel.

Its closest rival is the similarly-sized Mini Countryman SE which also uses a dual-motor drivetrain. The Mini offers 308bhp, has the same top speed of 111mph, but is down on range at a maximum of 267 miles owing to its smaller 64.6kWh battery.

The new Skoda Elroq vRS is expected to start from around £45,000 when it goes on sale later in April. It will come well equipped as standard with adaptive cruise control, matrix LED headlights, keyless entry, a massaging drivers’ seat, powered tailgate to access the 470-litre boot, and much more. We’ll update this when the model is ready to order in the UK.