A Skoda test driver is probably regretting waking up today as they were involved in a crash shortly after getting snapped by spy photographers.
According to spy shooters, a team from Skoda was testing the new Octavia Combi RS earlier this morning. While that isn’t too unusual, the car was involved in an accident approximately 10-20 minutes after its initial sighting.
The exact circumstances remain unclear, but it appears an Opel Zafira driver got confused while traveling through a construction site. The driver apparently tried to change lanes but, instead, ended up in oncoming traffic.
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As a result, the Zafira slammed into the Octavia Combi RS prototype head-on. Unfortunately, this caused a chain reaction crash as a Volkswagen Golf hit the trailer that the Octavia was pulling and pushed it “sideways into the road.”
Thankfully, no one was seriously injured expect for the vehicles involved. The Octavia’s front end was “completely demolished” and the damage was reportedly bad enough that the car was no longer drivable.
The prototype was quickly covered, but the damage was so extensive that it can be seen underneath the trap. In particular, the hood was peeled back and the entire front driver’s side of the car was destroyed. Workers were also photographed taking away pieces of damaged body panels.
The Zafira also suffered extensive damage as its front end was largely destroyed in the crash. About the only components that remain are half of the grille, a dented hood and the passenger side headlight.
The road was reportedly closed for approximately 40 minutes following the crash and there was a significant response as police and fire departments were called to the scene. There was also at least one ambulance, but luckily everyone made it out relatively okay.
A Sportier And More Upscale Wagon
Putting the crash aside, the redesigned Octavia Combi RS has an aggressive front bumper with a large central air intake that is covered by a honey comb mesh insert. The high-performance model also has a sport-tuned suspension which appears to lower the ride height. Other notable features include a sportier dual exhaust system and an upgraded braking system with red calipers.
Engine options remain unconfirmed, but the current Octavia RS is available with two different turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder units. The petrol produces 241 hp (180 kW / 245 PS) and 273 lb-ft (370 Nm) of torque, while the TDI cranks out 181 hp (135 kW / 184 PS) and 280 lb-ft (380 Nm) of torque.
We can expect the new model to have more powerful engines and it’s possible that the petrol variant will get all-wheel drive. That remains unconfirmed, but it’s a bit odd that the current diesel is all-wheel drive only while the petrol is only offered with front-wheel drive.