The all-new Skoda Octavia RS iV makes its debut as a plug-in hybrid in both hatch and estate guises. Along with the mature styling of the latest generation Octavia, the RS version gets more performance-styled bodywork with gloss back bumper inserts and a matching grille that carries RS badging. The window frames and rear spoiler (on the hatch) get a gloss black finish, while on the estate the roof spoiler matches the car's body colour.
As standard, the Octavia RS will come with black 18-inch alloy wheels with the option of larger 19-inch rims. Behind those are the signature red brake callipers. As Oliver Stefani, Head of Skoda Design, explains: "We have given the already dynamic shape of the new Octavia an even sportier appearance using familiar RS insignias. With its numerous black design details, such as the Skoda grille, front apron, rear diffuser and alloy wheels, the car is immediately recognisable as a member of our RS family."
The interior of the new Octavia RS differs from that of the regular model. Sports seats in black fabric are standard and there is the option of 'Ergo' seats that get Alcantara and leather upholstery along with seat-depth adjustability. The RS logo appears in red or silver-grey stitching and also appears on the three-spoke leather multifunction steering wheel. The Alcantara finish extends to the door cards and appears across the fascia of the dashboard. As in the standard Octavia that is equipped with the automatic DSG transmission, there is no longer a traditional gear selector in the Octavia RS iV. Instead, a smaller rocker switch allows the driver to toggle between drive and reverse. The shift-by-wire transmission frees up more space between the seats making the wireless charging pad in the centre console easier to access.
Under the bonnet is a 1.4-litre TSI petrol engine that has an output of 150hp. That is mated with a 114hp electric motor that drives the front wheels via a six-speed DSG automatic transmission. With both motors combined, the total power output is 245hp, backed up by 400Nm of torque. Being a plug-in hybrid, the Octavia RS iV will have a much lower CO2 emission rating in comparison to its predecessors. Skoda says that it will emit 30g/km on the WLTP cycle, meaning that it will fall into the second-lowest rate for motor tax, at €170 per annum.
Plug-in hybrid performance and acceleration
Power for the electric motor comes from a 13kWh lithium-ion battery that is placed in the rear of the car. In electric-only mode the Octavia RS iV's motor produces 330Nm, and it has a driving range of 60 kilometres before the petrol engine kicks in. In Sport mode, Octavia RS iV will cover the 0-100km/h dash in 7.3 seconds and has a top speed of 225km/h.
Commenting on the car's launch, Christian Strube, Skoda Board Member for Technical Development, said: "By introducing the Octavia RS iV, we are starting a new chapter in the success story of our RS portfolio. We are using plug-in-hybrid drive in a sporty top-of-the-range model for the first time. In the new Octavia RS iV, this both increases performance and reduces fuel consumption as well as CO2 emissions."
Skoda will also continue to offer diesel and petrol variants of the Octavia RS in certain markets, and these are expected to debut in the second half of 2020.