LATER THIS YEAR will see the arrival of a new-look Skoda Octavia in Ireland. And while the revised styling might prove divisive, what is more welcome is the power boost given to the Skoda’s hottest saloon and estate versions.
Called the Octavia RS 245, it has, as you might have already guessed, 245hp. That’s up 15hp from the outgoing version.
The RS 245 also gets some unique styling such as a more performance-orientated body kit, larger alloy wheels and gloss black detailing around the grille and door mirrors. It gets specific RS 245 badges too, so everyone can see exactly what it is you’re driving.
Its sportier styling continues inside where the sports seats come with RS logos and an Alcantara finish. A multifunction sports steering wheel, aluminium-finish pedals and ten-colour ambient lighting all make the RS 245 feel a bit more special inside. There will be three different infotainment systems available, including a new 9.2-inch touchscreen display that incorporates a wifi hotspot. Another cool item is the inductive charging pad to enable wireless smartphone charging.
Under the bonnet is the latest 2.0-litre, four-cylinder TSI petrol engine that has 370Nm of torque and can propel the Skoda to 100km/h in just 6.6 seconds. You will be able to choose from a six-speed manual or seven-speed DSG automatic transmission.
Skoda will also offer the Octavia 245 as an estate, or Combi, as it prefers to call it here. As well as offering even more boot space, performance is almost unchanged, taking only two-tenths of a second less to cover the same main acceleration points.
The cars will make their official public debut at next month’s Geneva Motor Show and should arrive in Ireland during the summer.
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