2018 Skoda Octavia RS arrives

The VW Group's Czech operation, Skoda, has today announced pricing for the fresh-faced high-performance Octavia RS range, which is arriving in Australian showrooms this month (August 2017) from just under $39,000.

Adding more kit, such as a larger 9.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system and the 'Black Pack' to all models, and a new split headlight front end design, pricing now starts at $38,890 for the six-speed manual sedan – an increase of $1000 – and tops out at $43,990 for the 135kW turbo-diesel Octavia RS wagon.

Skoda Australia has also confirmed the new Octavia RS245 flagship model will arrive from November 2017. Pricing has not been confirmed for the 180kW/370Nm variant but it's expected to go close to $50,000.

All models are front-wheel drive.

Unlike regular Skoda Octavia RS models, the RS245 gets a limited slip front differential and seven-speed DSG auto (regular variants get a six-speed DSG) and will likely be specified with plenty of fruit. A six-speed manual will also be available.

Across the board, the 2018 Skoda Octavia RS range features a fresh-face that brings it in line with the less powerful Octavia sedan and wagon range. The Australian appetite for RS models is significant, in the past accounting for around 40 per cent of all Octavia models.

Skoda Australia says the new models could go higher, a press statement reading: "The full RS range is expected to comprise more than half of all Octavia sales."

A high-performance Skoda Superb RS is being investigated by the car maker but as it stands the Octavia will be the go-to speed machine for now, the 169kW hottie no longer a manual-only proposition nor a limited run vehicle like the Octavia RS230.

The uprated turbo petrol 2.0-litre Octavia RS variants are crucial to the local operation and now pump out 169kW/350Nm, while the 2.0-litre turbo-diesel variants are good for 135kW/380Nm.

Two new options are available now across the range, blind spot detection and adaptive chassis control, and two optional packs are expected to be ordered by all customers says Skoda Australia.

The Tech Pack is priced at $2300 and adds adaptive LED headlights, adaptive chassis control, keyless entry and engine start, a 10-speaker Canton stereo, drive mode select, automatic parking assist and an upgraded Columbus infotainment system with satellite navigation system, USB, AUX and 2 SD card slots.

The Luxury Pack is pegged at $2800 and brings leather and Alcantara appointed seat upholstery with red stitching, and heated seats front and rear too.

Power adjustable front seats with memory function for the driver's seat are included, as is lane assist, side assist, and blind spot detection to add extra pairs of eyes. Two extra airbags are added for a total of nine and auto folding and dimming wing mirrors round out the Luxury Pack upgrades.

Metallic or pearl paint will add another $500, 19-inch Xtreme anthracite alloy wheels are $700 more and a sunroof on the sedan is $1500 while a larger panoramic sunroof is $1700 for the wagon. There's also an powered tailgate for the wagon at $500.

The Skoda Octavia was last crash tested in June 2016 and was rated a five-star car by ANCAP, the highest-possible score. Like all Skoda vehicles, the Octavia RS range are backed by a five-year, unlimited kilometre warranty.

Sales of the Skoda Octavia have been steady for the first seven months of 2017, with 1002 vehicles finding homes, down slightly from the 1053 sales for the same period in 2016.

2018 Skoda Octavia RS pricing:

Sedan
169TSI manual $38,890
169TSI DSG $41,390
135TDI DSG $42,490

Wagon  
169TSI manual $40,390
169TSI DSG $42,890
135TDI DSG $43,990

Option packs
Tech pack $2300
Luxury pack $2800