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Skoda Octavia RS Now Available with AWD and 6-Speed DSG Gearbox

Oh, happy day. I think I've found my next car… if only there weren't that little TDI scandal going on right now. The Skoda Octavia RS performance sedan and wagon models are now available with AWD and a six-speed DSG gearbox. What more could you want?
Skoda Octavia RS 3 photos
Photo: Skoda
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Shortly after introducing the Octavia RS 230, Skoda releases the next best thing, a 4x4 system for the 184 PS 2.0 TDI model. Sadly, you can't get it with the petrol engine yet, but most buyers prefer the diesel anyway.

The same 4x4 system is available on the regular Octavia models, especially the Scout. However, the RS has been transformed into a much more practical everyday car. It's not going to suddenly behave like an SUV, since the Haldex 5 rear coupling acts as a clutch, only engaging when the front tires begin to slip. But it's precisely what you need for dealing with snow.

The 4x4 system also makes the car faster, as the 0 to 100 km/h sprint time drops from 8.2 seconds to just 7.6 seconds. However, the top speed is slightly reduced, from 230 km/h to 228 km/h. Because it's not on all the time, the AWD system doesn't negatively affect fuel consumption, which averages at 4.9 l/100 km. This corresponds to CO2 emissions of 129 g/km.

Also, the Skoda Octavia RS 4×4 features the best aspects of the front-wheel drive Octavia RS. The technological highlights include sports suspension with multi-link setup and electronic differential lock XDS+ for dynamic cornering, progressive steering and numerous assistance systems.

Its large cabin and relative affordability have made the Octavia RS a very successful model. More than 58,000 of the third-generation model have been sold since 2013. Unless we're mistaken, that's a far better number than any hot hatch, including the Golf GTI. Between 2000 and the end of August 2015, Skoda had delivered around 165,000 first to third-generation Octavia RS to customers.

“Our first all-wheel drive Skoda Octavia RS expands our RS range with another highly attractive version, highlighting our expertise in 4x4 technology,” says Werner Eichhorn, Skoda Board Member for Sales and Marketing. “The Octavia RS has been very well received, and sales have exceeded our expectations. This 4×4 version will continue to drive the success of the model series.”
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About the author: Mihnea Radu
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Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida.
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