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SKODA Octavia RS Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

Generations: 4
First production year: 2001
Engines: Diesel, Gasoline
SKODA Octavia RS photo gallery

The third generation of the Octavia RS was introduced in 2013 and the Czech carmaker considered a refresh for it in 2016, along with the rest of the range.

While the first generation of the Octavia RS was a surprise for everyone, its successors were not, but that didn't make them less appreciated. Its fans were always eager to see the new version, and it was considered a hot-family-hatchback.

The Golf was a traditional hatchback due to its almost vertical tailgate. On the other hand, Skoda built the Octavia with a sloped, fastback-style liftgate to make it more practical for family use. In the RS trim, the medium-sized Czech vehicle featured a more aggressive front fascia with a black grille at the front. Its headlights stirred many talks since they resembled those installed on the Mercedes-Benz E-Class from the same era. But the angular style was typical for the Czech brand, a nation well-represented in the cubist-style design. Its 17" light-alloy wheels were fitted as standard and sported a unique design for the RS version. The carmaker installed a small wing on the tailgate and a pair of chromed exhausts under the bumper in the back.

Inside, the RS featured specific high-bolstered seats with integrated headrests and upholstered in a leather/fabric combination as standard or with Alcantara as an option. The polished-aluminum pedals were more visible thanks to the standard interior ambient lighting.

Under the hood, the Octavia RS was available with a choice of diesel and gasoline engines. While the sportiest one was the 230 hp gasoline version (10 hp more than the non-facelifted version), the 184 TDI was the most fuel-efficient.

full description and technical specifications
SKODA Octavia RS photo gallery

The RS version of the Octavia was the Czech automaker’s best product in terms of image and performance, combining the advantages of a mid-size hatchback with the performance and costs of a hot hatch.

Ever since the first generation of the Octavia RS broke covers in 2001, the Czech brand owned by the Volkswagen Group has gathered attention. Not only did it provide everything a family would need from a compact-sized vehicle, but it also offered enough performance to be considered a sports car. Skoda was so happy with this car that it even threw it into the World Rally Championship, although without any noticeable results. But the RS badge (some called it VRS) soon became known and respected among the hot-hatch communities in countries and continents where the Skoda sold the car.

Sharing its MQB platform with many other vehicles built by Volkswagen was a good thing in terms of development costs. But, on the downside, it meant that it had to share many parts with its mundane sibling, the regular Octavia. Still, that didn’t stop the Czech brand from tweaking a few details and putting it on the vehicle so it could look better. As a result, the 2014 Octavia RS had an aggressive-looking front bumper adorned on the lower side by a wide grille and covered with a hexagonal pattern mesh. There were also two side scoops that flanked it, although those were there just for look and to house the fog lamps. They weren’t meant to cool the front rotors. From its profile, the Octavia RS boasted a set of 17” light-alloy wheels, with an option for 18” or 19” ones. But the Octavia RS was quite subtle, besides the red calipers for the large brakes and the small wing on the tailgate. In addition, at the back, the car featured two rectangular chromed tips for the exhausts.

Inside, the high-bolstered seats provided the much-needed side support for the front occupants. The automaker even offered a set of bucket seats with integrated headrests. Still, the instrument cluster was just slightly altered compared to the rest of the Octavia range. The main noticeable detail was on the RS badge that Skoda mounted on the steering wheel. On the center stack, the automaker installed its latest infotainment system fitted with an optional 8” touchscreen and a proximity sensor. In the back, the automaker installed the same split-folding bench seat as in the rest of the range, although with specific upholstery and color options. Still, customers could benefit from the same 590 liters (20.8 cu-ft.) of space provided by the trunk with the rear in place. By folding the rear seats’ seatbacks down, the trunk space increased to a maximum of 1,580 liters (55.8 cu-ft.).

But the most important aspect of the car was under the hood. There, the automaker installed a choice of two engines: a 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline unit and a 2.0-liter turbodiesel. Both sent their oomph to the front wheels via a six-speed manual fitted as standard and an electronically controlled active differential. As an option, Skoda offered the car with a seven-speed (dual-clutch) automatic gearbox.

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SKODA Octavia II RS photo gallery

When Skoda introduced the first generation of the Octavia RS, it didn't know how the public will react, and the results exceeded its expectations, so it decided on continuing the saga with a new generation.

The Czech carmaker introduced the second generation of the Octavia hatchback in 2004 but waited until next year to launch the sportiest version for that, the RS. Unlike the first generation, the Octavia II RS was available with either a gasoline or a diesel engine.

With an increased demand for sporty sedans and family cars, the Octavia became the main attraction for many European customers. It was that kind of vehicle that could be driven in a relaxed mood with all the family on board or raced on a track day. It shared more of its underpinnings with the much more famous Golf GTI/GTD.

The Octavia II RS was more like a wolf in sheep clothing. It featured a bigger bumper at the front with integrated fog lights on the sides. Between them, the carmaker added a wide black grille needed to increase the cooling area in the middle. Apart from the unique 17" light-alloy wheels and the small wing on the liftgate, the RS looked very similar to the rest of the Octavia range.

Inside, the carmaker added bucket seats at the front for the base trim level with an option for sport, high-bolstered seats that sported the green-red-white logos for the VRS, Skoda's motorsports division. The split-folding rear bench featured the same upholstery as the front seats. It could accommodate up to three passengers, but with limited legroom for the middle one.

Skoda offered the Octavia RS with a choice of two engines: a 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline unit and a turbo-diesel. The former was quicker, but the latter was better on fuel efficiency.

full description and technical specifications
SKODA Octavia RS photo gallery

Skoda fans asked for a sportier version for the Octavia since it was launched in 1996, but the carmaker provided one only in 2001, after the mid-life cycle refresh.

Skoda built the Octavia on the same platform as the Volkswagen Golf, Audi A3, Seat Leon, or Audi TT. In 1999, the Czech carmaker joined the World Rally Championship with the Octavia, following its century motorsport heritage. The car was too big to score any significant success, but it re-ignited the brand's desire to built sportier vehicles. Volkswagen gave the OK for that, and, in 2001, the facelifted version of the Octavia received an Audi TT heart.

The Octavia vRS was considered a poor's man GTI. It offered plenty of features for a family and a hot-hatch engine under the hood, and that was noticeable on the car's exterior. The carmaker installed a new front bumper with an apron and a wider grille at the bottom. From its sides, the unique light-alloy wheels design made a clear difference when compared with the rest of the range. To complete Octavia's sports image, the designers installed a small wing on the tailgate.

Inside, the carmaker mounted sport bucket-seats with high bolstering to ensure a better grip for the driver and the front passengers during high-speed cornering. Its two-tone interior was unique for the vRS version, and its standard features list was longer than on the regular Octavia. Though, the heated seats and the ESP were on the options list.

Under the hood, Skoda installed a 1.8-liter turbocharged gasoline engine paired as standard to a five-speed manual and sent its power to the front wheels only. Still, the car featured stiffened suspension, bigger brakes, and independent suspension in all corners.

full description and technical specifications
gasoline engines:

SKODA Octavia RS 1.8T