Volkswagen’s Czech Republic-built budget brand ?koda has revealed the high performance RS TDI model to its Octavia lineup.
Available in hatch (from$39,490) or wagon (from $41,490) the high performance Octavia RS TDI is powered by a new125kW 2.0 litre common rail diesel engine or 147kW 2.0-litre TFSI four cylinder petrol engine.
Drive is through a six-speed manual transmission or Volkswagen;s innovative DSG. The RS line up is well equipped with sports goodies including 18 inch alloy wheels, twin chrome exhaust, RS bumpers, rear boot spoiler (liftback), RS design sport seats, three-spoke leather steering wheel, red brake callipers, lowered suspension and ESP (Electronic Stability Program).
Impressive safety features are abundant such as six airbags, active safety front headrests, Electronic Stability Program (ESP), advanced Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR) and Electronic Brake-pressure Distribution (EBD).
The 2.0 TDI 125kW common rail direct injection engine offered in the Octavia RS is the most powerful diesel engine in the ?koda range. With 350Nm of torque available between 1,750 and 2,500rpm is easy to drive even in stop-star city work.
Fuel consumption is claimed to be as low as 5.9 litres/100kms on the combined cycle.
The RS is the performance flagship of the Octavia range and this Czech Republic offshoot of Volkswagen is an intriguing addition to the Australian market. Quality is to the highest European standards, styling is nice, performance is class-leading and pricing is sharp…in short, it’s got everything going for it. The Octavia RS is fitted as standard with a six speed fully synchronised manual transmission.
Combining the benefits of both manual and automatic gearboxes, the optional DSG is best described as a ‘best of both worlds’ transmission. Unlike ordinary transmissions, DSG uses two input shafts, each with its own clutch. Gears 1, 3, 5 and reverse are on one shaft, while 2, 4 and 6 are on the other. This results in a gear-change that is perfectly smooth with no juddering. Additionally, because the change is so quick, the transmission of power from the engine to wheels is virtually uninterrupted.
The shape of the rear lights and the way they are illuminated is another unique Octavia feature. When the lights are on, the ‘C’ shaped red area frames the white central part incorporating the direction indicator and the reversing light. Because their shape extends to the sides of the car the rear lights have a remarkably spatial effect. The unusually large illuminated area isn’t just a stylish piece of design; it’s also a valuable safety feature.
Inside, the Octavia RS, like the entire Octavia range, features one of the biggest and most generously equipped cabins in its segment. Standard features include dual-zone climate control air conditioning, six-disc CD player with eight speakers and MP3 auxiliary input socket, multi-function trip computer and remote central locking.
The suspension has been lowered by 12mm compared to standard Octavias and features modified shock absorbers and springs that have sportier responses without compromising the Octavia’s ride quality. MacPherson struts underpin the front end while a multi-link design controls the behaviour of the rear wheels.
Six airbags, active safety front headrests the Electronic Stability Program (ESP), advanced Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) and Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR) and Electronic Brake-pressure Distribution (EBD) are all standard in the Octavia RS range.
Importantly, the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) is standard across the entire ?koda range, regardless of engine, transmission, body configuration or drive system.
In Europe, this is a brand to watch. Here in Australia, those with a yearning for a European sports sedan should look closely at the Octavia RS.
