Sydney show: Czech charger

SKODA celebrated its first year in Australia at the Sydney motor show this morning with the surprise announcement of a turbo-diesel hot hatch.

Joining the recently released Renault Megane RS dCi 175 in this rarefied segment, the Octavia RS TDI will be available in both five-door hatch and four-door wagon variations when it arrives later on in the month.

Under the bonnet is the 125kW version of the 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel, pumping out 350Nm of torque from just 1800rpm. It is also fitted with a particulate filter.

Unlike the continuing manual-only 147kW 2.0-litre FSI turbo in the petrol-powered Octavia RS, the TDI can be had with a six-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission.

Other RS additions include 18-inch alloy wheels wearing 225/40 R18 tyres, while the sports-tuned suspension sees the Octavia’s ride height drop by a few millimetres.

Equipment levels run to heated front seats, an alarm system, alloy wheels, low-profile tyres, six airbags, electronic stability control, ABS brakes, traction control, and engine braking control (EBC).

Skoda sales are growing rapidly in Europe, approaching one million sales a year.

Although absent from today’s Sydney show rollout, the Australian arm of the Czech brand is preparing to import the Fabia light car, as well as the Superb executive sedan.

Read more:

First look: Skoda puts a new angle on Octavia

First drive: Skoda lands with value-packed Octavia