The new 2014 Skoda Octavia RS has landed in Australia. It’s the fastest-ever production Octavia to hit the local market, and it’s available in turbo-petrol and turbo-diesel forms.
Kicking off the petrol lineup, the fresh model comes with Volkswagen Group’s latest EA888 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder engine. It produces 162kW of power (same as the Mk7 Golf GTI) and 350Nm of torque, linked up to either a six-speed manual or DSG dual-clutch auto. 0-100km/h comes up in a brisk 6.8 seconds (6.9 with DSG).
The TDI diesel version comes with a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel producing 135kW and 380Nm. It’s only available with a dual-clutch automatic, with acceleration from 0-100km/h taking 8.2 seconds.
Both engines are quite a lot more fuel efficient than the ones offered in the previous-gen model, with economy improvements of up to 17 per cent. The petrol consumes an average of 6.4-6.6L/100km (manual-auto), while the diesel uses just 5.2L/100km.
Other mechanical highlights include a revised sports suspension system using MacPherson struts at the front and a new multi-link setup at the back, with a lowered ride height compared with the regular Octavia by 12mm (13mm in the wagon).
A complex XLD electronic locking differential sits at the front axle to ensure maximum traction. It’s tied in with the on-board stability and traction control system for optimised performance and safety.
Inside, there’s more legroom, 73mm more in fact, thanks to 88mm added to the overall length. The width has grown 45mm too, and the boot space has increased by eight litres to 568 litres (wagon offers 588 litres).
As for the design, the exterior gives the sharp new-look Octavia a sporty theme with neat skirts, a rear spoiler, 18-inch alloy wheels, LED lights, red brake calipers, and a tidy diffuser at the back.
Customers can also option various ‘Black Pack’ kits which come with black 18- or 19-inch alloy wheels, black side mirrors, and a darkened front grille for that sinister, up-to-no-good theme.
With more power, increased efficiency and improved practicality, the new model is expected to be a popular choice with consumers and sports car fans. It will officially go on sale in Australia in April in sedan and wagon form.
See below for the prices (excluding on-road costs):
2014 Skoda Octavia RS 162TSI sedan (manual) – $36,490
2014 Skoda Octavia RS 162TSI sedan (auto) – $38,790
2014 Skoda Octavia RS 135TDI sedan (auto) – $39,790
2014 Skoda Octavia RS 162TSI wagon (manual) – $37,840
2014 Skoda Octavia RS 162TSI wagon (auto) – $40,140
2014 Skoda Octavia RS 135TDI wagon (auto) – $41,140
18-inch Black Pack – $500
19-inch Black Pack – $1000
