Skoda lifts the curtain off the 2020 Octavia RS and Octavia Scout

I am not exaggerating when I say that the Octavia is the core vehicle of Skoda. The vehicle has been present for quite some time and with the 4th generation update, the Octavia has become better than ever. A few months earlier, Skoda had introduced the plug-in-electric (PHEV) Octavia RS, now 2 more RS trims have been launched along with a rugged Scout version.

The petrol and diesel variants of the Octavia look nearly identical to this PHEV variant. The 3 major differences being, the different powertrain, absence of iV badging and the charging port. All in all, the Octavia RS line up has been upgraded in every sense, and the Octavia Scout has received several tweaks and features, which shows how the vehicle has evolved in comparison to its predecessor.

Skoda Auto’s CEO, Bernhard Maier said, “The new generation of the OCTAVIA is one of the most important model updates for ŠKODA this year and is a key part of what is currently the biggest product campaign in our company’s history. We have refined our icon’s core virtues even further and have also taken another major step forward in terms of design, connectivity and safety. I am convinced that we will win the hearts of our customers once again with this great overall package.”

The 2020 Skoda Octavia RS

The Skoda Octavia RS has always looked handsome and sporty, and the same seems to be the case with the 2020 iteration as well. The facelifted Octavia RS sports a hot new body kit which looks especially drool-worthy in the red metallic shade.

Starting with its exteriors, the RS may be an Octavia, but it is built to look significantly more aggressive, and it drives better as well. The front fascia of the vehicle wears a familiar Skoda grille alongside which is positioned the LED Matrix headlamps. The ORVMs and window frames are all black. One of my personal favourite parts of the RS is the optional 19 inch alloy wheels which show off the red callipers.

The cabin would be something to Batman’s liking as it is an all black interior with striking red accents. The list of features offered on the 2020 RS is extensive, the prime ones being Virtual Cockpit with a sports layout, a 10.25 inch instrument cluster, Alcantara upholstery – which is offered in red or silver stitching, a 10 inch infotainment system, ambient lightning and a 3 spoke multifunction steering wheel with RS badging.

A little about the seats on the RS, because they are quite cool. The vehicle uses sports seats, and the front seats use integrated headrests. An option of ergonomic seats is also available, these seats use Alcantara, leather, artificial leather and provide functions such as seat-depth adjustment and a massage function.

The powertrain is what truly defines the Octavia RS, and in its non-PHEV form, it is offered in 2 engine options. A 2.0-litre TSI motor which produces 245 ps and 370 nm of torque. Manual gearbox enthusiast would be happy to know that the 2020 Octavia RS can be coupled with a six-speed manual transmission or  seven-speed automatic gearbox. Step on the pedal and the vehicle can accelerate to a maximum speed of 250 km/hr, while 0-100 speeds can be achieved in 6.7 seconds.

As for the diesel 2.0 TDI engine, power output stands at 200 hp with a torque of 400 nm. This engine is mated to a 7 speed DSG, and it is also equipped with an All-Wheel driving system. Performance figures of the vehicle include a top speed of 243 km/hr and 0-100 is covered in 6.8 seconds.

The 2020 Skoda Octavia Scout

The 2020 Octavia scout looks a lot more rugged and sporty. With an increased ground clearance of 15mm, roomier cabin, you could take your family out and yet conquer the bad roads with ease.

About the design of the vehicle, Oliver Stefani, Head of Design at ŠKODA AUTO said, “The new OCTAVIA SCOUT perfectly combines elegance and ruggedness. It benefits from the more emotive lines and dynamic proportions of the latest OCTAVIA generation. This is spiced up with SCOUT-typical design details, such as the striking plastic cladding for the wheel arches and side sills, as well as bumpers with underbody protection in an aluminium look. Featuring a once again larger boot, the OCTAVIA SCOUT is perfectly equipped to meet the demands of a modern lifestyle vehicle.”

Enter the cabin of the new Octavia Scout and you would probably realize how roomy the interior is. Just like the RS, the cabin of the Scout has a host of features, starting with the dashboard which sports wood ascents, a free-standing 10 inch infotainment system, the upholstery, steering wheel, armrests and instrument panel all use Tabor Brown stitching and the pedals are finished with aluminum.

Furthermore the vehicle makes use of the Laura assistant system, ambient lightning with 30 colour options and a digital instrument panel. Rumors suggest a ‘shift by wire’ system may also be included on the Scout.

The Scout is powered by a 2.0 TDI EVO engine which produces 200 ps and 400 nm of torque, which makes it the most powerful diesel engine ever to be placed in an Octavia. Skoda has also provided customers with an option to either opt for the front-wheel drive variant or the all-wheel drive. Other motor options include a 2.0 TSI engine making 190 ps (with a 7 speed DSG) and a 1.5 TSI engine which is good enough to make 150 ps, while being in link with a 6 speed manual transmission.

The only variant not included on either of the vehicles is the ‘Laurin & Klement’ trim, it could end up being launched later on though. From an Indian buyers point of view, currently, Skoda only offers the 3rd generation RS245 in India. Furthermore, after reading this, you would surely be hoping that the new Octavia finds it way to India, and it is entirely possible as the current generation Octavia had been discontinued.