2009 Skoda Octavia RS and Octavia Scout Facelift

Czech manufacturer Skoda joins the ranks of those car makers who launch new releases this spring with revised versions of the sport-tuned Octavia RS and Octavia Scout . The facelifted versions boast both visual upgrades, as well as some new technical features, such as the air quality sensor for the Climatronic air conditioning system and a new illumination system.

The most appealing of the two models, the new RS, brings for the first time in its line headlights which can be fitted with xenon units combined with an adaptive front lighting module. In addition, the car's front bumper now employs fog lamps with Corner function and LED lamps for daytime lighting.

The real sports side of the RS lies though underneath. Its chassis now stands at 127 mm, the car's weight has been reduced by 20 kg for the petrol version and 15 kg for the diesel version. The reduced air resistance of the body translates into a higher maximum speed and better responsiveness and acceleration.

The Octavia RS comes equipped with two engines, both with the same 2.0l displacement (one gasoline and one diesel) and both mated to a six-speed manual twin-clutch DSG transmission, the only one available for the RS. The petrol TSI engine develops 197 horsepower and eats up 7.5l of fuel every 100 km (31.3 mpg). The diesel 2.0l TDI CR (168 horsepower) is more fuel efficient, using 5.7l/100 km (41 mpg).

The Octavia Scout facelift also brings redesigned radiator mask and bold headlamps and fog lights with Corner function. The all-wheel drive Scout uses a fourth-generation Haldex clutch able to transfer as much as 85 percent of the torque to a single wheel. It comes equipped with either a 1.8l TSI engine (158 horsepower) or a 2.0l TDI PD DPF (138 horsepower), both mated to a six-speed mechanical transmission.