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.

carscoops

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Limited Edition Ford GT 'Competition Series' Is All About The Track

Image
Ford's new GT Competition Series was built with weight-saving in mind, but also with an improved center of gravity for better road-holding. Among its features, you'll notice the lightweight carbon fiber racing stripes, A-Pillars and side mirrors, as well as the unique race-inspired Perspex acrylic engine hatch with integrated venting. Thanks to the manual latch and the carbon fiber prop rod, weight near the roof has been reduced, though Ford engineers went even further in their quest to make the car lighter, by making the bulkhead Gorilla Glass behind the driver about half as thick (and as light) as on other models. "The Ford GT has racing in its blood," said Ford exec Raj Nair, while adding that the Competition Series "was developed with the most hardcore track enthusiasts in mind, providing a tailored set of lightweight features and unique livery to match." There are also plenty of remaining performance features from the production car, such as ...
Read more

Alpine A110 Hits Geneva With Pure, Legende And GT4 Versions

Image
Renault’s reborn Alpine brand has been getting rave reviews for its new A110 and now, as promised, it’s revealed new versions of its coupe at the Geneva Motor Show. Following the success of the sold-out Premiere Edition, the A110 will now be offered in Pure and Legende trims. The A110 Pure is targeted at driving enthusiasts. It features one-piece Sabelt sports seats that weigh barely more than 13 kilograms (28.6 pounds) each and, combined with other weight-saving measures, helps keep the curb weight below 1,100 kg ( 2,425 lbs). It’s not entirely stripped out, though, and still comes with features like air-conditioning and satellite navigation. Buyers can also add upgraded Brembo brakes and an adaptive exhaust system and can upgrade to the adjustable comfort seats. Those come standard on the Legende model, which is geared more towards every day driving and grand touring and comes with leather upholstery. Customers can also choose between two Focal sound systems and two wheel...
Read more

Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet Is A Crossover For Droptop Lovers

Image
Droptop crossovers have always been rather odd and the T-Roc Cabriolet is no different. It will be the only convertible Volkswagen on sale for the foreseeable future and will celebrate its public debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. Rather than simply removing the roof of the standard T-Roc, Volkswagen has drastically altered the vehicle’s structure and body. In fact, its wheelbase is 37 mm longer than the standard T-Roc while its overall length is up by 34 mm. In addition, the Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet features structural strengthening in the underbody, side panels, cross members, doors, and windscreen frame to make up for the lack of a roof. The folding fabric roof developed by Volkswagen retracts in just nine seconds at speeds of up to 19 mph (30.5 km/h) and is similar in operation to the roof of the outgoing Golf Cabriolet. The presence of the soft top reduces trunk space by 161 liters down from the 284 liters of the run-of-the-mill T-Roc. We don’t think bu...
Read more