The Skoda Octavia IV Combi RS 2.0 TSI (245 Hp) DSG represents a compelling blend of performance, practicality, and value within the European automotive landscape. As a product of Skoda, a brand renowned for its clever engineering and robust vehicles, this fourth-generation Octavia Combi (station wagon) RS variant stands as a testament to the Czech automaker’s ability to deliver a truly engaging driving experience without compromising on everyday usability. Launched in November 2020 and produced through December 2023, this model catered to a discerning European market that appreciates the understated sportiness and cavernous cargo capacity of a performance estate. While not officially available in the United States, the Octavia RS has carved out a significant niche across Europe, offering a potent alternative to more traditional hot hatchbacks, providing a dynamic driving experience wrapped in a highly versatile station wagon body.
The Skoda Octavia IV Combi RS 2.0 TSI (245 Hp) DSG: A European Performance Icon
Engine and Performance
At the heart of the Skoda Octavia IV Combi RS 2.0 TSI (245 Hp) DSG lies a highly acclaimed powertrain, the EA888 / DNPA engine. This 2.0-liter (1984 cm3 or 121.07 cu. in.) inline four-cylinder engine is a direct-injected, turbocharged, and intercooled unit, featuring a DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder. This sophisticated setup allows the engine to produce a robust 245 horsepower, available across a broad RPM range from 5000 to 6500 rpm, ensuring accessible power for both spirited driving and relaxed cruising. The engine’s output translates to an impressive 123.5 horsepower per liter, highlighting its efficiency in power delivery.
Torque is equally impressive, with 272.9 lb.-ft. (370 Nm) generated from a remarkably low 1600 rpm and sustained up to 4300 rpm. This wide torque band is crucial for real-world driving, providing strong acceleration from a standstill and effortless overtaking maneuvers. Power is channeled to the front wheels through a quick-shifting 7-speed automatic DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox) transmission, known for its rapid gear changes and smooth operation, enhancing both performance and fuel efficiency. The drivetrain architecture ensures that the internal combustion engine drives the front wheels, a common and effective setup for performance-oriented vehicles in this segment.
Performance figures for the Octavia RS are genuinely sporty. The vehicle can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph (0-100 km/h) in just 6.7 seconds, with a calculated 0-60 mph sprint time of 6.4 seconds. Its top speed is electronically limited to 155.34 mph (250 km/h), a testament to its high-speed capability. Despite its performance credentials, the Octavia RS maintains commendable fuel economy. According to WLTP standards, combined fuel consumption ranges from 6.8-7.2 liters per 100 km, which translates to an impressive 32.7-34.6 US mpg. Urban consumption is rated at 9 liters per 100 km (26.1 US mpg), while extra-urban driving can achieve 5-5.1 liters per 100 km (46.1-47 US mpg). The vehicle meets the stringent Euro 6 AP emission standard, with CO2 emissions ranging from 155-163 g/km (WLTP), aided by features like a Start & Stop System and a particulate filter.
The Octavia RS also boasts a favorable weight-to-power ratio of 5.9 kg/Hp (168.2 Hp/tonne) and a weight-to-torque ratio of 3.9 kg/Nm (253.9 Nm/tonne), indicating a well-balanced power-to-weight characteristic that contributes significantly to its agile handling and responsive performance.
Design and Features
The Skoda Octavia IV Combi RS is a five-door, five-seat station wagon (or estate, as it’s known in Europe) that artfully combines a sleek, dynamic exterior with exceptional interior practicality. Its dimensions are substantial yet well-proportioned for its segment: a length of 185.12 inches, a width of 72.01 inches (78.86 inches including mirrors), and a height of 57.28 inches. The wheelbase measures 105.55 inches, providing a stable platform for both high-speed cruising and comfortable passenger accommodation.
The RS designation brings with it a host of sporty design cues, including a more aggressive front fascia, unique alloy wheels (7.5J x 19 rims with 225/40 R19 tires), and subtle aerodynamic enhancements. The vehicle’s drag coefficient (Cd) of 0.276 is notably low for a station wagon, contributing to both its performance and fuel efficiency. Inside, the Octavia Combi RS offers an intelligently designed cabin with ample space for five occupants. The true highlight, however, is its cargo capacity. With the rear seats in place, the trunk provides a cavernous 22.6 cubic feet (640 liters) of space. Folding the rear seats expands this to an astonishing 60.03 cubic feet (1700 liters), making it one of the most practical vehicles in its class for hauling luggage, sports equipment, or even furniture.
Underneath, the Octavia RS features an independent McPherson strut front suspension with a coil spring and anti-roll bar, paired with an independent multi-link spring suspension with a stabilizer at the rear. This sophisticated suspension setup is tuned for sporty driving dynamics while maintaining a comfortable ride. Braking performance is handled by ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear, complemented by an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) for enhanced safety. The electric power steering system, with a rack and pinion setup, offers precise control and a responsive feel, further contributing to the RS model’s engaging driving character. With a minimum turning circle of 34.12 feet, the car remains maneuverable in urban environments despite its length.
