24. 2. 2025

Octavia RS: The sporty range-topper of Škoda’s updated best-seller

› More powerful 2.0 TSI engine with 195 kW (265 hp), 370 Nm of torque and a new sports exhaust, available in two body styles
› Typical RS hallmarks include black exterior details and red reflector strip at the rear
› Sports suspension, limited-slip differential and LED Matrix beam headlights as standard, two Design Selections to choose from

Mladá Boleslav, 24 February 2025 – The legendary RS designation has been used to identify the sportiest versions of the Octavia since 2000, now already in its fourth modern generation. In addition to the gloss black detailing and the 2.0 TSI engine, now with 195 kW (265 hp), the Octavia RS also comes with LED Matrix beam headlights as standard. The RS Fabric and RS Suedia Design Selections are exclusively available for the Octavia RS. Škoda continues to offer its best-seller in two body styles.

25 years ago, the first generation of the Škoda Octavia RS established the brand’s tradition of sporty range-toppers bearing the legendary “RS” letter combination. Now in its fourth generation, the refreshed Octavia RS continues to be the most dynamic Škoda in the ICE range – all without compromising on comfort and value for money. The Škoda Octavia Combi RS took home the prestigious Golden Steering Wheel 2024 award in the mid-sized car category. The Škoda Octavia has also won numerous international accolades such as the 2020 Red Dot Award. In Germany, its most important single market, trophies won include multiple Best Cars awards from “auto motor und sport” car magazine, and in its home country of the Czech Republic, it was voted the winner of the 2021 Fleet Derby. It has won various Family Car awards in the UK as well. Škoda has sold more than 350,000 Octavia RS to date. The largest markets are Germany, which accounted for almost half of the sales total with 46.5%, the Czech Republic with 8.8% and the United Kingdom with 7.5%.

For Škoda, developing the new Octavia RS meant introducing purposeful improvements. The new 2.0 TSI engine now delivers 195 kW (265 hp) of power, an increase of 15 kW (20 hp) over the predecessor, and 370 Nm of torque. It is always mated to a 7-speed DSG automatic transmission and comes with front-wheel drive. From a standing start, the hatchback reaches 100 km/h in 6.4 seconds; the Combi estate does it in 6.5 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h. The Octavia RS is now equipped with a new sports exhaust as standard. In Sport Driving Mode, the ECU (engine control unit) provides sharper throttle and deceleration responses. The new Octavia RS also offers the “Emotion Start” activated by a long press of the start button; engine rpm is increased to 2,100 rpm during the start, resulting in a more compelling sound. The function is triggered by switching on the ignition, which then starts the car at the increased revs when prompted to press the brake pedal.

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Standard equipment for the Octavia RS includes a sports chassis with shorter springs and specific dampers with stiffer settings that lower ground clearance by 15 millimetres. Together with newly tuned progressive steering feature and electronically controlled limited-slip differential (VAQ), this ensures excellent traction and a dynamic driving experience in any situation. The RS-specific adaptive Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) is available as an option. It enables the driver to select Normal, Comfort, Sport or Individual mode for the chassis settings. Like the Kodiaq RS, the Octavia RS has a MacPherson strut suspension with lower triangular links and torsion stabiliser on the front axle and a multi-link suspension with one longitudinal and three transverse arms and a torsion stabiliser on the rear axle.

The Octavia RS is fitted with the VAQ, a feature originally developed for motor racing. It is an electrohydraulic multi‑plate clutch that can lock the speed of the drive wheels with the differential. An integrated control unit enables predictive torque control to prevent loss of traction. With a maximum locking torque of 1,600 Nm, it represents a performance alternative to the XDS+ function in conventional Octavia models, which can only handle up to 500 Nm. The VAQ system operates in two driving modes – Normal and Sport. VAQ proves helpful in various driving situations. When faced with a bend, it directs more torque to the outside wheel, allowing faster cornering while maintaining stability. When driving in a straight line on a surface where traction on the right side is below the levels on the left, it directs more torque to the wheel travelling on the surface with the higher adhesion, enabling a faster and more stable ride. The braking system in the Octavia RS features ventilated disc brakes measuring 340×30 millimetres at the front and 310×22 millimetres at the rear. Equipped with one-piston calipers ensuring excellent braking performance, they match the vehicle’s power.

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Extensive, hallmark RS detailing emphasises the car’s sporty appearance. The Škoda grille surround, the window frames and the wing mirrors are finished in high-gloss black, as are the roof rails on the Octavia Combi RS estate. Black accents can also be found on the distinctive front apron. The rear section is dominated by a black painted rear diffuser. In typical RS style, the rear valance features a red reflector strip stretching across the entire width of the vehicle. The rear side windows and the rear window are tinted (“Sunset”). Exclusive to the Octavia RS are the standard black and aerodynamically optimised 18-inch Comet alloy wheels, available in gloss black as an option, and new 19-inch polished Elias alloy wheels in silver or anthracite with large black aero trims. The RS models are the only Octavia variants to come with LED Matrix beam headlights as standard. They include LED rear lights with animated turn indicators and the animated Coming/Leaving Home function. An electric tailgate with a virtual pedal and the advanced KESSY function also come as standard. The new RS logo is displayed on the exterior badge as well as in the interior.

The interior of the Škoda Octavia RS is predominantly finished in sporty black. The 13-inch central display and navigation system are included as standard, as is the automatically retractable load cover in the Combi. The interior features sports seats with integrated headrests, the new RS logo and quilted fabric upholstery with red stitching on the seat bolsters as standard. The design section of the dashboard is covered with neoprene and has contrast stitching in red. Artificial leather is found on the door trim panels. The decorative strips on the doors have a gloss black finish, while the dashboard features Black Middle Carbon trim. The three-spoke multifunction sports steering wheel with shift paddles is covered in leather, while the pedals have a stainless-steel look.

In the optional RS Suedia Design Selection, the sports seats feature perforated covers made from Suedia microfibre and artificial leather. There is also additional red stitching on the seat surface and backrest. The ergo comfort seats come with electric adjustment, a memory function and seat cushion depth adjustment as standard. They also offer adjustable lumbar support and a massage function as standard. The combination of Suedia and artificial leather can also be found on the door panels in the RS Suedia Design Selection. The design section of the dashboard is covered in Suedia and features double rows of contrast stitching in red.