Skoda Octavia RS245 2017 pricing and spec confirmed

Skoda Australia’s hottest model yet, the Octavia RS245, will set buyers back $43,390 before on-road costs and, unlike its predecessor, has been made a permanent member of the Czech brand’s line-up.

Succeeding the RS230 of 2016 that was limited to just 70 units in three-pedal liftback and wagon form, the RS245 is available in both body styles in either six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch automatic guise, and is priced $4500 upstream from the ‘standard’ RS-badged Octavias.

Like its petrol-fuelled RS sibling, the RS245 is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing peak power of 180kW from 5000-6700rpm and maximum 370Nm of torque between 1600-4300rpm – an 11kW/20Nm improvement over the RS230.

The new RS245 sedan is claimed to run the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.6 seconds in manual or automatic form, while the big-booted five-door version is a fraction slower at 6.7s. Top speed in both body styles is 250km/h.

Features include an electronically controlled limited-slip differential for increased traction and stability when cornering, 19-inch 'Xtreme' alloy wheels finished in black, and black exhaust tailpipe tips.

Inside the new variant has leather and Alcantara upholstery, electrically adjustable front seats with driver's memory function, folding side mirrors with puddle lighting, and RS badging on the instrument panel and door inserts.

There are four exterior paint colours to choose from, 'Corrida Red', 'Steel Grey', 'Moon White' metallic or 'Black Magic' pearl, with the latter two attracting a $500 cost.

Two options packages are available. The 'Tech Pack' costs $2300 and includes automatic park assist, adaptive chassis control, smart key and keyless entry and a 10-speaker Canton premium audio system.

The 'Luxury Pack' is an extra $1500 and includes safety gear such as lane-keep assist and blind-spot monitor, as well as convenience items such as the heated front and rear seats.

There are also options such as the glass sunroof for the sedan at $1500, a panoramic sunroof ($1700) and automatic tailgate ($500) for the wagon.

With the inclusion of the RS245, Skoda Australia expects the higher-performing RS range will make up about half of all Octavia sales.

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