Details of ŠKODA’s high powered Octavia RS have been revealed. Making an appearance in Irish showrooms from this May, starting at €34,450, ŠKODA have maintained a great balance of space and functionality coupled with power and performance. The Octavia RS in particular enjoys something of a cult following in Ireland and has been a huge success for the ŠKODA brand here. Now in its third generation, the Octavia RS sports a completely new front section with an even wider grille. New LED headlights replace the Xenon lights and LED technology also powers the rear tail lights as well as providing illumination for the registration plate. The front light arrangement gives the Octavia a new and more aggressive styling.
Compared to the standard Octavia, the RS squats 15mm lower and can be fitted at each corner with wheels of up to nineteen inches in diameter. The rear wheels track has been increased by 30mm, compared to the previous version, for improved road holding and cornering ability. The interior has also been refreshed with new seating upholsteries and instrument cluster. The Octavia RS will be powered by the familiar 2.0 TDI, 184bhp Diesel unit that consumes just 4.5 litres of fuel per 100km on the combined cycle. The 2.0 TDI power unit is extremely versatile and can be mated to a 6-speed manual or DSG transmission; or for even more traction a DSG 4×4 version is also available. The Octavia RS is also offered in a Combi Estate version.
The new Octavia RS enjoys upgraded infotainment systems. The Columbus is the best system available in the ŠKODA range and boasts a 9.2” colour touch screen. Compared to the previous Octavia the biggest advancements are in the area of connectivity. The Octavia RS model comes as standard with Infotainment online allowing the driver to access news, weather and parking data. Care connect is available as an option for the first time in the Octavia and provides emergency call function and remote access to your vehicle via the drivers smart phone. Through the drivers smartphone they can view their vehicle on a map and also activate the vehicles honk and flash function in order to locate the car in a busy car park for example.
Speaking at the launch of the RS in Vienna, Cathal Kealey, PR Manager, ŠKODA Ireland, said: “We are really excited about the next generation of Octavia RS models. Incredibly the outgoing Octavia was the fourth bestselling car in Ireland for the first three months of this year. The Octavia RS is a car that appeals to a broad range of people from plumbers to barristers and from students to pensioners. 10% of all the Octavia models we sell are RS versions. In estate version, 20% of all Combis we sell are RS versions. The Octavia RS is highly affordable for all with low rate PCP finance from just 1.9% APR. The RS story continues later in the year when we will unveil the most powerful RS yet, a 2.0 TSI petrol powered RS with 245bhp.”