Technical Specifications
| Category | Specification |
|---|---|
| Brand | Skoda |
| Model | Octavia |
| Generation | Octavia IV Combi |
| Type (Engine) | RS 2.0 TSI (245 Hp) DSG |
| Start of production | November, 2020 year |
| End of production | December, 2023 year |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Combined fuel consumption (WLTP) | 6.8-7.2 l/100 km (34.6 – 32.7 US mpg) |
| CO2 emissions (WLTP) | 155-163 g/km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban | 9 l/100 km (26.1 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban | 5-5.1 l/100 km (47 – 46.1 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined | 6.5-6.6 l/100 km (36.2 – 35.6 US mpg) |
| CO2 emissions | 149-151 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 6.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph (0-100 km/h) | 6.7 sec |
| Maximum speed | 155.34 mph (250 km/h, Electronically limited) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 AP |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 5.9 kg/Hp (168.2 Hp/tonne) |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 3.9 kg/Nm (253.9 Nm/tonne) |
| Power | 245 Hp @ 5000-6500 rpm. |
| Power per liter | 123.5 Hp/l |
| Torque | 272.9 lb.-ft. (370 Nm @ 1600-4300 rpm.) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | EA888 / DNPA |
| Engine displacement | 1984 cm3 (121.07 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 3.25 in. (82.5 mm) |
| Piston Stroke | 3.65 in. (92.8 mm) |
| Compression ratio | 9.6:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 6.02 US qt (5.7 l) |
| Engine systems | Start & Stop System, Particulate filter |
| Kerb Weight | 3212.14 – 3531.81 lbs. (1457-1602 kg) |
| Max. weight | 4497.43 – 4563.57 lbs. (2040-2070 kg) |
| Max load | 1031.76 – 1285.29 lbs. (468-583 kg) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 22.6 cu. ft. (640 l) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 60.03 cu. ft. (1700 l) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 13.21 US gal (50 l) |
| Max. roof load | 165.35 lbs. (75 kg) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (8%) | 3527.4 lbs. (1600 kg) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 3527.4 lbs. (1600 kg) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 1653.47 lbs. (750 kg) |
| Permitted towbar download | 176.37 lbs. (80 kg) |
| Length | 185.12 in. (4702 mm) |
| Width | 72.01 in. (1829 mm) |
| Width including mirrors | 78.86 in. (2003 mm) |
| Height | 57.28 in. (1455 mm) |
| Wheelbase | 105.55 in. (2681 mm) |
| Front track | 60.67 in. (1541 mm) |
| Rear (Back) track | 61.02 in. (1550 mm) |
| Front overhang | 35.75 in. (908 mm) |
| Rear overhang | 43.86 in. (1114 mm) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 5.08 in. (129 mm) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.276 |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 34.12 ft. (10.4 m) |
| Approach angle | 13.3° |
| Departure angle | 12.5° |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 7 gears, automatic transmission DSG |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link spring suspension with stabilizer |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 225/40 R19 |
| Wheel rims size | 7.5J x 19 |
Legacy and Market Impact
The Skoda Octavia IV Combi RS 2.0 TSI (245 Hp) DSG solidifies Skoda’s reputation as a purveyor of high-quality, high-performance vehicles that offer exceptional practicality. The Octavia has long been a cornerstone of Skoda’s success, particularly in its home European market, where it consistently ranks among the best-selling compact and mid-size cars. The RS variant, in particular, plays a crucial role in elevating the brand’s image, demonstrating that Skoda can deliver exciting driving dynamics and sophisticated engineering on par with its more premium Volkswagen Group siblings.
In Europe, the Octavia Combi RS competes in a segment that includes other performance-oriented station wagons like the Volkswagen Golf R Variant (SportWagen), the SEAT Leon Cupra ST, and to some extent, entry-level performance wagons from premium brands such as the Audi A4 Avant or BMW 3 Series Touring. What sets the Octavia RS apart is its unique value proposition: it offers comparable performance and technology to its VW Group counterparts but often at a more accessible price point, coupled with a class-leading cargo volume. This combination of speed, space, and relative affordability makes it a highly attractive option for families and individuals who require the versatility of a station wagon without sacrificing driving pleasure.
The legacy of the Octavia RS line is one of continuous improvement and adaptation. Each generation has built upon the last, enhancing performance, refining driving dynamics, and integrating the latest technology. The fourth-generation Combi RS with the 245 HP 2.0 TSI engine and DSG transmission is a prime example of this evolution, showcasing Skoda’s commitment to engineering excellence and its understanding of the needs of its target audience. While its absence from the North American market means it hasn’t achieved widespread recognition there, in Europe, the Skoda Octavia IV Combi RS is celebrated as a smart, capable, and surprisingly thrilling everyday performance car, cementing its place as a true icon in its segment.
