The new Skoda Octavia RS iV is the first plug-in hybrid to be released from the Czech automaker’s high performance RS lineup

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Mlada Boleslav, Czechia –
Skoda has given a first look at the new iteration of its high-performance version of the Octavia sedan, the RS iV.

Fitted with a 1.4-litre, 150hp turbo petrol engine and an 85-kW electric motor for a combined power output of 245hp, the car was originally set to make its debut at the now-cancelled 2020 Geneva Motor Show.

Skoda hasn’t said if there will be a purely petrol-powered version, but given its legendary cousin – the Volkswagen Golf GTI – will have both plug-in and petrol-only models, it’s likely.

The new RS is based on the fourth-generation Skoda Octavia and is fitted with progressive steering and sports suspension as standard. We covered the debut of the new fourth-gen, with its big jump in technology, here.

It will also have LED fog lights and black 18-inch alloy wheels, along with brake calipers painted in RS-typical red. 19-inch wheels are available as an option. The Skoda grille, air curtains, diffuser on the vRS-specific front apron, aeroflaps, diffuser on the rear apron and window frames all come in black. The hatchback version of the car sports a black RS rear spoiler. On the estate, the roof spoiler matches the car colour.

Power from the electric and turbo petrol engine is transmitted to the front wheels through the VW group’s proven 6-speed DSG. The 0 to 100km/h dash is accomplished in 7.3 seconds. A modest number these days, but with a maximum torque rating of 400Nm it should prove to be a quick car in urban cut-and-thrust driving.

The 13kWh lithium-ion battery gives the car a 60km all-electric range.

There are also two mild hybrid versions of the Skoda Octavia making their debut at the same time. Labeled by Skoda as e-TEC engines, they are a three-cylinder 1.0 TS engine developing 110hp and a four-cylinder 1.5 TSI engine putting out 150hp. Both make use of a 48-volt belt-driven starter motor and a 48-volt lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 0.6 kWh.

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Mild hybrid technology enables energy to be recovered when braking so that it can be stored in the 48-volt battery. This energy is used to support the combustion engine by providing it with an electrical boost of up to 50 Nm and, depending on the situation, makes it possible for the engine to switch off completely, letting the vehicle coast. 

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Local distributor Skoda Centre Singapore has stated that as the cars have just been unveiled, there are still no plans on whether or not they will be available in Singapore.

Given the recent push towards cleaner emissions and in the view that many other competitor brands already have mild hybrids in their lineup here, we think that at least one of the mild hybrid Octavia variants will make their way to Singapore before then end of 2020.