All-New Skoda Octavia RS Adds 242 HP Petrol, 197 HP Diesel Powertrains

Earlier this year, Skoda unveiled the Octavia RS iV plug-in hybrid, the Czech brand’s first-ever electrified RS model.

Now, the automaker has released the traditional petrol and diesel variants of the 2020 Octavia RS and, as before, they come in five-door liftback and estate body styles. As with the RS iV plug-in hybrid, the petrol-powered Octavia RS delivers 245 PS (242 HP / 180 kW) from a 2.0-liter TSI turbocharged four-cylinder engine.

The peak torque is 370 Nm (273 lb-ft), available between 1,600 and 4300 rpm. The unit is offered as standard with a six-speed manual transmission, while a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic is offered as an option. Equipped with the latter, the Octavia RS TSI needs 6.7 seconds to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h, making it 0.6 seconds quicker than the Octavia RS iV plug-in hybrid. The top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h (155 mph).

The diesel variant comes equipped with a 2.0-liter TDI unit that makes 200 PS (197 HP / 147 kW) and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque. The Octavia RS TDI comes exclusively with the seven-speed DSG transmission and is the only RS model that can be fitted with an optional all-wheel-drive system. Equipped with AWD, the Octavia RS TDI does 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 6.8 seconds.

Regardless of the power source, all three Octavia RS models feature a sporty body kit as debuted by the RS iV model earlier this year. The exterior features RS-specific bumpers, grille, and black touches, as well as exclusive LED fog lights, 18-inch black alloys, and red brake calipers. The full LED Matrix headlights, which make their debut on the fourth-gen Octavia, come as standard on the RS.

As for the interior, it is also predominantly black and offers standard sports seats, a three-spoke leather steering wheel, Alcantara trim, red stitching and decorative strips in a special RS look. Standard equipment includes a digital instrument cluster and the larger version of the infotainment system – both with RS-specific graphics.

All Octavia RS models come equipped with progressive steering and a sport suspension with a multi-link rear setup and a 15-mm (0.6-in) lower ride height. The Dynamic Chassis Control adaptive suspension will be available as an option, with the TSI model also offering a limited-slip differential with a wet multi-plate clutch.