Skoda Octavia RS

Joining Volkswagen's Golf GTE in the group's performance-oriented hybrid stable, the new 2020 Skoda Octavia RS iV has been unveiled today. Available in liftback sedan and wagon styles, the RS iV models will join the regular new Octavia line-up, which will include conventional petrol-powered RS models. The latter, in 180kW form, is the only performance option slated for Australia, with the local Volkswagen arm prioritising full-electric greenery over hybrid options.

The new Skoda Octavia RS wagon has been spied undergoing testing in the European Alps. At the front the RS is differentiated from lesser Octavia variants with its redesigned bumper, which features a larger lower air intake. This is flanked by a pair of big fake inlets and repositioned fog lights.

Skoda Australia is seeing some decent growth so far this year, with sales increasing by 13.1 per cent year-to-date (YTD) as of May 30. May's VFACTs figures also revealed that the Czech brand was up 34.1 per cent on May 2017, helped by double-digit growth across its Octavia and Superb model lines.

The facelifted 2018 Skoda Octavia RS range has touched down in Australia, starting at $38,890 before on-road costs, or $41,990 drive-away. Six variants, two engines and two body styles will be offered, for now, including the uprated 169kW/350Nm 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine from the Golf 7.5 GTI, along with the familiar 135kW/380Nm 2.0-litre turbo-diesel. Drive is sent to the front wheels either by a six-speed manual (169TSI) or six-speed DSG (169TSI, 135TDI).

Skoda Australia says it will put its hands up for any and all new RS models that might be in the pipeline, including any potential performance derivatives of its next-generation SUVs. The Skoda Octavia RS is the best-selling model from the Czech brand, signifying the importance of performance models that are in general far more popular in Australia as a percentage of overall sales than most other markets.