The 4th generation of the Skoda Octavia has repeatedly been spotted out in the open both in its liftback and estate/wagon variants. Today, car spotters have finally focused their lenses on a turbocharged Octavia RS – but things didn’t go as smoothly as planned.
The test mule was being photographed just as it collided with an Opel Zafira, although we tend to blame the MPV driver for the incident. No one was hurt, and the test mule was quickly draped in cloth and evacuated.
From what little can be seen under the camo wrap, the new Octavia RS sports redesigned bumpers, dual tailpipes, larger wheels and heavy-duty brakes.
As for the tech, the next RS might actually go hybrid. This would enable it to easily surpass the current generation’s 245 horsepower (183 kilowatts), while improving fuel efficiency and reducing emissions. The Skoda Vision RS Concept, which you can see on the video here, already benefits from a 240-hp (178-kW) strong hybrid powertrain that enables it to cover up to 70 kilometers (43 miles) on electric power alone.
The standard-issue Octavia should celebrate its 60th birthday by an international launch before the end of the current year, although the exact date hasn’t been announced yet. The RS shouldn’t be expected until 2021, though.
