The Octavia is Skoda's bestselling range, and the top-spec model is about to get a new face, more power and a lot more tech.
The new top-of-the-line the Skoda Octavia vRS 245 will be available as a hatchback and a Combi (Skoda’s term for station wagon).
The Octavia vRS 250 shows off a new design language with a redesigned front bumper, grille, headlight cluster, and spoiler for both hatch and wagon models.
Powered by a 2.0 TSI engine, the new vRS 245 will also be the most powerful Octavia ever.
The four-cylinder turbocharged engine produces 180kW, 11kw more than the current RS model. Maximum torque of 370Nm is available from 1,600 – 4,300rpm.
The engine will be coupled to a choice of six-speed manual or – for the first time in an Octavia – a 7-speed, dual clutch transmission.
0-100km/h will be taken care of in 6.6 seconds for the hatch, and 6.7 seconds for the Combi. Top speed is electronically limited to 250km/h.
Despite the sporty credentials, fuel consumption with the 7-speed transmission is rated at 6.4L/100km and 6.6L/100km for the manual.
The RS will also be fitted with a new limited-slip differential that electronically detects how much power to send to the inside or outside wheels when cornering, reducing mid-corner understeer.
The RS will sit 15mm lower than a ‘normal’ Octavia, and is 30mm wider than its predecessor.
Electronically operated valves adjust the dampers’ between three settings, but the system will automatically switch to Sport mode when cornering aggressively.
Both the hatchback and the Combi are 4,689 mm long and 1,814 mm wide with a wheelbase of 2,680 mm, unusually long for this vehicle segment providing plenty of leg room in the front or back rows.
The interior is features electronically adjustable alcantara sports seats, multi-function steering wheel, colour display instrument cluster and LED ambient light that can be set to one of ten colours.
As standard, the RS will come with a Swing music system with 570 watt, ten speaker sound system that can sync with both Apple and Android smart phones.
Driver assistant systems in the RS will be some of the best in-class, equipped with predictive pedestrian protection, adaptive cruise control, city emergency brake function, and travel assist with traffic sign recognition.
The Skoda Octavia RS 245 range will be available in a choice of four colours: Corrida Red, Moon White, Magic Black and Steel Grey.
Pricing will be confirmed closer to the new model's New Zealand release later this year.
