What's the news?
Following the unveiling of the facelifted Skoda Octavia for 2017, it is now the turn of the performance-based Octavia RS to get similar treatment. The outgoing Octavia was never the most desirable looking car, and even the RS model lacked the more aggressive styling of its rivals like the Ford Focus ST and Volkswagen Golf GTI. It is due to arrive in Ireland before the summer of 2017.
Exterior
Up front, there is Skoda's new split headlight design, which is sure to divide opinion. It follows a similar design to that of the forthcoming Skoda Kodiaq and is also likely to appear on the next Skoda Yeti. The front grille is now wider with the one half of the split headlights forming part of the design. Adding to that new face of the Octavia RS are LED daytime running light strips while larger air intakes and cooling ducts make the RS stand out more from the regular model.
The performance look is continued around the rest of the car, with black door mirror caps and glass surrounds. At the back is a black diffuser that houses the twin exhausts and is topped off with a full-width red reflector lamp. The rear lights carry Skoda's signature C-shaped light design on both the saloon and estate models. Saloon models will also feature a small spoiler on the boot lid.
Interior
Although Skoda hasn't revealed any official images of the interior, we know that it will feature the new layout that has already been revealed in the regular Octavia model. The biggest visual difference being the introduction of a new, larger touchscreen infotainment system. This 9.2-inch Columbus unit that will also offer a WLAN hotspot and the option of LTE connectivity. Skoda will add greater levels of connectivity with its latest mobile services while familiar features like Android Auto and Apple CarPlay will be present.
Skoda is likely to include new sports seats that will look quite different to the standard seats, and expect these to be offered in a choice of fabric or leather upholstery. Other usual items, such as a perforated leather steering wheel and RS badging throughout the cabin are also likely features.
Mechanicals
Handling on the new Skoda Octavia RS should be improved thanks to a reduction in height of 15mm and sports suspension, while the rear track has increased by 30mm. As standard, the Octavia RS will come on 17-inch wheels, with 18- and 19-inch options available. For those seeking a more discreet look, the 19-inch wheels can also be ordered in a regular silver finish.
Skoda has made its latest 2.0-litre TSI engine the standard unit for the Octavia RS. This 230hp four-cylinder petrol produced 350Nm or torque and can propel the car to 100km/h in 6.7 seconds. Its claimed fuel consumption is 6.5 litres/100km while it emits 149g/km of CO2. If you want a diesel engine, Skoda will still offer its 2.0-litre TDI, which remains unchanged. It produces 184hp and 380Nm while its combined fuel consumption is rated at 4.5 litres/100km. It will also be possible to choose from an all-wheel drive transmission with the diesel engine. Automatic and manual transmissions can be specified with both engines.
Anything else?
For 2017 new driver assistance systems are being added to the Octavia RS. These include Trailer Assist, Blind Spot Detect and Rear Traffic Alert, which can warn of any approaching vehicles when reversing out from a parking space. One other feature is Crew Protect Assist, which closes the windows and sunroof if it detects an imminent accident. It also tightens the driver and passenger seatbelts.