Škoda completes the introduction of its bestseller’s fourth generation with the launch of the Octavia RS and the estate with off-road styling, the Octavia Scout. The new range-topping Octavias boast even higher levels of safety, new assistance systems, more comfort and modern connectivity features. Never before has Škoda offered as many powertrain variants as in the latest-generation models.
The RS and Scout models have been at the top of the Octavia family for several generations. The Škoda Octavia RS iV – the brand’s first-ever RS model to feature plug-in hybrid drive – is now followed by variants equipped with either the most powerful diesel or petrol engine of the entire model range. This means that, for the first time, the Octavia RS is available with a choice of three powertrains.
The 2.0 TDI from the new EVO generation now produces 147 kW (200 PS) and comes with either front- or all-wheel drive. The new EVO variant of the 2.0 TSI has an output of 180 kW (245 PS), which powers the front wheels. For the new Octavia Scout, there is a choice of five diesel or petrol engines, and a 1.5 TSI featuring mild hybrid technology. For the first time, the estate with rugged body applications and off-road styling is no longer only available with all-wheel drive but now with front-wheel drive too.
Both the Octavia RS and Octavia Scout also benefit from all the upgrades the current generation has been provided with, such as an even bigger interior, more comfort, the highest levels of active and passive safety, and modern connectivity features. Apart from the Octavia Scout, all variants are available as a hatchback or a COMBI, and the powertrain portfolio for the model is now bigger than ever.
In addition to efficient diesel and petrol engines and the Octavia G-TEC, which is designed to run on eco-friendly compressed natural gas (CNG), the line-up also includes electrified powertrains for the first time. The Octavia iV plug-in hybrid generates a system output of 150 kW (204 PS), while the Octavia RS iV delivers 180 kW (245 PS). The Octavia e-TEC is the first Škoda model to feature mild hybrid technology and makes use of a 48V belt-driven starter motor and a 48V lithium-ion battery. The engines available for this model produce 81 kW (110 PS) and 110 kW (150 PS) respectively.
Škoda Octavia RS: Powertrain and chassis
Škoda’s line-up of the Octavia RS now consists of a sporty trio. Following the launch of the Octavia RS iV as the first RS model to feature plug in hybrid drive, the compact sports car can now be ordered with either the biggest petrol engine or the most powerful diesel in the range. As with the Octavia RS iV plug in hybrid, the latest EVO-generation 2.0 TSI delivers 180 kW (245 PS). The 2.0 TDI’s power output is 147 kW (200 PS).
When fitted with all-wheel drive and a 2.0 TDI engine delivering 147 kW (200 PS), the Octavia RS can tow a braked trailer weighing up to 2,000 kg. The front-wheel-drive Škoda Octavia RS has a fuel capacity of 50 l, which is 5 l more than the standard Octavia variant can hold. The fuel tank of the all-wheel-drive Octavia RS can even hold 55 l.
Comprehensive modifications for the new EVO engines
The new 2.0 TSI engine of the Škoda Octavia RS is based on the power unit of the previous generation’s Octavia RS 245. Further development of the engine focused on maintaining its dynamic characteristics and maximum output of 180 kW (245 PS) while making it even more efficient. This was achieved, among other things, by increasing the fuel injection pressure up to 350 bar, and by using newly shaped piston crowns and a new crankshaft seal to reduce friction and, therefore, fuel consumption. Furthermore, the Škoda engineers modified the exhaust gas routing as well as the ignition system.
The technology of the 2.0 TDI delivering 147 kW (200 PS) is similar to that of the other EVO generation diesels, producing either 85 kW (116 PS) or 110 kW (150 PS). The 2.0 TDI features, however, an aluminium cylinder block and aluminium pistons with low-friction piston rings. In addition to that, it comes with different connecting rods, where the diameter of the journals is now 54 instead of 48 mm. The turbocharger is water-cooled for improved temperature regulation, and its compression ratio is higher.
