Like many other players, Skoda had big plans for this year’s Geneva International Motor Show (GIMS). Sadly, the annual motoring event got cancelled due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) scare. So, Skoda has done what other carmakers have done – unveiled the global models online. Amongst them are four electrified variants of the new Octavia. They comprise of two plug-in hybrids and two mild-hybrids. It is in the former category that the new RS-marked Octavia falls.

Propulsion comes from the combination of a 1.4-litre TSI engine, an electric motor and a 6-speed DSG. On its own, the petrol-powered mill produces 148bhp, and the electric motor generates 114bhp/330Nm. The total system output, however, comes out at 242bhp/400Nm. All that oomph goes to the front wheels, which can be a handful for some. The extra 30Nm of torque over the previous Octavia RS245 isn’t enough to catapult you into another dimension. Skoda says the sprint from nothing to 100kmph takes 7.3 seconds and the top speed is 225kmph. The RS245 could reach 100kmph in 6.7 seconds and clock 250kmph at full stretch.

That’s no good then? Well, it all depends on whether you’ve grown up with the Octavia RS brand or not. If you have, you’ll surely appreciate the fact that the new model can travel up to 60km on electric power alone. That pays dividend in the car’s average CO2 emissions. According to the WLTP cycle, the Octavia RS iV produces just 30g of carbon dioxide every kilometre. If you still don’t know what all that means, then get this – Skoda has done enough to ensure that the car complies with the stricter EU6d emission norms.

As far as exclusive design cues are concerned, the Octavia RS iV’s grille, front and rear diffusers, air curtains, front apron, aero flaps and window frames are black. There’s even a black RS-spec rear spoiler. As standard, the car comes with 18-inch wheels, but if you pay Skoda some extra money, you can get 19-inch alloys with the Octavia RS iV. The standard kit also includes red brake callipers and bespoke LED fog lights.

Indoors, it is business as usual. The all-black theme, RS-marked multifunction steering wheel and seats, paddle shifters, contrasting stitching (red or silver-grey) and aluminium pedals reiterate the sporty character of the car. Ergo seats with Alcantara and leather upholstery as well as seat-depth adjustment are part of the options list.

Skoda hasn’t revealed when the Octavia RS iV will see its first market launch. However, the model will enter production later this year. In all probability, the Europeans would be the first to get it followed by the Americans.