Spirited sporty new rides

Škoda's new-look Octavia RS models builds on the brand's sporty virtues which date back over more than 100 years since Škoda's first foray into motorsport.

Two high performance engines are available, a powerful 2.0 TFSI 147kW four-cylinder petrol and the most powerful diesel engine in the Škoda range, a 2.0 TDI 125kW four-cylinder.

The new face of the Octavia RS shows itself in the expressive design of the front end with new lighting elements.

A choice of alloy wheels and paint colours allows even more individual specification of the RS.

The front view is well defined by the new grille with the RS logo.

The Octavia RS comes in a choice of seven colours and comes standard with 18-inch alloy wheels.

Pricing for the new Octavia RS starts at $37,990 for the liftback and $39,990 for the wagon. The optional six-speed DSG gearbox is $2300.

Spirited driving is assured with either engine, which can be matched with either a six-speed manual or six-speed DSG transmission.

The 2.0 TSI in-line fourcylinder petrol engine has computer-controlled high-pressure injection, turbo-charging and intercooling.

Power peaks at 147kW, which occurs across a 900rpm range from 5100rpm to 6000rpm. Torque production is also strong and consistent across a broad operating range, with 280Nm available from 1800rpm all the way to 5000rpm.

The Octavia RS TSI manual liftback accelerates from 0-100kmh in 7.3 seconds (manual wagon in 7.5 seconds).

The 2.0 TDI 125kW common rail direct injection engine is quiet and refined. The introduction of a separate catalyst and piezo injectors mean it also has tighter control over the actions of the standard fit diesel particulate filter.

With 350Nm of torque available between 1750 and 2500rpm, this engine returns fuel consumption of 5.9 litres/100kms (manual liftback and wagon) on the combined cycle and outputs 155 g/km of C0₂ (manual liftback and wagon).

In terms of performance the 2.0 TDI is capable of taking the Octavia RS manual liftback from 0 to 100km in 8.4 seconds (manual wagon in 8.5 seconds).

Six airbags, front whiplash optimised head restraints, the Electronic Stability Program, advanced Anti-lock Brake System and Anti-Slip Regulation and Electronic Brake-pressure Distribution are all standard.