Skoda will soon introduce its first plug-in hybrid for the Indian market. The model we’re talking about is the Octavia RS iV. The model’s launch will also mark the return of the RS moniker in India. Previously, Skoda brought in the Octavia RS 245 in India.
Skoda launched the Octavia RS iV in 2020 to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Skoda brand. To differentiate from the regular Octavia, the RS iV gets a host of styling tweaks. The front of the car gets a prominent chin, blacked-out grille and sharp fog light enclosures. Also, like the front grille, the lower air dam features a blacked-out finish as well. The sportier version of the Octavia also gets red-coloured RS badges on the front grille. The mirrors get a blacked-out finish as well.
On the sides, the car gets new 19-inch RS design wheels and red-painted brake callipers. At the rear, the Octavia RS iV gets a red RS badge on the tailgate. Further down, the bumpers sport RS-specific aero flaps and a blacked-out diffuser. The RS iV also gets a black trunk lid spoiler. Completing the rear look are the twin exhausts, which lend it a sporty look.
The interior of the car gets a host of sporty touches as well. It uses a three-spoke steering wheel, and the red inserts contrast the blacked-out interiors. The instrument cluster uses Skoda’s 10.25-inch virtual cockpit display with a sports layout. The infotainment screen uses a free-standing 10-inch touchscreen display with an RS-specific theme. The front seats feature integrated headrests and black upholstery. Also optional are the Alcantara leather seats. These seats have seat-depth adjustment and a massage function. Other highlights include aluminium pedals and carbon-fibre effect decorative strips.
The red RS badges may hint at its sporty aspirations, but the RS iV is also green. The 2.0-litre TSI from the RS 245 makes way for a smaller 1.4-litre TSI engine. However, accompanying it is the 116 HP electric motor. Combined with the 1.4-litre engine’s 150 HP, it makes a total of 245 HP. At the same time, the torque figure reads 400 Nm. The torque output sees an increase of 30 Nm over its predecessor. A 13 kWh battery pack also allows the RS iV to have an electric-only range of 60 km.
The Octave RS iV accelerates from 0 to 100kmph in 7.3 seconds and tops out at 225kmph. These figures mean it takes 0.7 seconds more and is slower by 25kmph than the previous RS245. One of the possible reasons for this is the additional weight. The previous car tips the scales at 1,391 kg. The new RS iV, with the large battery, tips the scales at 1,620 kg.
According to reports, Skoda will bring the new Octavia RS iV by mid-2023. Like the RS 245, the new Octavia RS iV will also make its way to India via the CBU route. Skoda will use the government’s new import rule. Under this rule, carmakers can import up to 2,500 cars a year without homologating them. The Octavia RS iV will most likely be the most expensive RS model to date.
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