Skoda Octavia RS set to go it alone as Czech brand’s only performance offering

Skoda currently offers both the Octavia RS in sedan and wagon bodystyles with petrol or diesel engines, and the city-sized Fabia RS hatch or wagon, but the latter is set to be dropped when the next-generation car arrives. Instead of the RS version, it has been widely reported that the brand will focus on the Monte Carlo specification, which has some styling enhancements but makes do with a standard engine and running gear.

A Skoda source told CarAdvice that a new-generation Fabia RS model may not be dead and buried yet, though, as the company has a European rally championship presence with the current Fabia, and offering no sporty version of the all-new city car may be seen to damage its integrity.

As for other RS models Skoda says it has no plans to offer go-fast versions of its Yeti SUV, nor of its Superb large car or the Rapid small car - meaning the Octavia will be the standalone speedy model in the range if no new-generation Fabia RS eventuates.

Skoda Australia director Michael Irmer told CarAdvice the brand will instead offer Monte Carlo versions of its cars, and it showcased its intent at the recent Geneva motor show where it debuted the Citigo, Yeti and Rapid Spaceback Monte Carlo models.

The Monte Carlo editions boast style-focused changes such as red paint with black highlights, black wheels and some interior trim changes. Irmer suggested that for Australia, the Monte Carlo range is limited in its appeal.

“We will not offer the Monte Carlo edition for every model. We have to look at what the customers will and won't accept in Australia,” Irmer said.

A Monte Carlo version of the new Rapid Spaceback - which is being launched in Australia this week - appears the most obvious addition to the local range, but Irmer was noncommittal about the chances of the car being sold here.

“We might be looking into it,” Irmer said.

When it comes to the Yeti Monte Carlo (pictured above), Irmer ruled out any such variant for the time-being.

“We don't plan it for the moment. But the perception might change. So we will never say never.”