New Octavia RS goes on sale

The new Skoda Octavia RS is now available to order priced from €32,745-€37,795, writes Trish Whelan.

This third-generation of the car is the most powerful version ever.

First to arrive will be the Combi (estate) with the hatchback available to order for September delivery.

The RS is powered by two turbocharged engine alternatives. The volume seller here will be the 2.0 TDI 184bhp diesel, with a 2.0 TSI 220bhp petrol also featuring. Both give more performance, lower fuel consumption and fewer emissions. C02 is from 119g/km-149g/km (€200-390 in annual road tax).

Compared to the previous Octavia RS, the new engines provide more power, but consume up to 19 percent less fuel. Start-Stop and Brake Energy Regeneration are fitted as standard. Both engines are mated to six-speed manual transmissions or as an option a 6-speed DSG dual clutch automatic transmission.

The car, which has sports suspension as standard, is now lower than the standard Octavia. However, this is a much larger car than before; 88m longer in the case of the hatchback and 45mm wider with a 102mm longer wheelbase. Two large trapezoidal-shaped chrome exhaust tailpipes and a black diffuser, combined with the C-shaped rear LED lights, give the car an almost menacing look.

The new RS is more heavily equipped than the outgoing version with 18-inch alloy wheels, sports seats, bi-Xenon headlights with LED and the twin exhausts. Sports suspension is also standard.