ŠKODA’s new special edition labelled RS230 features a new racy exterior design with black elements, sporty interior, modern technology and more impressive power.

The car’s top speed stands at 250 km/h (156mph), making the ŠKODA Octavia RS230 the fastest series-produced Octavia of all time. Road holding has also been given a performance upgrade with a traction-boosting limited-slip differential standard on the model.

Available since 2013 the Octavia RS range has accounted for over 6% of all Octavia vehicles sold.  The volume seller has been the 2.0,TDI 184bhp Diesel with the 2.0,TSI 220bhp petrol also featuring. The new ‘230’ designation relates to the new RS special edition’s horsepower, accelerating the car from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.7 seconds via its new 230bhp two-litre petrol engine.

Raymond Leddy, Head of Marketing for ŠKODA Ireland commented, “Many of us would love to drive a sporty, high performance vehicle but are disinclined to do so because we assume they are impractical, costly and expensive to run. The Octavia RS has always enjoyed a unique proposition discounting these myths. The car offers exceptional luggage and interior spaciousness and fuel economy from just 6.4 l/100km (44 mpg).”

The new RS230 will be even more heavily equipped than the standard version with 19” Alloy Wheels, New Sports Seats, Black Design Twin Exhausts and Front grille all added to the package.

The Irish launch of the Octavia RS special edition is set for July 2015. Prices have yet to be confirmed but are estimated to start from €36,500 for the Octavia 2.0 TSI 230bhp for the hatchback model. Combi estate and DSG automatic alternatives are also set to feature.