2021 Skoda Octavia RS gets new petrol & diesel variants

Initially unveiled as an 'iV' plug-in hybrid model only, the 2021 Skoda Octavia RS will continue to make purists happy with the arrival of new TSI and TDI variants. The current Octavia RS TDI also happens to be the most powerful diesel-powered Octavia model to date. 

The new fourth-gen Skoda Octavia RS had made its debut in March this year as the RS iV, the first-ever hybrid Octavia RS. While purists and petrolheads were losing their mind at the prospect of a 'hybrid-only' Octavia RS in the future, Skoda has finally laid all doubts to rest, as the Czech carmaker has also introduced new petrol and diesel versions of the new Octavia RS.

To refresh the memory of the readers, the hybrid Octavia RS iV generates 241bhp and 400Nm from a 1.4-litre turbo petrol motor and an 85kW electric motor. The new petrol Octavia RS is powered by a 2.0-litre TSI motor that offers the same power output as the hybrid iV (241bhp) but slightly lower torque of 370Nm. The diesel version gets a TDI motor of the same capacity (2.0-litre) that generates 197bhp and 400Nm, making it the most powerful diesel-powered Octavia to date.

Those opting for the Octavia RS TSI will have to make to do with front-wheel-drive (FWD) only, but there will be a choice between a 6-speed manual and a 7-speed DSG automatic gearbox. The Octavia RS TDI, on the other hand, comes exclusively with the 7-speed DSG gearbox but offers all-wheel-drive (AWD) as an optional extra.

In terms of the exterior, all three Octavia RS models are similarly specced. The RS-specific blacked-out exterior trim is standard on all three models, and so are the 18-inch alloys and red brake callipers. Of course, the non-hybrid versions will not feature the iV badging on the tailgate. Inside, all three models come with the Skoda Virtual Cockpit as standard (a 10.25-inch instrument cluster with an additional 'Sport' layout) and a 10-inch free-standing infotainment touchscreen.

Compared to the hybrid, the TSI & TDI variants of the Octavia RS feature 15mm lower ride height but the RS-spec suspension and progressive steering system are shared with the hybrid iV model. On all three versions, Skoda is also offering Dynamic Chassis Control (electronically adaptable damping) as an optional extra. Both the hybrid iV and TSI versions feature 17-inch brakes as standard, but the TDI version comes with 16-inch front brakes and 15-inch units for the rear wheels.

Read more:

Skoda Rapid 1.0 TSI Review

Skoda Superb, Kodiaq & Karoq to get a new infotainment system