Škoda Octavia RS: how it has evolved

All four generations of the Octavia RS in one place. How has the popular sports model evolved over the years? What did the various generations offer drivers? Take a look!

20. 4. 2023 Škoda World

Having first burst onto the scene in the year 2000, the Škoda Octavia RS is now in its fourth generation. It started with a power output of 132 kW (180 horsepower) and now delivers 180 kW (245 hp). It’s always had a petrol or diesel engine under the bonnet, but the latest generation also comes with a hybrid powertrain. See how the generations compared in our video.

First generation

The Škoda Octavia RS was born out of the modernisation of the first Octavia generation in the year 2000, followed two years later by the RS estate. The sportiest version of the Octavia was given a different front end, newly shaped headlights and a completely new dashboard. The turbocharged 18 litre engine delivering 132 kW (180 hp) made the car by far the fastest model in the Octavia range – the RS could reach speeds of up to 235 km/h. That’s also why the car got stronger brakes, additional body reinforcements, stiffer shock absorbers or a differently mounted front stabiliser.

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Second generation

A modernised Škoda Octavia RS arrived in 2006. It received a two-litre turbo engine delivering 147 kW (200 hp), which enabled a top speed of 240 km/h, even though the car had become 150 kilograms heavier. The new six-speed gearbox was one of the reasons for the improved performance. For the first time, a DSG dual-clutch automatic was an option, and diesel lovers were also in for a treat – a 125 kW (170 hp) TDI engine with a top speed of 224 km/h was available. The second generation also brought greater robustness, better soundproofing and an overall more comfortable ride.

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Third generation

The evolutionary leap between the second and third generations was perhaps the most marked. The suspension geometry was modified and the power gradually increased from 162 to 169 kW, and later even to 180 kW (220, 230 and 245 hp respectively). This generation also featured a diesel engine delivering 135 kW (184 hp), a leather interior and, for the first time ever in a Škoda, a steering wheel with a flattened lower section. Starting in 2015, the diesel version also came in all-wheel drive.

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Fourth generation

What the third generation ended with as its basic design – a 180 kW petrol engine and a driver-controlled centre differential – was retained for all the cars of the latest generation. Equally powerful is the RS iV plug-in hybrid, which has an 85 kW electric motor coupled with a 110 kW 1.4 TSI four-cylinder. The third option is a turbo diesel delivering 147 kW (200 hp).

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The latest Octavia RS also has head-turning looks, though. The elegant yet sporty lines are set off by black accessories that create a striking contrast in combination with the Mamba Green paintwork, for example. The gorgeous interior is dominated by Alcantara and carbon trim, the Virtual Cockpit with its 10.25-inch display, ambient lighting, a head-up display and the sporty multifunction steering wheel.