Increased driving dynamics with a limited-slip differential, all-wheel drive to react within fractions of a second
The Škoda Octavia RS fitted with a TSI engine comes with an electronic limited-slip differential as standard, providing more traction and even greater driving dynamics. The sixth-generation electro-hydraulic multi-plate clutch achieves a maximum lock-up torque of 1,600 Nm. The XDS+ function, which is a standard feature in other Octavia models, has a locking torque of 500 Nm. The limited-slip differential works in the Normal and Sport modes, which can be accessed in Driving Mode Select.
The all-wheel-drive system – which is available as an option for the Octavia RS fitted with a TDI engine – distributes power via a new, electronically controlled sixth-generation multi-plate clutch. This clutch is nearly 0.8 kg lighter than its predecessor and is more efficient thanks to the use of low-friction oil, reduced bearing preload and refined internal lubrication. The new piston pump is driven by a brushless DC electric motor which features an integrated control unit to increase the clutch’s performance as well as its lifespan.
The control electronics of the all-wheel-drive system react to changing driving conditions within fractions of a second and boost the driving dynamics, for example when cornering fast. The system transfers part of the driving torque to the opposite wheel when the load on the inner wheel is reduced, and maintains traction.
In the 2.0 TDI Octavia RS models that do not feature Dynamic Chassis Control, the driver can set the characteristics of the XDS+ system to Normal or Sport using Driving Mode Select. XDS+ is an extension of the electronic differential lock (EDL) and improves traction.
Sports suspension as standard, with adaptive Dynamic Chassis Control option
The RS-typical sports chassis, which comes as standard, lowers the car by 15 mm. Adaptive Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) is an optional extra. It constantly adjusts the damping and enables a particularly dynamic driving style in Sport mode.
Using slider controls on the 10-inch central touchscreen in Driving Mode Select, it is now possible to adjust DCC parameters such as damping, steering characteristics or the operation of the DSG (direct-shift gearbox) – this is a first. The multi-link rear axle distinguishes itself by providing high levels of comfort and good handling. The 2.0 TSI’s 17-inch diameter brakes ensure optimum deceleration. The 2.0 TDI has been fitted with 16-inch brakes at the front and 15-inch brakes at the rear.
Škoda Octavia RS: New technology and assistance systems
The Octavia RS can be ordered with any of the new technologies and innovative assistance systems the fourth-generation Octavia has to offer. Shift-by-wire technology to operate the car’s DSG is making its Octavia RS debut. Furthermore, the car now also boasts new systems, such as Collision Avoidance Assist and Turn Assist, to increase active safety.
The Škoda Octavia RS makes use of new shift-by-wire technology to operate its DSG. The gear selector is no longer connected to the gearbox mechanically. Instead, it relays which gear has been chosen electronically. This saves space and offers new design options for the interior.
The familiar DSG lever has been replaced with a new control module, housed in the centre console. This module features a small rocker switch for selecting the drive modes – R (reverse), N (neutral) and D/S (drive/sport) – as well as a button for the parking mode, P.
Progressive steering as standard
The Škoda Octavia RS features progressive steering as standard. This ensures dynamic steering response and improved handling at higher speeds, while also providing optimum feel at low speeds. In addition, the Octavia RS models’ steering is transmitted much more directly in contrast to the standard steering: from lock to lock, only 2.13 instead of 2.70 turns of the steering wheel are required.
New innovative and further improved driver assistance systems
The Octavia RS comes with innovative and further developed assistance systems as seen in the fourth-generation Octavia. By making targeted interventions in the steering, for example, the new Collision Avoidance Assist helps to drive around a pedestrian, cyclist or other vehicles, which helps to prevent an impending collision. At junctions, Turn Assist can detect oncoming traffic at an early stage when turning left, it can warn the driver or automatically stop the vehicle.
The Exit Warning system, available from spring 2021, lets the occupants know if another vehicle or a cyclist is approaching from behind when a car door is open. Another new feature is the local Traffic Warning function, which automatically warns of traffic hold-ups in the car’s immediate surroundings, such as the end of a traffic jam. Side Assist warns the driver of vehicles approaching from behind or that are in the car’s blind spot.
