Geneva show: Skoda previews 180kW Octavia RS245

SKODA has revealed the most powerful version of its Octavia mid-sized sedan and wagon to date, packing 180kW into the new RS245 that will make its public debut at the Geneva motor show next month.

Along with the boost in power output, the new model features light styling changes, tweaks to the interior, a limited-slip differential (LSD) and a suite of driver assistance systems to to help make it the most dynamic and technologically advanced Octavia yet.

Power is derived from the same 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol TSI unit that is under the hood of the current RS, with power boosted from 169kW in the updated RS – which is due in Australia in August – to 180kW, while torque is up 20Nm from 350 to 370Nm.

The RS245 can complete the zero to 100km/h sprint in 6.6 seconds in sedan/liftback guise and 0.1s longer for the wagon, and on to an electronically limited top speed of 250km/h.

It will be offered with a choice of a six-speed manual gearbox or seven-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Skoda Australia general manager of corporate communications Paul Pottinger said that the arrival of the RS245 in Australian showrooms would be dependent on the availability of the DSG version Down Under.

“We would hope to receive it in the fourth quarter of this year, but that’s contingent on the availability of DSG,” he said.

“While we settled for manual only in the limited edition RS230, which we released late last year as something of toe in the water exercise, we’d need the option of an auto this time to make the variant viable.”

Compared to the regular Octavia, the chassis of the RS245 has been lowered by 19mm, while the rear track is 38mm wider than the previous version.

The RS245 comes with an electronically regulated VAQ LSD on the front wheels to aid in accelerating out of corners, while Performance Mode Select with Performance Sound Generator lets the driver adjust the drive, chassis and comfort settings with dynamic chassis control being offered as an option.

Exterior changes over the upcoming regular RS are minimal, with the model retaining the black upper grille and honeycomb-styled lower air intake mesh and restyled LED headlight cluster, while 19-inch alloy wheels are standard fare on the RS245 but an optional extra on its less powerful sibling.

Inside, occupants get Alcantara sports seats with RS logos on the front seats and front door sills, while the silver-coloured pedals are accentuated against the largely black interior with an aluminium finish.

The multifunctional sports steering wheel is embroidered with perforated leather and gets heating function and paddle shifters for DSG variants, while ambient lighting is available in ten different colours.

Driver assistance systems on the RS245 include predictive pedestrian protection, blind spot detect, rear cross traffic alert, autonomous emergency braking, crew protect assist which closes windows and sunroof in the event of an impending collision, adaptive cruise control, and trailer assist which will not be available on Australian variants due to its non-compliance with Australian Design Rules regulations.

The Skoda Connect information system comes as standard on a 9.2-inch touchscreen and can provide drivers with real-time updates for the integrated infotainment and driver assistance systems.

The car will be revealed fully at the Geneva motor show which kicks off on March 7.