Discover the all-new facelifted Skoda Octavia RS, featuring aggressive styling, a refined interior, and a 265 HP engine. Read our full review to learn how this rally sport edition stands out.
The fourth-generation Skoda Octavia RS has just received a facelift—and it’s more aggressive, powerful, and feature-packed than ever. With a rally-inspired design and a 265‑horsepower engine, this latest RS edition promises enhanced performance and a refined driving experience. Let’s dive into the details.
A Bold New Look
The facelifted Octavia RS turns heads with its updated exterior styling:
- Aggressive Bumper & RS Badging: The front bumper is reworked to look more muscular, highlighted by distinctive RS badging that underscores its rally sport DNA.
- Matrix LED Headlights & Projector Setup: Standard Matrix LED headlights paired with projector indicators give the car a futuristic edge. Every generation of the RS has sported headlight washers, and this model is no exception.
- Functional Details: From six front parking sensors—thanks to the self-park function—to a dedicated towing hook, every element is designed with purpose. An integrated LED DRL branded “scoda Crystal Li” and subtle black accents elevate its premium feel.
- Aerodynamic Enhancements: With special “Arrow” wheels aimed at reducing the coefficient of drag, owners can even remove these aerodynamic bits if they prefer a cleaner look. Red brake calipers, a 340‑mm front disc and a 310‑mm rear disc further emphasize the car’s performance focus.
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Interior: Sporty Yet Practical
Step inside the upgraded Octavia RS and you’ll find an interior that blends performance with everyday usability:
- Driver-Focused Cockpit: A digital 10‑inch virtual cockpit offers customizable displays—including a full map view and racing-inspired mode—while physical controls for headlight washers, audio, and steering heating keep distractions to a minimum.
- Premium Materials & Finishes: Blacked‑out panels and red stitching detail the sporty seats and door trims, lending the cabin an understated elegance. Two interior themes are available depending on the trim and price.
- Smart Storage Solutions: Practical touches such as generous door pockets, a well-organized glove box, and a power tailgate with a hidden camera for reversing add everyday convenience. The boot space is impressive—starting at 600 liters and extendable to over 1550 liters by folding down the rear seats.
Performance and Engineering
Under the hood, the facelifted Octavia RS offers a refined balance of power and efficiency:
- 265 Horsepower Punch: Powered by the latest e88 engine, the RS now produces 265 horsepower—making it the most potent Octavia RS to date. Although the power gain is incremental compared to earlier models, the evolution is all about refinement.
- Dynamic Drive Modes: With a 7‑speed dual‑clutch DSG gearbox and advanced drive mode selectors, drivers can toggle between Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Individual modes to suit any road condition or track day.
- Chassis & Suspension Upgrades: A lowered ride height by 15 mm improves road holding, while dynamic chassis control with adaptive dampers ensures stability during high‑speed cornering. The electronically controlled limited‑slip differential helps optimize power delivery, even in a front‑wheel-drive setup.
- Track-Ready Performance: On the racetrack, the Octavia RS impresses by achieving 0–100 km/h in around 6.5 seconds. With an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h, the car delivers thrilling performance while still being practical for daily driving.
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Advanced Technology & Safety
Skoda hasn’t forgotten about smart tech and safety features:
- ADAS & Sensor Suite: The car comes equipped with a full set of ADAS functions including lane keep assist, reverse parking camera, and 360‑degree parking sensors. High‑placed range sensors and a camera for lane monitoring help enhance driving confidence.
- Driver Assistance & Convenience: With features like self‑park and smart door unlocking, modern technology makes every drive safer and more convenient.
The Verdict
The facelifted Skoda Octavia RS is a celebration of rally sport heritage infused with modern technology. While the performance improvements may be evolutionary rather than revolutionary, every detail—from the aggressive styling and premium interior finishes to the advanced driver assistance systems—cements its position as the ultimate RS for those who demand both style and substance.
For enthusiasts seeking a performance hatchback that offers daily usability and the potential for aftermarket tuning, the new Octavia RS is hard to beat. It’s a car that truly embodies “the sky is the limit” when it comes to tuning potential and driving excitement.
Experience the thrill of the upgraded Octavia RS—a car where performance meets practical design, delivering both a sporty drive and everyday usability. Whether you’re on the track or cruising city streets, the new RS is engineered to impress.