It monitors an area up to 70 m behind the vehicle and also helps to prevent accidents on motorways and dual carriageways. The system warns the driver by emitting a light on the inside of the wing mirror housings, where it is clearly visible. Side Assist is not active when towing a trailer or when a bicycle carrier is fitted to the tow bar. In urban environments, Front Assist – including Predictive Pedestrian and Cyclist Protection – warns of collisions visually, acoustically and by gently applying the brakes, slowing the car down when necessary. It detects moving and stationary vehicles in the direction of traffic, and also cyclists and people who are moving in front of the car.
Škoda Octavia RS: Powerful design
RS models traditionally look much more dynamic than other Octavias. Exclusive black design details accentuate the car’s sporty appearance. Standard features include full LED Matrix headlights and full LED tail lights with dynamic indicators, and an animated Coming/Leaving Home function.
The Škoda Octavia RS comes with full LED Matrix headlights and full LED tail lights, which includes dynamic indicators and an animated Coming/Leaving Home function as standard. In addition to specific front and rear aprons, numerous black design details give the car its RS-typical sporty appearance. RS logos on the radiator grille and tailgate are inspired by Škoda’s motorsport tradition.
The striking Škoda grille, the front diffuser and the air curtains located above the tinted LED fog lights are all designed in gloss black. The wing mirror housings, the window frames, the COMBI’s roof rails and aeroflaps at the rear, as well as the diffuser on the rear apron, the Škoda lettering on the tailgate and the hatchback’s RS rear spoiler all come with a black finish. The COMBI’s roof spoiler is body-coloured. There is a choice of ten paint finishes, including the standard colour Mamba Green (to follow in the first half of 2021).
18- or 19-inch alloy wheels and larger dimensions
RS models feature black 18-inch alloy wheels as standard; the brake callipers boast an eye-catching RS-typical red finish. 19-inch alloys are available as an option.
Škoda Octavia RS: Sporty interior
The interior of the new Škoda Octavia RS is predominantly black. Ergonomic sports seats with Alcantara® and leather upholstery are optional. A central airbag providing even higher levels of protection for driver and front passenger is making its Octavia RS debut. The Virtual Cockpit and the digital assistant Laura are standard features.
The interior of the Octavia RS is characterised by a sporty black, carbon-fibre look with Alcantara®. The redesigned three-spoke, multifunction leather sports steering wheel features an RS logo and, if the vehicle is equipped with DSG, shift paddles. The front sports seats with integrated headrests come as standard and are upholstered in black fabric. The red stitching on the seats and dashboard provides a great contrast.
Ergonomic sports seats with Alcantara® and leather upholstery, seat-depth adjustment and a massage function are all optional extras. The seats display an RS logo and red or silver-grey stitching, which also adorns the Alcantara®-covered dashboard and leather steering wheel. Black roof lining, Alcantara® door trims, carbon-effect decorative strips on the dashboard, pedals in an aluminium design and a frameless rear-view mirror add the finishing touches to the car’s athletic appearance.
New central airbag protects driver and front passenger in the event of an accident
RS vehicles sold in the EU now come with an innovative central airbag between the two front seats. This reduces the impact between the driver and front passenger, particularly in the event of a side-on collision. This new airbag is located on the inside of the driver’s seat backrest.
Virtual Cockpit with Sport layout and digital assistant Laura as standard
The Škoda Octavia RS is equipped with a 10.25-inch Virtual Cockpit as standard, which features an additional Sport layout and an RS-specific welcome logo. The infotainment systems feature new-generation technology from Volkswagen Group’s Modular Infotainment Matrix and sport a 10-inch central display.
A permanent internet connection is provided by a built-in eSIM which enables the use of numerous mobile online services. Thanks to the digital assistant Laura, who also understands entire sentences, the infotainment systems can also be operated using voice command at any time.
