2017 Skoda Octavia RS 245 & Combi – Video
Under the bonnet of the ŠKODA OCTAVIA family’s sporty top model beats a 180 kW (245 PS) four cylinder TSI petrol engine. It offers 11 kW (15 PS) more than the most powerful variant of the current RS model. Maximum torque of 370 Nm is achieved between 1,600 and 4,300 rpm. There is a choice of a 6-speed manual gearbox or – for the first time in a ŠKODA OCTAVIA – a 7-speed, dual-clutch transmission. From a standing start, the hatchback hits the 100 km/h mark in 6.6 seconds, the Combi takes 6.7 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h, making the ŠKODA OCTAVIA RS 245 the fastest and most powerful OCTAVIA ever.
Yet the average fuel consumption when combined with a 7-speed DSG transmission is just 6.4 l per 100 km (6.6 l with a 6-speed manual gearbox), with CO2 emissions of 146 and 150 g/km respectively.
The acceleration is particularly impressive. In fifth gear, the ŠKODA OCTAVIA RS 245 with a manual gearbox sprints from 60 to 100 km/h in just 6.4 seconds (Combi: 6.5 seconds) and from 80 to 120 km/h in only 6.6 seconds (Combi: 6.8 seconds) – a reassuring safety cushion.
Compared to the ‘normal’ models in the range, the sports chassis lowers the body of the ŠKODA OCTAVIA RS 245 by 15 mm. Its rear track is 30 mm wider than that of the ŠKODA OCTAVIA RS 230 predecessor. The standard, burnished gloss-black alloy wheels are 19 inches in diameter.
The ESC stability system with Sport mode is also part of the standard equipment, as is the driven wheels’ electronically regulated VAQ limited-slip differential. This provides for particularly dynamic acceleration when exiting corners. The technology, that was originally developed for motorsport, works with an electronically regulated multi-plate clutch that is located between the differential and the powered axle on the right-hand side. As and when it is needed, 100 per cent of the power can be directed to one front wheel. When cornering, the differential transfers an increased amount of engine power to the outer front wheel – i.e. to the wheel with the most grip – as required. The risk of understeering during acceleration is significantly reduced.
Performance Mode Select with the Performance Sound Generator function enables individual adjustment of drive, chassis and comfort settings. The dynamic character of the ŠKODA OCTAVIA RS 245 is additionally highlighted by the car’s progressive steering and the optional adaptive Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC).
Electrically operated valves adjust the dampers’ settings. The driver has access to three modes to do this: Comfort, Standard and Sport. In addition, DCC contributes to increased active safety by automatically switching to Sport mode when cornering in a particularly dynamic manner and, in doing so, ensures greater stability, better traction and shorter braking distances.
With Driving Mode Select, the driver can change the steering characteristics, the operation of the DSG transmission, and the settings of other systems in the Normal, Eco, Sport and Individual modes. The individual preferences are saved on the optionally available, personalisable keys. These also store further individual settings such as those for the Climatronic and audio systems as well as seat position, and apply them automatically.