The Octavia RS iV, Skoda’s first plug-in hybrid vehicle, is anticipated to go on sale in India by the end of 2023. It will be built on the fourth-generation Octavia and is predicted to cost between Rs. 45 and 50 lacks. It might be imported through the CBU (Completely Built Up) route since the manufacturer could benefit from no-homologation regulations for as many as 2,500 imported automobiles each year.
To commemorate the performance-focused RS brand’s 20 years of existence, the Skoda Octavia RS iV made its début in 2020. It has many cosmetic upgrades to set itself apart from the standard Octavia, just like the previous RS models. The exterior features a blackened front grille, sharper fog light housings, a black finished air inlet, and a sportier bumper.
Additionally, it has a gloss black finish on the front and rear skid plates and outside rearview mirrors with a black finish and contrast RS logos in red. The cabin will include improvements, including contrast red inserts like the outside. A 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system with connectivity options and a 10.25-inch all-digital instrument panel will be carried over, so the equipment list will be similar to the basic Octavia.
Performance-wise, the Skoda Octavia RS iV replaces the larger 2.0-litre gasoline engine featured in the RS 245 with a 1.4-litre four-cylinder TSI engine. The combined power output of the new turbo motor and an electric motor with a 116 hp capacity is 245 hp, with the new turbo motor producing a maximum power output of 150 hp.
It has a peak torque capacity of 400 Nm (30 Nm torquier than the old model). A 60 km electric-only driving range is made possible by the battery pack, which is hidden beneath the floor. According to the manufacturer, the Skoda Octavia RS iV can reach 100 kmph from 0 in 7.3 seconds, 0.7 seconds slower than the previous RS 245. 225 km is the top speed, 25 kmph slower than the RS 245.
The enormous battery pack used in the forthcoming PHEV contributes to its overall weight of 1,620 kg. It also includes a variety of drive modes. The RS 245 was marketed here as recently as 2020 for about Rs. 36 lacks, and the Octavia RS made its local debut in 2004. (ex-showroom).