2017 Skoda Octavia RS 4x4

Strength, sportiness and emotion coupled with optimum functionality and generous space: the Skoda Octavia sets benchmarks in the sporty compact car segment. For the first time, Skoda is also offering the popular RS model as an all-wheel-drive variant. The Skoda Octavia RS 4x4 is celebrating its motor show premiere in Geneva. The all-wheel drive, based on an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch, is available for the Octavia diesel 2.0 TDI/135 kW (184 PS) combined with six-speed DSG transmission. The adaptive Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) and the integrated wireless smartphone charger, available for the first time in a Skoda, provide more comfort. This turns the Skoda Octavia RS 4x4 into an attractive power pack with maximum everyday practicality.

"The Skoda Octavia RS is a huge success; deliveries of our sporty hatchback and estate variants are greatly exceeding our expectations," said Christian Strube, Skoda Board Member for Technical Development. "With the first all-wheel-drive Octavia RS, we are extending our RS range to include a new, very attractive top-level variant. This once again demonstrates our expertise with regards to all-wheel-drive technology," said Strube.

Customers are excited about the third-generation Skoda Octavia RS, which was launched in the middle of 2013: to date (as at 31 January 2016), Skoda has delivered more than 71,800 vehicles. Since market launch of the first four-wheel-drive Skoda Octavia Combi in 1999, more than half a million 4x4 Skodas have been sold. Available as a hatchback and an estate, the Skoda Octavia RS is both a sporty and extremely practical car. In addition, the top model within the Octavia range represents the brand's 115 years of successful motorsport history.

In 2000, the first-generation Octavia RS was the first Skoda to be released to the market as a sporty RS model available to the public. Between 2000 and the end of January 2016, Skoda delivered approximately 226,400 first- to third-generation Octavia RS vehicles to customers.

Newly available with all-wheel drive, the Skoda Octavia RS is the perfect car for everyday life as well as leisure time, family life and work. A real all-rounder in almost all driving situations. Performance, technology and practicality are impressive, and acceleration values are excellent. As an attractive version with automatic dual-clutch transmission (DSG) and all-wheel drive, the Octavia RS 4x4 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 7.6 seconds and reaches a top speed of 228 km/h (Combi: 7.7 seconds; 224 km/h). Maximum torque of 380 Nm is achieved between 1,750 and 3,250 rpm. At the same time, the all-wheel drive consumes only 4.9 l of diesel per 100 km (Combi: 5.0 l/100 km). This corresponds to CO2 emissions of 129 g/km (Combi: 131 g/km).

The modern all-wheel drive provides excellent driving characteristics and impressive traction control on all surfaces. Modern all-wheel-drive technology based on the electronically controlled multi-plate clutch is used. Its torque distribution to all four wheels is always dependent on the situation. The wheels won't spin even when pulling away or accelerating quickly. This not only provides impressive driving dynamics, it also leads to the highest levels of active safety.

The Skoda Octavia RS 4x4 also impresses with all of the great qualities that the frontwheel- drive Octavia RS has to offer. Technical highlights include the sports chassis with multi-link rear axle and electronic differential lock XDS+ for dynamic cornering, innovative progressive steering and adaptive Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC). DCC is used for the first time in the Octavia range and provides different driving characteristics depending on whether set to Normal, Comfort or Sport mode. The setting is altered using a button in the centre console. Driving Mode Select also features an Eco and Individual mode.

Numerous assistance systems for the highest levels of safety and comfort demonstrate the advanced technological level of the new Skoda Octavia RS 4x4. The new wireless smartphone charger is a particular highlight of the infotainment equipment. It connects the smartphone wirelessly to the car aerial and then charges via inductive coupling, using the Qi standard. Electricity flows from a coil in the bottom of Phonebox to the receiver coil in the smartphone.

Sporty design details, striking alloy wheels, an earthy extra sound providing a motorsport feel and a sporty interior underline the powerful appearance of the new Skoda Octavia RS 4x4. In addition, all Octavia RS models are equipped with the same outstanding qualities offered by the Skoda Octavia: the highest levels of functionality, lots of space and excellent value for money.

The RS initials denote Skoda's successes in motorsport as well as the high performance and passion represented by the brand. Skoda used the RS abbreviation as a model designation for the first time in 1974: the Skoda 180 RS and Skoda 200 RS rally cars are considered to be the original RS cars. In the 1970s and 1980s, the legendary Skoda 130 RS was one of the most successful rally cars of its time.

With the Octavia RS 4x4, Skoda is once again underlining its outstanding all-wheeldrive expertise. The manufacturer's 4x4 range now consists of ten models or model variants: Skoda Octavia 4x4, Octavia Combi 4x4, Octavia RS 4x4, Octavia Combi RS 4x4, Octavia Scout, Yeti 4x4, Yeti Outdoor 4x4, Yeti Monte Carlo 4x4, Superb 4x4 and Superb Combi 4x4.

The Skoda Octavia RS 4x4 also demonstrates the wide range of the third-generation Octavia variants. Overall, Skoda now offers 13 variants of its bestseller: from the efficient Octavia GreenLine to the Octavia RS 230, the fastest Octavia of all time.