Skoda plugs in the Octavia RS
As Skoda moves ahead to electrify its range, Damien O’Carroll is most excited about what it means for the Octavia RS wagon.
Skoda New Zealand continues its rollout 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 all PHEVs, the Octavia iV can be driven in hybrid or allelectric mode. Skoda says the 13kWh battery is under the floor in the back of the car, and is good for an allelectric range of about 60km.
Skoda hasn’t released any local fuel economy figures, but overseas it claims an average of between 1.2 and 1.5l/100km, with CO emissions of 2 around 30g/km.
But never mind that, because the iV version of the RS is what we all are 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 it has 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 sixspeed 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’ 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 New Zealand dealerships next month, and consist of the Style, which will cost $65,990, and the RS at $72,990.
That is an admittedly hefty $15,000 premium over the standard RS for 30Nm, but it should be faster, and use a lot less fuel.
So there’s that.