All-New Electrified 2020 Skoda Octavia RS iV Is Both Driver And Eco Friendly

It’s been 19 years since Skoda unveiled its first modern Octavia RS (or vRS) passenger car, which at the time was powered by a turbocharged 1.8-liter gasoline engine with 180 PS (178 HP) and 173 lb-ft (235 Nm) of torque.

This latest iteration however stands far removed from such simple beginnings, featuring a plug-in hybrid powertrain that combines a 1.4-liter TSI four-pot with an 85 kW electric motor for a total output of 242 HP (245 PS) and 295 lb-ft (400 Nm) of torque.

“By introducing the Octavia RS iV, we are starting a new chapter in the success story of our RS portfolio. We are using plug-in-hybrid drive in a sporty top-of-the-range model for the first time. In the new Octavia RS iV, this both increases performance and reduces fuel consumption as well as CO2 emissions,” said Skoda exec Christian Strube.

What’s unfortunate about this flagship plug-in hybrid RS variant is that it doesn’t exactly put its predecessors to shame when it comes to straight line performance. In Sport mode, which allows you to access the Octavia RS iV’s full power, you’ll be doing 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in 7.3 seconds, which is actually identical to the performance of the second-generation Octavia RS. The top speed meanwhile is rated at 225 km/h (140 mph).

Power is transferred to the front wheels via a 6-speed DSG automatic transmission, while the 13 kWh lithium-ion battery offers up an electric range of up to 60 km (37 miles) in the WLTP cycle.

Visually, the new Skoda Octavia RS iV comes with specific LED fog lights and black 18-inch alloy wheels (19-inch optional) as standard, as well as red RS brake calipers. Of course, the grille, air curtains, diffuser, aeroflaps and window frame all come in black. While the rear spoiler is black as well on the hatchback, the wagon model’s roof spoiler matches the car’s color.

As for the interior, it is predominantly black, featuring a three-spoke leather sports steering wheel, paddle shifters, front sports seats (optional Ergo seats come with Alcantara), contrast stitching and aluminum pedals. Alcantara is also found on the dashboard and door panels.

Aside from the flagship RS variant of the Octavia iV, Skoda is also launching plug-in hybrid drive for the SE and SE L trim levels. These models feature a 1.4 TSI petrol unit and an 85 kW electric motor for a total output of 204 PS (201 HP) and 350 Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque.

The 13 kWh battery offers the same 60 km (37 mile) range as in the flagship RS iV, and can be charged at home using a standard household plug socket or a wall box.

But wait, that’s not all. Skoda is also launching two e-TEC versions of the Octavia, which are to be the Czech brand’s first production cars to feature mild hybrid technology when they go into production this summer.

There will be two available engines in a 1.0-liter TSI three-cylinder unit with 110 PS (108 HP) and a 1.5 TSI four-pot with 150 PS (148 HP), both making use of a 48-volt starter motor and a 48-volt lithium-ion battery with a 0.6 kWh capacity. In terms of performance, these versions will offer the driver an electrical boost of up to 50 Nm (37 lb-ft), while also allowing for savings of up to 0.4 l/100 km.

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