2017 Skoda Octavia RS
Skoda keeps working to improve the Octavia RS. Now
it has revealed yet another new version of its solitary performance model, and billed as the most powerful yet.
The latest RS model offers a choice of 2.0-liter turbocharged
four-cylinder engines. The gasoline version now comes standard with 230
horsepower, while the diesel carries over at 184 hp. The former is quoted for a
0-62 time of 6.7 seconds, while the latter – though torquier and more
economical – takes 7.9 seconds.
The new RS (or vRS in the UK) also benefits from all
the upgrades made to the base Octavia, including the new front-end styling with
adaptive LED headlights. But the performance model takes things further with a
sportier appearance.
Inside, it's all black with well-bolstered sport
seats upholstered in either a combination of leather and fabric or Alcantara.
Compared to the previous Octavia RS, the new model also sits 15 millimeters
closer to the ground on a 30-mm wider rear track and an array of wheel options
ranging from 17 to 19 inches.
In addition to engine and wheel choices, Skoda is
once again offering the Octavia RS in sedan or wagon form and with a six-speed
manual or a dual-clutch DSG. Go for the automatic diesel and you can even get
it with all-wheel drive.
That makes for a staggering array of choices in one
serious sleeper. Combined with the VW Golf GTI and GTD and the Seat Leon Cupra,
it gives the Volkswagen Group a heck of an array of entries in one of the
hottest market segments.
