Skoda Octavia III Combi (facelift ) RS 2.0 TSI (245 Hp) DSG

The Skoda Octavia III Combi (facelift 2017) RS 2.0 TSI (245 Hp) DSG: A European Performance Wagon

The Skoda Octavia, a cornerstone of the Czech automaker’s lineup, has long been celebrated for its blend of practicality, value, and sophisticated engineering, largely thanks to its Volkswagen Group parentage. The third-generation Octavia, introduced in 2013, received a significant facelift in 2017, bringing updated styling, enhanced technology, and refined powertrains. Among its most compelling iterations was the performance-oriented RS variant, particularly the Skoda Octavia III Combi (facelift 2017) RS 2.0 TSI (245 Hp) DSG. This model, produced from 2017 to 2019, represented the pinnacle of the Octavia range, offering a potent combination of sports car performance and the unrivaled versatility of a station wagon (known as an “estate” in many European markets). While Skoda models are not officially sold in the United States, the Octavia RS Combi carved out a significant niche in Europe and other global markets as a “hot wagon” that delivered an engaging driving experience without compromising on family-friendly utility.

This particular variant, often referred to simply as the Octavia RS 245, stood out for its upgraded engine output compared to the standard RS, making it the most powerful production Octavia at the time. It masterfully balanced daily drivability with spirited performance, appealing to a wide array of buyers who desired dynamism alongside ample cargo space and robust build quality.

Engine & Performance: The Heart of the Skoda Octavia III Combi (facelift 2017) RS 2.0 TSI (245 Hp) DSG

At the core of the Skoda Octavia III Combi (facelift 2017) RS 2.0 TSI (245 Hp) DSG lies a highly acclaimed powertrain from the Volkswagen Group. This model is equipped with a turbocharged and intercooled 2.0-liter (1984 cm³ or 121.07 cu. in.) inline four-cylinder gasoline engine, identified by the EA888 engine code (DLBA, DKTB). This DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft) engine features 16 valves (four per cylinder) and a direct fuel injection system, optimized for both power delivery and efficiency.

The engine generates a robust 245 horsepower (Hp) across a broad rev range, from 5000 to 6200 rpm, translating to an impressive power-per-liter output of 123.5 Hp/l. Torque figures are equally compelling, with 370 Nm (272.9 lb.-ft.) available from a low 1600 rpm all the way up to 4300 rpm. This wide torque band ensures strong, immediate acceleration and flexible in-gear performance, making overtakes effortless.

Power is channeled to the front wheels through a sophisticated 7-speed automatic DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox) transmission. This dual-clutch unit is renowned for its rapid and smooth gear changes, contributing significantly to the car’s sporty character and overall refinement. The combination of the potent engine and quick-shifting DSG allows the Octavia RS 245 Combi to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in a swift 6.4 seconds (0-100 km/h in 6.7 seconds), with an electronically limited top speed of 155.34 mph (250 km/h).

Despite its performance capabilities, the vehicle maintains a respectable level of fuel efficiency for its class. The combined fuel consumption is rated at 6.2-6.3 liters per 100 kilometers, which translates to an impressive 37.9 – 37.3 US mpg. CO2 emissions range from 141-144 g/km, adhering to the Euro 6 emission standard, showcasing Skoda’s commitment to balancing performance with environmental responsibility. The engine also incorporates a Start & Stop System to further enhance fuel economy in urban driving conditions.

Design & Features

The Skoda Octavia III Combi (facelift 2017) RS 2.0 TSI (245 Hp) DSG boasts a sleek and purposeful design, characteristic of Skoda’s modern aesthetic. As a five-door station wagon, it combines a dynamic silhouette with exceptional practicality. The facelift brought revised front-end styling, including distinctive split headlights and a more aggressive bumper, giving the RS model an even more assertive stance. The overall length of the vehicle is 184.61 inches (4689 mm), with a width of 71.42 inches (1814 mm) and a height of 57.17 inches (1452 mm), riding on a generous 105.51-inch (2680 mm) wheelbase. These dimensions contribute to a spacious cabin and a substantial road presence.

