2017 Skoda Octavia RS revealed

Skoda has revealed the RS version of its upgraded 2017 Octavia range featuring aggressive front styling, sporty interior and a slight power boost in the turbo petrol variant that makes it the Czech manufacturer’s fastest ever series-production car.

Available in liftback-sedan and wagon body styles, the 2017 Octavia RS takes on design cues of the range’s 2017 facelift in a “particularly sporty and emotional way’; which is Skoda speak for a broad lower honeycomb grille and air intakes highlighted by strip LED fog lamps.

The rear end of both body shapes also differs from the standard 2017 Octavia most notably through the twin chrome-tipped diamond exhaust pipes.

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The interior is characterised by sporty black trim with high-sided RS-Sport seats with integrated head rests. These come in a leather/fabric combination or optional Alcantara. Other touches include ambient lighting, aluminium-finish pedals and plenty of RS badging.

The activewear is backed up by improved performance and handling – Skoda’s boffins have managed to squeeze an extra 7kW out of the 2.0-litre TSI petrol to 169kW which, in the manual liftback at least, shaves 0.1sec off its 0-100km/h time to 6.7secs. Top speed is up slightly to 250km/h and Skoda claims a combined fuel consumption of 6.5L/100km.

The 135kW 2.0 turbocharged diesel’s power and performance remain the same, with a 0-100km time of 7.9sec, 232km.h top speed and frugal 4.5L/100Km economy.

Handling wise, the Octavia RS sits 15mm lower than the current model on a 30mm wider rear track. The ride harnessed by the Dynamic Chassis Control System that offers a choice of Comfort, Normal and Sport driving modes. An optional Performance Sound Generator adjusts the engine note … because why not?

The Octavia RS also comes with a range of driver assistance systems including Trailer Assist reversing aid, Blind Spot Detection, Rear Traffic Alert. It also has Crew Protect Assist that, when sensing an imminent collision, closes windows and sunroofs, tightens driver and passenger seatbelts and works in conjunction with the improved auto emergency braking.

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All versions come with a choice of the latest generation of infotainment systems: Bolero, Amundsen and range-topping Columbus, which, along with the currently available Swing system, all have a 9.2-inch glass touchscreen that’s more responsive to lighter touches.

The Columbus features a WLAN hotspot and, if desired, a SIM card module capable of LTE speeds for an ultra-fast connection to the Internet.

The 2017 Octavia range is due for a mid-year Australian release with local specifications and prices set to be revealed closer to launch.