More power, more kit, more fun.
Skoda has released preliminary details on its MY2019 Octavia RS, which is now double-clutch only and and more powerful, too. With 180kW on tap, the Octavia RS will storm into 2019 with two grades (RS 2.0TSI & RS245) and two body styles (estate & saloon), though quite a number of things will be standard across the board.
In addition to the upgraded power plant with its 180kW and 370Nm, all that grunt now gets sent through an electronically-controlled limited-slip differential up front too, after having first passed through the 7-speed dual-clutch automatic. What’s also standard are niceties like 18-inch alloys, full-LED automatic headlights, automatic wipers, AEB, and intelligent cruise control.
Step inside and you’ll be greeted by the (relatively) large 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment unit, replete with smartphone mirroring but curiously missing navigation. You’ll also note the dual-zone climate control, the RS sports seats, the 8-speaker audio system, and the reversing camera aided further by rear parking sensors.
All of this is standard on the Octavia RS 2.0 TSI, which will set you back $39,990 if you opt for the saloon, or $41,490 if you go for the estate.
But move up to the RS245 ($45,490 for saloon, $46,990 for estate) and you get quite a bit more kit. The suspension now features adjustable dampers, the infotainment system is now an enormous 9.2-inch glass-fronted unit (with navigation), sound now comes though a 10-speaker high-fidelity audio system, and your phone can be charged wirelessly.
If that’s not enough, you can opt to have leather/suede sports seats with contrast stitching, electric adjustment for the front seats, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, auto-folding door mirrors and heated seats all round if you add $2800 for the Luxury Pack. Other cost-option niceties include a digital instrument cluster for $700, a sunroof for $1500/$1700 depending on saloon/estate, an electric tailgate for the estate for $500, metallic paint for $500, or a 3-year/5-year servicing package, which comes up to either $860 or $1700.
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