The Skoda Octavia stays true to diesel: new 200 CV engine for the Czech saloon

In a world where diesel was beginning to be demonised, it is making more sense than ever thanks to various technologies that manage to curb its harmful pollution. Brands such as Skoda show this, which, despite offering a plug-in hybrid Octavia as the epitome of sportiness, has also succumbed to diesel to liven up its flagship saloon. And, as with previous generations, the Octavia RS debuts a new diesel version designed for those customers who seek efficiency and sportiness in equal measure.

This formula is also being applied in other subsidiaries of the Volkswagen Group, but Skoda knows how to make it more accessible and modest. However, this does not mean the Octavia RS diesel should be dismissed as an unappealing option; on the contrary, the combination it offers makes it a plausible alternative.

In terms of styling, we find the same decorative touches we saw on the Octavia RS iV, that is, a set of details capable of bringing out the sportier side of the Czech saloon. Help also comes from 19-inch wheels and a suspension lowered by 15 mm, a distance that not only improves the Octavia’s looks, but also serves to accentuate its dynamic behaviour.

The cabin makes a show of a generous technology arsenal that we have already seen in the standard versions of this model. A 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10-inch touchscreen capture all the attention, alongside bucket-type seats that help underline even further what the RS badge means for Skoda.

However, the highlight of this version lies in its mechanical section, now headed by the well-known 2.0 TDI from the Volkswagen Group. This turbocharged four-cylinder engine is capable of delivering 200 CV and 400 Nm of torque, figures that allow the Czech saloon to cover the 0 to 100 km/h sprint in a not-inconsiderable 6.8 seconds. To this we must add a 7-speed DSG automatic gearbox and an optional all-wheel-drive system.

In this way, Skoda rounds off the Octavia family in grand style, offering a range of options capable of appealing to a wide spectrum of customers. For now, we do not know the price of this variant of the Czech saloon, but we hope it will remain faithful to the good value for money the brand behind it has always been proud of.

Technical specifications of this car

HatchbackSkoda Octavia24 versions · from 35,200 €