GENEVA MOTOR SHOW: Faster Skoda Octavia RS 245 on the way

Skoda will launch its fastest ever Octavia at March's Geneva motor show, it has been announced.

Sharing the same 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder that powers the Octavia RS 230, the new RS 245 produces 180kW/370Nm.

With an additional 11kW/20Nm over the RS 230, the new Skoda performance flagship sprints to 100km/h in just 6.6 seconds – 0.1sec quicker than before.

Top speed, meanwhile, is now limited to 250km/h – 4km/h faster than the RS 230.

Like the standard RS, the faster model is available as either a five-door hatch or family wagon and comes with the option of either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch auto.

As well as the power boost, the new Octavia RS 245 has had some chassis revisions over its less powerful cousins.

The RS 245 rides 14mm lower and has a 38mm wider rear track.

Featuring large black 19-inch alloys, the RS 245 also features a black grille, honeycomb air intake and full-LED headlamps as standard.

Other new features include an electronic limited-slip differential and the option of a Sport mode if you pay extra for the Dynamic Chassis Control.

Inside, the range-topping RS comes a large 9.2-inch infotainment system that incorporates WIFI connectivity. The fastest Octavia ever also comes with new Alcantara sport seats, aluminium pedals and a cabin lit by ambient LED lighting.

Adaptive cruise control, blind spot assist and Trailer Assist are all standard, but there's no word on how much more we'll pay for the RS 245 over the old car.

Set to go on sale in Europe shortly after its Swiss unveiling, the upgraded Octavia RS will arrive Down Under in August, following facelifted versions of the mainstram Octavia in July.