Value-priced European Sporty
The high-performance Octavia RS is another example of the outstanding products now coming to Australia from Skoda – Volkswagen’s Czech-Republic brand.
First launched late last year, the RS model was recently upgraded and changes for the 2009 Model Year include the availability of Volkswagen’s 6-speed Direct Shift (DSG) transmission in petrol 2.0-litre TSI models (previously only available with the 2.0-litre TDI diesel), new white instruments, an extra storage box in the rear seat center armrest and a ‘Bolero’ audio system with touch screen technology and SD card reader.
What You Get
Car Showroom spent a week behind the wheel of the latest Octavia RS Liftback with the superb six-speed DSG. Wagon versions are also available and both are comprehensively equipped high performance mid-sizers with excellent European style, features and build quality.
Safety abounds with standard features across the Octavia range including six airbags, active safety headlights, Electronic Stability Program (ESP), ABS anti-lock brakes with Electronic Brake-pressure Distribution (EBD) and Anti-Slip Regulation (ESP).
With a choice of potent petrol or diesel powerplants, body-colored bumpers, integrated front spoiler and 18-inch alloy wheels - with low-profile 225/40 R18 rubber - that highlight the red brake calipers and a sporty interior to match, the Octavia RS makes a bold presence on-road typical of the current generation of high performance European vehicles.
Under The Hood
The 2.0-litre TDI diesel – Skoda’s most powerful diesel – is a contemporary common-rail turbo-diesel that is good for 125kW and 350Nm. Zero to 100 km/h is achieved in 8.4 seconds.
Petrol power comes from the 2.0-litre TSI with computer-controlled high-pressure direct injection and an intercooled turbocharger. Maximum power is 147kW and peak torque is 280Nm.
Skoda says the combined cycle fuel economy of the diesel is as low as 5.9l/100kms and for the petrol 7.9l/100kms.
The Interior
Spacious and well equipped, the Octavia RS delivers a stylish, high-quality feel as soon as you climb inside.
Nice height-adjustable sports seats in silver and black trim have stylish RS logos, there is a nice three-spoke leather steering wheel (adjustable for height and reach) – ’09 Model Year gets a new design, the aluminium-trim DSG gear lever is accentuated by other aluminium trim materials including the pedals.
As with all members of the Volkswagen Group, instrumentation is stylish and ergonomic with the ’09 Model Year Octavia RS highlighting white instruments which add to the sporty flavor of the interior. The ‘Bolero’ sound system is a six-disc in-dash CD unit.
Luggage space is massive – the Liftback model we tested providing 560 litres of trunk capacity with the rear seat in place or 1,350 litres with the seat folded.
Exterior & Styling
Our test car was painted in ‘Race Blue Metallic’ – combine that with the 18-inch alloy wheels, a purposeful rear deck spoiler, front spoiler and large air intake under the front bumper plus sports exhaust pipes at the rear and the result is a very well done European sports sedan.
The large rear lights are a great design – when illuminated a ‘C’-shaped red area frames the white central part with the turn indicator and reversing lights. All very contemporary.
On The Road
Push the accelerator and the Octavia RS responds quickly with brisk acceleration as the DSG snicks through the gears with lightening-fast changes.
Over our mountain road test route, driving dynamics were superb with great stopping power, pin-sharp steering response and purposeful turn-in – very impressive. Body roll was minimal and the RS behaved just how you’d expect from a European sports sedan.
In the tight stuff on wet roads, the ASR and ESP came into play but their calibration was quite good and not too abrupt.
Around town, refinement levels were high and interior quietness impressive. Naturally ride was on the firm side – a trait shared with all European performance cars – but the Octavia did not unsettle when crossing Melbourne’s notorious tram and train tracks.
Challenges
There’s no doubt the Octavia RS is great package and is keenly priced. In Europe, Skoda is a brand on the move and is being keenly watched by the opposition as it continues to roll-out some excellent products.
In Australia, under the umbrella of the Volkswagen Group, Skoda is a new player and hasn’t yet achieved the cachet it enjoys in Europe.
Verdict
The Octavia RS is underrated. Priced from $37,690 this is a seriously impressive high performance European vehicle. At Car Showroom we have no hesitation in saying it’s one of our favorites.
The Competition
With its sharp pricing the Octavia RS has an edge over rival Euros like the Audi A4 and Saab 9-3.
Subaru stacks-up with the 4WD traction and performance of the Impreza RS - but of course there is no diesel option there.
Likes
Value-for-money; nice drive; beautifully built; looks the business
Dislikes
Brand not so well known in Australia
