In its previous iteration, Skoda initially offered
the Octavia RS (or vRS in the UK) with 220 metric horsepower. It then rolled
out the RS 230 version with an extra ten horses. That engine then morphed into
the "standard" RS following the model's recent facelift. Now,
the Czech automaker is offering an even more powerful version.
Here is the new Skoda
Octavia RS 245, with a 2.0-liter turbo four churning out 245
metric horses, or 241 by American standards. That's the same as the recently
revised Golf GTI, making it more potent than the closely related Jetta GLI
offered Stateside with 210 hp.
With a trick VAQ differential to help channel all
that muscle through the front wheels and onto the tarmac, the Octavia RS 245
will rocket to 100 km/h in as little as 6.6 seconds. Buyers
will be able to choose between a six-speed manual or a new seven-speed DSG, and
between "hatchback" sedan and Combi wagon bodystyles.
