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• Skoda Octavia RS to return this year in India as a plug-in hybrid • The Enyaq iV electric SUV will be powered by a lithium-ion battery pack mated to an electric motor • Both Octavia RS245 and Enyaq iV EV SUV will be showcased at Delhi Auto Expo 2023
India’s biggest motor show is just around the corner and many automakers are planning to showcase their new cars and concepts including the electric ones. Skoda AUTO Volkswagen India Pvt Ltd has also confirmed to showcase its Octavia RS245 and Enyaq iV models at the upcoming Delhi Auto Expo 2023.
Skoda Octavia RS245 is basically a performance version of the standard Octavia. Besides the performance sedan, Enyaq iV electric SUV will be brought to India via the CBU route which is powered by a lithium-ion battery pack paired to an electric motor.
Till now, the Octavia RS series was available with only a petrol powertrain but now there is a big update. The Octavia RS245 is expected to feature a plug-in hybrid powertrain. It uses a smaller 1.4-litre TSI turbo-petrol engine (148 bhp), paired with an electric motor (113 bhp) which can produce a combined power output of 241 bhp.
The hybrid Octavia delivers the same power output as the standard petrol-only variant. However, its 0-100 kmph time of 7.3 seconds is 0.7 seconds slower than the RS245. The reason behind this is its heavy powertrain that gets a 13 kWh battery pack.
The good part is that the plug-in hybrid is more fuel-efficient when you drive with a light foot. Moreover, Skoda claims that you can travel around 60 kms on electric power alone. Being an RS, the model gets a stiffer suspension setup and a quicker steering rack for better handling.
Apart from this, the model features sportier cosmetic design changes. Audi A4 and BMW 330i would be the rivals to Octavia RS245. Since the model will be in hybrid form, it can cost up to Rs 36 lakh (ex-showroom).
The electric SUV, Skoda Enyaq iV is based on the Volkswagen Group’s MEB platform which is designed specifically for electric vehicles. The model features skateboard architecture that can house different capacity motors and battery packs. The Enyaq EV will come powered by a lithium-ion battery pack paired to an electric motor. It is expected to be offered in different trims and battery sizes.
This electric SUV will be brought to India via the CBU route and is expected to offer an 82 kWh battery that can support 125 kW DC fast charging. Its battery is likely to offer a range of up to 513 kms.
Furthermore, Skoda Enyaq iV will provide a panoramic sunroof, heated front and rear seats, a powered driver’s seat with massage functionality, and tri-zone climate control. The electric four-wheeler will offer a 13-inch touchscreen infotainment system with connected car technology and a Head-Up Display. In terms of safety, it will feature up to nine airbags, Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Recognition, and more.
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