It’s almost time for another first in Skoda’s history as the Mladá Boleslav marque is about to take the wraps off an RS-badged electrified model. Debuting March 3 at the 2020 Geneva Motor Show, the Octavia RS iV will be equipped with a plug-in hybrid powertrain set to deliver a combined output of 241 horsepower (180 kilowatts) or exactly the same as the previous-generation Octavia RS 245.
This Is It:
To ease the wait until the model’s reveal in Switzerland next month, Skoda has dropped a trio of design sketches depicting both the liftback and the more practical wagon. In typical teaser fashion, some of the lines are exaggerated to make the Octavia RS iV look better than it actually is. Nevertheless, the regular model is already quite a looker among mainstream compact cars, and the Rally Sport upgrades will make the electrified performance cars even more desirable.
Sticking to tradition, the horizontal LED strip of daytime running lights will soldier on in the new Octavia in RS flavor to separate it from the lesser versions of the range. The front bumper with its generous side air intakes and lower grille also has a familiar appearance, while the vRS logo adorning the grille has the latest design seen first on the Kodiaq RS.
Looking at the vehicle’s side profile, it goes without saying those alloys that barely fit into the wheel arches won’t be this large on the real thing. We’re noticing the wagon has black mirror caps whereas the liftback’s are painted in the same color as the rest of the body. It’s likely because the Combi has an optional black optics package since the front end also has some dark accents.
At the rear, the dual exhaust tips reveal this car is something a bit more special than the regular Octavia. The liftback’s chunky spoiler is another telltale sign it’s a step up from a regular trim, while those air vents in the bumper are likely there just for show. A photo of the wagon’s derrière hasn’t been published, but look for the Combi to have a chunky roof-mounted spoiler. As seen in the previous teaser, the RS logo will be moved from the bottom-right corner to the left side. As with the regular Octavias, the Skoda badge is gone and is being replaced by large “SKODA” letters. The wide red reflector is another clue we’re dealing with the RS.
Oddly enough, Skoda rendered the Combi with a right-hand-drive layout compared to the LHD setup of the hatch. Images of the interior are not available at the moment of writing, but you can already see the Octavia RS iV has a pair of body-hugging front seats with integrated headrests.
We will have all the details in less than a month from now when we’re hoping to learn more about the conventionally powered versions as well. Skoda is expected to sell TSI-only and TDI-only versions of the new Octavia RS, which should be more affordable and lighter than the PHEV model. It will be interesting to see whether the diesel will be once again available with all-wheel drive, and it would be nice for the gasoline model to get an optional AWD layout as well.
ŠKODA teases first sketches of all-new OCTAVIA RS iV
Official design sketches reveal sporty range-topper for the fourth OCTAVIA generation
› First plug-in hybrid ŠKODA RS model combines performance and sustainability
› Sporty details underline the ŠKODA best-seller’s dynamic design language
Mladá Boleslav, 5 February 2020 – ŠKODA is stoking anticipation of the all-new ŠKODA OCTAVIA RS iV. The Czech manufacturer has released three official exterior design sketches showing the sporty range-topper for the fourth OCTAVIA generation, which will have its world premiere on 3 March at the Geneva Motor Show. Signature black RS details emphasise the dynamic design language of the elegantly proportioned ŠKODA best-seller, whose dimensions have grown slightly over those of its predecessor. As the first ŠKODA RS model to feature a plug-in hybrid powertrain, the OCTAVIA RS iV is unique in the way it combines family-friendly versatility and sports car-like performance with sustainability and efficiency.
Twenty years after the debut of the first OCTAVIA RS, the ŠKODA OCTAVIA RS iV is all set to open the next chapter of what has become a remarkable success story. The OCTAVIA RS is extremely popular within the model series: in the core European ŠKODA markets of Germany, the United Kingdom and Switzerland, every fifth OCTAVIA delivered to customers ended up being an RS model. Customers appreciate the combination of a generously-sized interior, versatility and sporting performance. Featuring a plug-in hybrid powertrain generating a system output of 180 kW (245 PS), the all-new OCTAVIA RS iV boasts superior fuel economy and low CO2 emissions, making it particularly sustainable.
The design sketches reveal the OCTAVIA RS iV in coupé-style saloon and dynamic COMBI estate format. The most eye-catching design elements are a black ŠKODA grille and a sporty front apron with large air intakes and distinctive black detailing. Large alloy wheels, diffusers at the front and rear and spoilers on the saloon’s tailgate and the rear edge of the COMBI’s roof underline the dynamic appeal of the OCTAVIA RS iV.