Skoda Octavia RS iV launch could take place mid next year, to take the CBU route
India’s first plug-in hybrid car from Skoda Auto, the Octavia RS iV, is back in the news as the Czech maker might launch the sporty sedan here in just about an year. Sources said the car could be launched as early as mid-2023 when the EV and hybrid buzz peaks.
The Octavia RS iV was unveiled back in 2020 when Skoda commemorated the 20th anniversary of its performance oriented RS brand. Unlike the company’s RS models so far, the iV is a plug-in hybrid.
Built on the platform of the fourth generation Octavia which has a crazy fan following in India, the hybrid RS gets a smaller 150 HP 1.4-litre TSI mill against the 2-litre unit seen on the RS245.
It’s mated to a 116 HP electric motor taking the combined output to the same RS245’s numbers. In fact, on paper, the iV betters the 245 as its engine-motor combo produces 30 Nm more torque at 400 Nm.
The motor gets power from a 13 kWh battery pack placed on the floor with an electric-only range of 60 km. But, though the iV gets better figures on paper, it’s the RS245 which is the faster on the road.
The iV hits the ton in 7.3 seconds while the 245 does the same in 6.6 seconds. The iV’s top speed is also lower by 25 km/hr against the 245’s top whack of 250 km/hr.
The Skoda Octavia RS iV is also quite heavy tipping the scales at 1620 kg, a good 229 kg heavier than the 245. It must be seen how this additional weight affects the handling characteristics of the sporty sedan.
Coming to the aesthetics, as the iV is built on the same 245’s platform, there’s not much to differentiate between the 2. However, the car gets a more sharper face with extra detailing.
The cuts and creases, the prominent lip, the angular LED head lamps, and the curved grille are, indeed, drool-worthy. The diamond-cut alloy wheels are sporty and provide a fresh look at the side.
The interior has been overhauled with a new steering, a new dashboard, digital instrument cluster, bigger and updated infotainment system, and a cool centre console with a nice looking gear selector.
There’s a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment screen and the 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. Premium materials have been used throughout the cabin.
The Octavia RS iV will take the CBU route for India. As per government rules, only 2500 cars can be imported per year and so the yearly bookings would be only for the same number of cars.
It will command a premium over the 245 and you can expect a price tag of Rs. 41 lakhs (ex-showroom).
While the RS iV does lack a bit on performance when compared with the 2-litre vRS 245, it compensates that with better fuel efficiency and low carbon emissions which should pretty much seal the deal in its favour.
