Skoda has released images and details of the third generation Octavia RS that will make its public debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed next month. Described as 'The Fastest Octavia Ever', the hot Skoda will pack a 220hp punch in petrol guise and an equally impressive 184hp when powered by a 2.0-litre TDI diesel engine.
Exterior
While the regular Skoda Octavia could be described as conservative the new RS model is anything but. The front end is dominated by the new Skoda grille design, this time with sporty honeycomb air intakes that proudly bear the badge of the hot Czech. A beefy front bumper plays home to standard fit fog lamps while bi-xenon headlights with integrated LED daytime running lights add a distinctive look to the RS.
Out back a black diffuser signifies this as the top dog of the Octavia line-up, a look emphasised by the large trapezoidal exhaust pipes that it houses. A discrete boot spoiler sits atop the hatch of the regular car with it taking up residence on the roof of the more practical estate model.
Riding 12mm lower than the standard car (13mm for Combi), the RS is available with a choice of five new alloy wheel designs, ranging from the standard 17-inch 'Dorado' up to the 19-inch 'Xtrem'. All wheels show the lacquered red brake calipers that sit behind them.
Interior
Freshly developed RS-design sports seats dominate the cabin that has been finished in sporty black upholstery. Perforated leather makes its way to the three-spoke steering wheel while both the gear stick and handbrake are also finished in leather. Stainless steel sill plates and pedals are unique to the RS, as too is ambient lighting for the door handles. The instrument panel with a 'rich-colour' Maxi DOT display has its own unique RS design. The steering wheel, gear stick, door sill panels, seats and floor mats all sport the RS logo.
Mechanicals
Two new engines are available to power the new Octavia RS with a choice between the 220hp 2.0-litre TSI petrol and a 184hp 2.0-litre TDI diesel. Both are mated to a six-speed manual transmission as standard with DSG automatic transmission an option. With the manual the RS can reach 100km/h from standstill in 6.8 seconds (8.1 for the diesel). Top speed in the petrol model is 248km/h, some 6km/h faster than the previous generation - leading to the 'Fastest Octavia Ever' tagline.
Despite the power and speed enhancements the third generation RS is up to 19 per cent more fuel efficient than the car it replaces thanks, in no small part, to the standard fitment of stop-start and brake energy regeneration.
Based on the Volkswagen MQB chassis the Octavia RS borrows the multi-link rear axle and XDS electronic differential of the Golf GTI to ensure it stays on the tarmac. A new electro-mechanical steering system has also been fitted.
Anything else?
Skoda CEO, Prof. Dr. h.c. Winfried Vahland, describes the new Octavia RS as "in a sports league of its own" (well he would say that), but we do not have to wait too long to find out, as the new Octavia Combi RS will be available in Ireland this July with the hatch following. Prices are expected to start at €32,495 for the TDI hatch.