Skoda now offers three powertrain choices, including a plug-in hybrid, for the sporty RS version of its best-selling Octavia compact as it seeks to win more customers for one of its highest-priced models.
The success of the RS range (vRS in the UK, where Ford owns the RS name) helped Skoda increase its average purchase price to 26,191 euros in 2019 from 20,313 euros in 2011, according to data from data researcher ICCT.
Skoda adds hybrid to strong-selling Octavia RS family
The Skoda Octavia RS's distinguishing features include its radiator grille and side-view mirrors in glossy black.
The Basics
Launch date: Autumn 2020
Base price: 38,940 euros (Germany)
Where built: Mlada Boleslav, Czech Republic
Platform: MQB
Lowest CO2 emissions: 33 g/km (plug-in hybrid)
Prices start at 38,940 euros in Germany for the 2.0-liter gasoline hatchback version of the new Octavia RS, which is also offered with a 2.0-liter diesel.
The third option is the iV plug-in hybrid variant based around parent Volkswagen Group's 1.4-liter gasoline engine.
Skoda estimates the iV version will account for 15 percent of all Octavia RS sales.
All Octavia RS versions are also available as a station wagon while the 2.0-liter models come with a choice of manual or seven-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission.
The fully loaded automatic diesel from the Plus trim line tops the Octavia RS's price range at 46,250 euros in Germany. The extras include 19-inch wheels and an adjustable suspension.
The all-wheel-drive option boosted the appeal of the third-generation RS models in Alpine countries, where Octavia sales have been traditionally strong. Switzerland was the second-largest market for the third-generation Octavia RS range at 16 percent of the car's total European volume, fractionally behind Germany (also at 16 percent), while Austria was third at 10 percent. The UK was the fourth-biggest market with the Czech Republic rounding out the top five.
Fast Facts
Door safety: Starting this spring the Octavia RS will be available with parent VW Group's Exit Warning system, which lets occupants know if another vehicle or a cyclist is approaching from behind when a car door is open.
Predictive function: The Octavia's adaptive cruise control system will bring the car to a stop in congested traffic without driver intervention, even in versions with a manual transmission, before pulling away again. The new predictive function uses images from the camera on the windshield and data from the navigation system to automatically adjust the speed to suit the road ahead.
Staying on course: Lane-keeping assist warns the driver if the car is drifting out of the lane, while travel assist nudges the wheel to steer the car into the center of the lane.
Sales surge
Skoda almost doubled sales of the RS range in the third-generation car compared to the second-generation model, reaching 173,218 and accounting for 7.5 percent of the Octavia's European sales, up from 3.8 percent for the second-generation cars.
Skoda, which sold 17,688 first-generation Octavia RS variants, declined to comment on its sales target for the new range.
The RS's differences compared with the standard Octavia range, which launched early in 2020, start with the design. RS variants use glossy black plastic instead of a chrome or matt-black look in areas such as the radiator grille, front diffuser and the so-called "air curtains" above the tinted fog lights.
The sports suspension lowers the car by 15mm (0.6 inches) and helps make it feel more grounded in corners, according to Skoda.
Features such as programmable accent lighting and twin screens including a so-called "virtual cockpit" in front of the driver push the Octavia RS into premium territory.
The car is Skoda's equivalent of the Golf GTI, which sits on the same MQB platform.
The quickest Octavia RS is the 242-hp gasoline model with an automatic transmission, which accelerates to 100 kph (62 mph) in 6.7 seconds, followed by the 197-hp diesel with an automatic transmission that does the same sprint in 6.8 seconds.
The RS iV matches the gasoline variant on power at 242 hp but the extra 200 kg from the plug-in hybrid's 13-kilowatt-hour battery slows the 100 kph acceleration time to 7.3 seconds.
The interior of the RS model brings the same understated hint of sportiness as the exterior with red detailing in places, depending on trim line.
Features such as programmable accent lighting and twin screens including one in front of the driver push the Octavia RS into premium territory.
On the automatic versions, a subtle rocker switch replaces the DSG lever to reflect the new drive-by-wire electric connection. The standard sports seats are very comfortable, but not electrically adjustable.
Further evidence of the trickle down of technology from more premium VW Group brands includes the Octavia RS' standard LED matrix headlights, with 22 LED modules in each lamp unit that can be individually and automatically turned off to avoid the need to switch to low beams while driving.
Also previously seen elsewhere in the VW Group range is the optional head-up display, a first for Skoda.
