Skoda will officially unveil the
next-generation Octavia RS a few days from now at the Geneva Motor Show and the
big news is the sporty compact model will gain a plug-in hybrid powertrain for
the first time. Named the Octavia RS iV, it was spotted
recently by our spy photographers with minimal camouflage. The only covered
parts are the lower sides of the front bumper, while stickers were also applied
to the tailgate.
Compared to regular Octavia models, the new
RS sports a redesigned front bumper, boasting a larger lower grille and
redesigned fog lamps. It also features a thin deck lid spoiler, as well as a
restyled rear bumper with a subtle diffuser and rectangular tailpipe trims.
Additionally, one can spot a set of beefier brakes with red calipers and
Y-spoke wheels on this particular prototype.
The best indication that we are indeed
looking at the plug-in hybrid version of the Octavia RS is the charging port
located on the front left quarter panel. The Octavia RS iV will be powered by a
1.4-liter petrol engine and an electric motor with a total system output of 245
PS. The power will reportedly be delivered to the front
wheels through a six-speed DSG automatic transmission.
Look for the Octavia RS iV in European
dealerships starting this June. Two months later, the lineup is said to expand
with the petrol-powered variant expected to pack a 245 PS 2.0-liter TSI matched to a 6-speed manual or 7-speed automatic transmission. The
Octavia RS family will reportedly be completed by a diesel version, expected at
around the same time as the petrol model with a 200 PS 2.0-liter TDI hooked to a 7-speed DSG.