Skoda plugs in the Octavia RS

Friday, 15 October 2021

Skoda has launched the PHEV version of the RS hot wagon overseas - now its our turn.

Skoda New Zealand continues its roll out of plug-in hybrid (PHEV) versions of its range, with the Octavia now joining the Superb in getting a plug.

But the most exciting part is that this includes the fantastic RS wagon.

The standard Octavia iV comes with a 110kW 1.4-litre petrol engine, hooked up to an electric motor that generates up to 85kW, for a combined system power of 150kW and maximum torque output of 350Nm.

Like the ICE-only Octavia, the PHEV will come here in Style wagon and RS wagon forms.

Like all PHEVs, the Octavia iV can be driven in hybrid or all electric mode. Skoda says the 13kWh battery is located under the floor in the back of the car, and is good for an all-electric range of approximately 60km.

**READ MORE:

The Octavis RS is the first PHEV to wear the performance badge in Skoda’s range.

* Road test review: Skoda Octavia Style

* First drive review: Skoda Superb iV

The electrified RS looks essentially identical to the ICE-only version. Which is very good.

* Skoda details New Zealand-bound Superb iV plug-in hybrid

* Skoda Octavia was launched 60 years ago

Of course the PHEV gets the same slick, high quality interior in the RS too.

Skoda hasn’t released any local fuel economy figures yet, but overseas it claims an average of between 1.2 and 1.5l/100km, with CO2 emissions of around 30g/km.

But never mind that, because the iV version of the RS is what we all are really here for (you’re all fast wagon fans too, right?).

The RS packs the same 1.4-litre petrol engine/electric motor setup as the standard Octavia iV, but with the wick cranked up to 180kW and 400Nm. For those of you keeping track, yes, that is the same power as the vanilla ICE version, but more torque! Only 30Nm more, but it's all going to come lower down, so that should see some seriously hilarious grunt from low down…

The RS iV is equipped with a six-speed DSG transmission and “shift-by-wire” technology, while it looks almost identical to its petrol-only sibling.

Inside the iV RS are heated sports seats upholstered in black fabric alcantara with a black headlining, while carbon optic decorative strips, LED ambient lighting and aluminium pedals complete the RS’s interior design package.

Other technologies fitted are Matrix BI-LED headlights with LED daytime lights and fog lights, Progressive Steering and XDS+ Front Differential Lock System.

Both Octavia iV variants come standard with a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system which can be touch, gesture or voice controlled.

The system allows drivers to check the car’s battery status, set up purely electrical drive, or choose a drive with full system power.

Accompanying the infotainment system is navigation and SmartLink+ including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with wireless smartphone charging. A touch-slider is located under the system with a zoom function for maps or to control the volume.

The Octavia iV wagon range will be in local dealerships in November and consist of the Style, which will cost $65,990 and the RS at $72,990. Which is an admittedly hefty $15,000 premium over the standard RS for 30Nm, but it should be faster, and use way less fuel. So there’s that.