New Skoda Octavia RS petrol and diesel versions revealed

• Octavia RS now gets 245hp, 2.0 TSI petrol and 200hp, 2.0 TDI diesel mills
• Octavia RS iV comes with 245hp plug-in hybrid powertrain
• All-wheel drive system exclusive to the diesel model

Skoda has completed the fourth-gen Octavia RS line-up by adding petrol and diesel versions to the range. The Czech carmaker had debuted the latest iteration of the Octavia RS earlier this year with a plug-in hybrid variant. As before, the performance focused Octavia continues to be offered in sedan as well as the estate body styles. Here is a closer look at the souped-up model series.

Most powerful diesel in Octavia history

The Skoda Octavia RS is available with three powertrain options for the first time. There is a 245hp, 2.0-litre TSI turbo-petrol and also a 200hp, 2.0-litre TDI diesel. While there is no change in the output of the petrol unit compared to the previous model, the oil burner gets a bump of 16hp, making this the most potent diesel-powered Octavia yet. The plug-in hybrid RS iV pairs a 1.4-litre TSI turbo-petrol mill to a 116hp electric motor for a combined system output of 245hp.

Both the petrol and diesel are available with a 7-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic gearbox, though the former also gets the option of a 6-speed manual. The hybrid version, on the other hand, gets a 6-speed DSG unit. All versions come with a standard front-wheel drive system, with only the diesel getting an optional all-wheel drive layout.

Reworked dynamics

The performance-oriented Octavias come fitted with a progressive steering system as standard and also an RS sports suspension which results in a 15mm lower ride height in the non-electrified models. Skoda is also offering an optional ‘dynamic chassis control’ function that allows the driver to adjust the suspension, steering and DSG characteristics through the drive mode selector. The petrol and electrified variants further boast of an electronic limited-slip differential to improve traction. 

Exclusive design details

Skoda has continued with the tradition of packing its RS models with bespoke styling touches inside-out in the quest for a more dynamic character. The exterior sports a blacked-out effect for the front grille, air dams, wing mirrors, diffuser and rear boot-lip spoiler, though the estate’s roof spoiler is body coloured. There is a set of 18-inch alloy wheels (upgradable to 19-inchers) and red brake calipers as well. ‘vRS’ badging on the front grille and tailgate further reinforces the car’s pedigree.

The sporty theme continues on the inside with an all-black colour scheme. Front sports seats with fabric upholstery are available as standard, though buyers can also opt for a more ergonomic seat design upholstered with a mix of Alcantara and leather. A three-spoke steering wheel with paddleshifters, carbon-effect accents on the dashboard and aluminium pedals are part of the package as well.

Extensive features list

Full-LED matrix headlights, LED ambient lighting, 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, adaptive cruise control, three-zone climate control, electric boot, front and rear parking sensors and keyless entry and go are some of the more notable features on the latest Octavia RS. Furthermore, it exclusively gets a drive mode selector with a new RS mode and a sports layout for the 10.25-inch Virtual Cockpit instrument cluster.   

Virtual Cockpit instrument cluster with sports layout 

India prospects

There have been no official announcements about the India prospects of the new Octavia RS, though what would have the enthusiasts’ hopes up would be the fact that every previous generation of the hotted-up sedan has made it to our market in some form. The limited-run, third-gen RS 245 was launched at the 2020 Auto Expo at Rs 35.99 lakh (ex-showroom). 

Skoda India is working towards bringing in the standard Octavia in early 2021. It has also lined-up up a BS6 upgrade for the Kodiaq later this year, before new models like the production version of the Vision IN concept SUV and a replacement for the ageing Rapid start arriving next year under the VW Group’s ambitious India 2.0 project.