2021 Skoda Octavia RS is Sportier, Lighter And More Powerful

Skoda had earlier revealed the fourth generation of the India’s most popular performance car, the Octavia RS. The Skoda Octavia, a Volkswagen Golf GTI with a longer body first launched in 2001, will turn 20 next year. The 2021 Skoda Octavia RS boasts higher levels of safety, new assistance systems, bigger interiors, more comfort and modern connectivity features than the Skoda Octavia RS 245. The new Skoda Octavia RS is expected to be launched in India next year.

15 mm lower sports chassis

The 2021 Skoda Octavia RS build on a new sports chassis makes the car 15 mm lower than the standard Skoda Octavia. To enhance the sporty drive, the 2021 Octavia RS gets Adaptive Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) as an optional feature. It constantly adjusts the damping and enables a particularly dynamic driving style in Sport mode. Using slider controls on the 10-inch central touchscreen in Driving Mode Select, it is now possible to adjust DCC parameters such as damping, steering characteristics or the operation of the DSG (direct-shift gearbox).

Aerodynamically optimised

With a drag coefficient (cd) from 0.25, the new Skoda Octavia RS is extremely aerodynamic, which results in lower CO₂ emissions and fuel consumption. Many of its body parts have been aerodynamically optimised, including the air curtains in the front bumper, the aeroflaps, the diffuser on the rear apron and the hatchback’s RS rear spoiler. Its light alloy wheels also contribute to better aerodynamics.

All wheel drive

The new Skoda Octavia RS gets all-wheel-drive system as an option with the TDI engine, which distributes power via a new, electronically controlled sixth-generation multi-plate clutch. This clutch is nearly 0.8 kg lighter than its predecessor and is more efficient thanks to the use of low-friction oil, reduced bearing preload and refined internal lubrication. The control electronics of the all‑wheel‑drive system react to changing driving conditions within fractions of a second and boost the driving dynamics, for example when cornering fast. The system transfers part of the driving torque to the opposite wheel when the load on the inner wheel is reduced, and maintains traction.

Progressive steering

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The new Skoda Octavia RS features progressive steering as standard. This ensures dynamic steering response and improved handling at higher speeds, while also providing optimum feel at low speeds. In addition, the Octavia RS model’s steering is transmitted much more directly in contrast to the standard steering: from lock to lock, only 2.13 instead of 2.70 turns of the steering wheel are required.

New shift-by-wire technology

The new Skoda Octavia makes use of new shift-by-wire technology to operate its DSG (Direct Shift Gear). The gear selector is no longer connected to the gearbox mechanically. Instead, it relays which gear has been chosen electronically. This saves space and offers new design options for the interior. The familiar DSG lever has been replaced with a new control module, housed in the centre console. This module features a small rocker switch for selecting the drive modes – R (reverse), N (neutral) and D/S (drive/sport) – as well as a button for the parking mode, P.

Electronic limited slip differential

The new Skoda Octavia RS fitted with a TSI engine comes with an electronic limited-slip differential as standard, providing more traction and even greater driving dynamics. The sixth-generation electro‑hydraulic multi-plate clutch achieves a maximum lock-up torque of 1,600 Nm. The XDS+ function, which is a standard feature in other OCTAVIA models, has a locking torque of 500 Nm. The limited-slip differential works in the Normal and Sport modes, which can be accessed in Driving Mode Select.

Improved driver assistance system

The new Skoda Octavia RS comes with a new driver assistance systems as seen in the fourth-generation Octavia. By making targeted interventions in the steering, for example, the new Collision Avoidance Assist helps to drive around a pedestrian, cyclist or other vehicles, which helps to prevent an impending collision. The Exit Warning system, available from spring 2021, lets the occupants know if another vehicle or a cyclist is approaching from behind when a car door is open. The new safety features include Turn Assist, Exit Warning system, Side Assist, and Front Assist – including Predictive Pedestrian and Cyclist Protection.

New central airbag

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The new Euro-spec Skoda Octavia RS comes with an innovative central airbag between the two front seats. This reduces the impact between the driver and front passenger, particularly in the event of a side‑on collision. This new airbag is located on the inside of the driver’s seat backrest.

Sports seats with Alcantara

The interior of the new Skoda Octavia RS is characterised by a sporty black, carbon-fibre look with Alcantara. The redesigned three-spoke, multifunction leather sports steering wheel features an RS logo and, if the vehicle is equipped with DSG, shift paddles. The front sports seats with integrated headrests come as standard and are upholstered in black fabric. The red stitching on the seats and dashboard provides a great contrast. Ergonomic sports seats with Alcantara and leather upholstery, seat-depth adjustment and a massage function are all optional extras. The seats display an RS logo and red or silver-grey stitching, which also adorns the Alcantara-covered dashboard and leather steering wheel. Black roof lining, Alcantara door trims, carbon-effect decorative strips on the dashboard, pedals in an aluminium design and a frameless rear-view mirror add the finishing touches to the car’s athletic appearance.

New virtual cockpit

The new Skoda Octavia RS is equipped with a 10.25-inch Virtual Cockpit as standard, which features an additional Sport layout and an RS-specific welcome logo. The infotainment systems feature new-generation technology from Volkswagen Group’s Modular Infotainment Matrix and sport a 10-inch central display. A permanent internet connection is provided by a built-in eSIM which enables the use of numerous mobile online services. Thanks to the digital assistant Laura, who also understands entire sentences, the infotainment systems can also be operated using voice command at any time.

New generation EVO engines

The new 2.0 TSI engine of the 2021 Skoda Octavia RS is based on the power unit of the previous generation’s OCTAVIA RS 245. Further development of the engine focused on maintaining its dynamic characteristics and maximum output of 245 PS while making it even more efficient. This was achieved, among other things, by increasing the fuel injection pressure up to 350 bar, and by using newly shaped piston crowns and a new crankshaft seal to reduce friction and, therefore, fuel consumption. Furthermore, the Skoda engineers modified the exhaust gas routing as well as the ignition system.

Engines available for the new Skoda Octavia RS at a glance:

The technology of the 2.0 TDI delivering 200 PS is similar to that of the other EVO generation diesels, producing either 116 PS or 150 PS. The 2.0 TDI features, however, an aluminium cylinder block and aluminium pistons with low-friction piston rings. In addition to that, it comes with different connecting rods, where the diameter of the journals is now 54 instead of 48 mm. The turbocharger is water-cooled for improved temperature regulation, and its compression ratio is higher.