Czech automaker Skoda has dispelled the uncertainties around the introduction of its performance sedan range, the Octavia RS series, by bringing the RS 230 to India.
The model is the most powerful car launched by the company in India and comes with a 2-litre TSI turbocharged, four-cylinder petrol engine with 230 bhp of power and 350 Nm of torque.
At Rs 24.6 lakhs ex-showroom, it is the first ‘performance sedan’ to be launched in the country that more or less still remains within the reach of a middle class buyer.
The OCTAVIA RS 230 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.8 seconds; its top speed is limited to 250 km/h making it the fastest series-production model in the history of ŠKODA in India.
“The OCTAVIA RS transforms ŠKODA’s century long motorsports legacy into the fastest ever OCTAVIA produced in India,” said Ashutosh Dixit – Director: Sales, Service & Marketing, ŠKODA AUTO India.
The launch comes within weeks of the introduction of the new Octavia, which starts at around Rs 15 lakhs. However, there are several design features that make the RS variant distinct from the regular version.
The new front end, attractive rear design and new Alcantara sporty interior gives the OCTAVIA RS 230 a distinct and dynamic character and will be available in four exciting sporty colors of Race Blue, Steel Grey, Corrida Red and Candy White, the company said.
Skoda, owned by Volkswagen, has been relatively successful in India despite pricing its cars above the median range for sedans in India. Its Octavia models have developed a reputation for quality and affordability, while also appearing ‘high end’.
The company said the RS 230 comes with spacious interior and luggage compartment.
“Numerous ‘Simply Clever’ features are further testimony to the car’s practical talents.”
SKODA used the abbreviation RS for the first time in motorsport in 1974.
In 2000, the synonym of sportiness entered the SKODA model range. 200,000 RS models have been sold to date – a whopping 100,000 of which are third-generation OCTAVIAs and have been sold since 2013.
“The OCTAVIA RS 230 boasts of a unique combination of a high performance engine, sporty appearance and driving dynamics along with new technologies and connectivity. It is being reintroduced in the market following an overwhelming response from customers and is targeted at ŠKODA loyalists,” Dixit added.
Exterior
The ŠKODA OCTAVIA RS 230 features the new face of the brand with particularly sporty details.
The bumper is designed with a bold horizontal line, has broad honeycomb air inlets and contributes to the car’s wide and sculpted impression.
The redesigned headlight clusters in a crystalline look feature full-LED technology and the AFS adaptive front light system as standard.
The fog lights, tail lights and number plate illumination also feature LED technology as well as a crystalline appearance.
The radiator grille and the tailgate both sport the RS logo featuring a gloss-black ‘V’ (for victory).
It also comes with sporty features such as the spoiler at the rear of the tailgate.
Interior
The interior is predominantly black and has generous dimensions as wella s high-quality material.
With their high sides and integrated headrests, the Alcantara sports seats provide maximum support in fast corners.
The front seats bear the RS logo – as do the front door sills. The front seats feature red topstitching, is electrically adjustable, offers lumbar support and has a memory function (driver’s seat) which saves three seat positions.
The multifunction sports steering wheel, with perforated leather and integrated gear-shift paddles, matches the car’s dynamic ambience.
The radio and telephone (Bluetooth) can be operated from the steering wheel.
A colour Maxi-DOT display forms part of the instrument cluster. The LED ambient lighting bathes the interior in atmospheric light that can be set to one of ten colours.
Sports chassis and mechanical limited slip
Compared to the Octavia models in India, the sports chassis lowers the body of the ŠKODA OCTAVIA RS 230 by 15 mm.
The standard Hawk Anthracite alloy wheels are 17 inches in diameter.
The DSG with Sport mode, as well as the electronically regulated XDS+ limited-slip differential are also part of the standard equipment.
At corners, by gently braking the inner wheels, the system transmits more torque to the outer wheels, resulting in better cornering.
The XDS+ gets activated once the lateral acceleration reaches 0.15 g.
The dynamic character of the car is additionally highlighted by its progressive steering.
The variable ratio steering enables RS drivers to have sportier control of the car during hi-speed driving as well as comfort control when parking.