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

Skoda Octavia III (facelift 2017) RS 2.0 TSI (245 Hp) DSG: A Practical Performance Icon

The Skoda Octavia III (facelift 2017) RS 2.0 TSI (245 Hp) DSG represents a compelling blend of everyday practicality and genuine performance within the European automotive landscape. As part of the Volkswagen Group, the Czech automaker Skoda has long been recognized for its value-driven, well-engineered vehicles. The Octavia, in particular, stands as Skoda’s best-selling model, bridging the gap between compact and mid-size segments. The RS (Rally Sport) variant elevates this popular car into the realm of a performance-oriented hot hatch, or in this case, a performance family hatchback, offering an engaging driving experience without compromising its core utility.

First introduced in 1996, the Octavia quickly established itself as a cornerstone of the Skoda brand. The third generation, launched in 2012, received a significant facelift in 2017, bringing updated styling, enhanced technology, and refined powertrains. The RS 2.0 TSI (245 Hp) DSG model, produced from 2017 to 2019, was positioned as the most powerful front-wheel-drive Octavia RS available at the time. While Skoda vehicles are not officially sold in the United States, the Octavia RS holds a significant place in markets across Europe, Asia, and other regions, where it competes fiercely by offering a unique proposition: performance and space at a more accessible price point than many of its German counterparts.

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

At the core of the Skoda Octavia III (facelift 2017) RS 2.0 TSI (245 Hp) DSG lies a potent 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine, a derivative of Volkswagen Group’s widely acclaimed EA888 series. This specific iteration, identified by engine codes EA888 / DLBA, DKTB, delivers a robust 245 horsepower at a broad rev range of 5000-6200 rpm. The engine’s power per liter stands at an impressive 123.5 HP/l, underscoring its efficiency in power generation from its 121.07 cubic inch displacement. Torque is equally significant, with a substantial 272.9 lb.-ft. available from a low 1600 rpm and sustained up to 4300 rpm, providing a broad and accessible powerband that makes for exhilarating acceleration and flexible in-gear performance.

The engine features a sophisticated DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder, direct fuel injection, and a turbocharger with an intercooler, all contributing to its impressive output and responsiveness. The compression ratio is 9.6:1, optimized for turbocharged gasoline engines. Power is channeled to the front wheels via a quick-shifting 7-speed automatic DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox) transmission. This dual-clutch unit is renowned for its rapid gear changes, which contribute directly to the car’s dynamic capabilities. The RS 2.0 TSI can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in a swift 6.3 seconds, and its top speed is electronically limited to 155.34 mph (250 km/h), a common practice for performance vehicles in its segment.

Despite its performance credentials, the Octavia RS also demonstrates commendable fuel economy. The combined fuel consumption is rated between 37.9 and 38.6 US mpg, which is remarkable for a vehicle offering this level of power and practicality. This efficiency is further aided by features such as a Start & Stop System and adherence to the Euro 6 emission standard, with CO2 emissions ranging from 139-142 g/km. The engine oil capacity is 6.02 US quarts, and the cooling system holds 9.09 US quarts, ensuring proper thermal management under varying driving conditions.

Design and Features: Sporty Aesthetics Meet Practicality

The 2017 facelift brought a refreshed aesthetic to the third-generation Octavia, most notably with its distinctive split headlights, which gave the car a sharper, more modern face. The Skoda Octavia III (facelift 2017) RS 2.0 TSI (245 Hp) DSG builds upon this with a host of sporty enhancements that differentiate it from standard Octavia models. Its hatchback body style (with 5 doors and 5 seats) is inherently practical, offering immense versatility. The RS variant features more aggressive front and rear bumpers, a subtle spoiler, and larger alloy wheels (standard 225/40 R18 or optional 225/35 R19) that fill the wheel arches, giving it a more planted and dynamic stance. Red brake calipers often peek through the spokes, a traditional cue for performance models.

With a length of 184.61 inches, a width of 71.42 inches (79.41 inches including mirrors), and a height of 57.01 inches, the Octavia RS maintains a substantial road presence. The wheelbase of 105.51 inches contributes to a stable ride and generous interior space. One of the Octavia’s standout features is its cavernous trunk space, offering a minimum of 20.84 cubic feet (590 liters) with the rear seats up, expanding to a massive 55.8 cubic feet (1580 liters) when the rear seats are folded down. This class-leading cargo capacity makes it an exceptionally practical vehicle for families or those needing ample luggage room.

Underneath, the Octavia RS is equipped with a sophisticated chassis designed to handle its power. It features an independent McPherson strut front suspension with coil springs and an anti-roll bar, paired with an independent multi-link rear suspension with a stabilizer. This setup provides a good balance of ride comfort and handling prowess. Braking is handled by ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear, supported by an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) for enhanced safety. Electric power steering provides precise and responsive control, contributing to the engaging driving experience. The car’s low drag coefficient of 0.305 also aids both performance and fuel efficiency.

Technical Specifications

Legacy and Market Impact

The Skoda Octavia III (facelift 2017) RS 2.0 TSI (245 Hp) DSG carved out a significant niche for itself in the highly competitive European performance car market. It was a formidable contender against well-established rivals such as the Volkswagen Golf GTI, Ford Focus ST, and SEAT Leon Cupra. What set the Octavia RS apart was its unique combination of performance, practicality, and perceived value. While the Golf GTI offered a slightly more premium feel and the Focus ST a more raw, engaging drive, the Octavia RS consistently delivered similar performance figures while providing vastly superior interior and cargo space, making it the ideal choice for enthusiasts who needed a single car to fulfill both family duties and spirited driving aspirations.

The Octavia RS played a crucial role in elevating Skoda’s brand image, demonstrating that the Czech manufacturer could produce cars that were not only sensible and affordable but also genuinely exciting. Its “everyday performance” philosophy resonated with a broad audience, establishing a reputation for reliability and robust engineering borrowed from the Volkswagen Group’s extensive parts bin. The RS variant’s success underscored Skoda’s evolution from a budget brand to a recognized purveyor of quality and performance, capable of competing with more traditional hot hatch contenders.

Over its production run from 2017 to 2019, the facelifted Octavia RS 2.0 TSI (245 Hp) DSG solidified its position as a highly desirable used car in its primary markets. Its blend of a powerful and efficient engine, a slick automatic transmission, a spacious and well-appointed interior, and an understated yet sporty exterior ensured its enduring appeal. The car’s robust construction and sophisticated chassis meant it could handle both long highway cruises and challenging backroads with equal aplomb. Its legacy is that of a smart, capable, and surprisingly quick vehicle that perfectly encapsulated Skoda’s ethos of “Simply Clever” engineering applied to a performance package.

The Octavia RS continues to be a benchmark for practical performance, inspiring subsequent generations of Skoda’s RS models and reinforcing the brand’s commitment to offering dynamic and versatile vehicles to a global audience, even if its direct presence isn’t felt in every market like the United States.