The RS designation is visually reinforced by sporty accents such as unique alloy wheels (available in 18-inch or 19-inch sizes), red brake calipers, a subtle rear spoiler, and dual exhaust tips. The drag coefficient (Cd) of 0.341 indicates a thoughtfully aerodynamic design, contributing to both fuel efficiency and high-speed stability.

Inside, the Octavia RS Combi offers a well-appointed and ergonomically designed cabin with seating for five. The RS treatment includes sport seats with enhanced bolstering, a flat-bottom steering wheel, and unique trim elements, all aimed at enhancing the driving experience. Crucially, the Combi body style delivers outstanding cargo capacity. With the rear seats in place, it offers a cavernous 21.54 cu. ft. (610 liters) of trunk space, which expands to an enormous 61.45 cu. ft. (1740 liters) with the rear seats folded down. This makes it a highly versatile vehicle, capable of swallowing significant luggage, sports equipment, or even small furniture.

Underneath, the Octavia RS features an independent McPherson strut front suspension with coil springs and an anti-roll bar, complemented by an independent multi-link rear suspension with a stabilizer. This setup is tuned for a sportier ride and improved handling dynamics, while still providing a comfortable experience for everyday driving. Ventilated disc brakes at the front and disc brakes at the rear, coupled with ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), ensure strong and consistent stopping power. Electric power steering provides precise and responsive control, further enhancing the car’s engaging character.

Technical Specifications: Skoda Octavia III Combi (facelift 2017) RS 2.0 TSI (245 Hp) DSG

Legacy & Market Impact of the Octavia RS Combi

The Skoda Octavia III Combi (facelift 2017) RS 2.0 TSI (245 Hp) DSG solidified Skoda’s reputation for offering compelling performance vehicles that punch above their weight class, particularly in the competitive European market. As a brand not present in the U.S. market, Skoda has nonetheless cultivated a strong identity globally, known for its “Simply Clever” solutions and robust engineering inherited from Volkswagen Group. The Octavia RS Combi exemplified this philosophy, providing a high-performance driving experience without sacrificing the core tenets of practicality and affordability that define the Skoda brand.

In its primary markets, the Octavia RS Combi was a formidable competitor in the “hot wagon” segment. It directly challenged rivals such as the Ford Focus ST Wagon, the SEAT Leon ST Cupra, and even the more premium Volkswagen Golf R Variant (though the Golf R often featured all-wheel drive and slightly higher performance figures). What set the Octavia RS apart was its unparalleled blend of space and pace. Its enormous trunk capacity, combined with a potent 245 Hp engine and engaging chassis, made it an ideal choice for enthusiasts who also needed a practical daily driver for family duties or active lifestyles.

The facelifted third-generation RS, especially the 245 Hp variant, was praised for its refined driving dynamics, responsive steering, and the effectiveness of its optional adaptive suspension (DCC – Dynamic Chassis Control, which would have been available on such a model, though not explicitly listed in the raw data). Its front-wheel-drive architecture, combined with a sophisticated electronic limited-slip differential (VAQ, standard on the RS 245), allowed for impressive traction and agility, mitigating torque steer and enhancing cornering capabilities.

The Octavia RS Combi’s historical significance lies in its role in elevating Skoda’s brand image from a purely value-driven manufacturer to one capable of producing genuinely desirable and high-performing vehicles. It demonstrated that performance and practicality were not mutually exclusive, establishing a loyal following among those who appreciated its understated yet potent character. Even after its production concluded in 2019, paving the way for the fourth-generation Octavia RS, the 2017-2019 facelifted model remains a highly regarded used car, celebrated for its blend of performance, technology, and enduring utility. It stands as a testament to Skoda’s ability to deliver a truly versatile and exciting vehicle within the mainstream compact segment.