El Skoda Octavia It is one of those cars that, without being perfect at all, passes with a correct grade in all sections. We already tried it some time ago in your version TDI de 150 CV, but for this occasion we have opted for the family bodywork and, above all, for the RS sports version of gasoline with no less than 245 CV.
It must be taken into account that this fourth generation of the Skoda Octavia RS is available for the first time with three very different mechanics. On the one hand we have the Octavia RS diesel, which with a 2.0-liter TDI yields 200 hp. On the opposite side appears this gasoline RS, the sportiest option. Meanwhile, the ecological point comes from the hand of the iVRS, the plug-in hybrid version that also delivers 245 CV of combined power.
It will not make you fall in love, but it will convince you
Aesthetically it is not beautiful. As usual in Skoda It does not have one of those designs that make you fall in love and make you totally fall in love with it for life. However, it does not fall into the temptation of offering an aesthetic as overloaded as has been the case lately in many vehicles, betting on a conservative style. But as they say, there is nothing written about tastes.
To increase this differentiation, the Skoda Octavia RS comes with lots of shiny black details and specific details to offer a sportier look. We can highlight the edges of the front grille, the lower front lip, the contours of the fog lights, the mirror housings, the roof bars, the edges of the windows, the rear diffuser, as well as the inscriptions of Skoda and Octavia in the rear.
The vRS logos are present both on the front grille and on the tailgate.
This unit comes with the standard wheels in the sports version, which are 18 inches and are finished in black. Personally, and at least with this red body color, I think they don't look good at all. It seems too overloaded with black and, if I had to buy it, I would not hesitate to look at another alternative when configuring the car.
No frills, but well made and with lots of sporty features
Nor is it that there are great luxuries inside, because at the level of finishes it cannot be considered premium, but it is feels like a properly finished car. In addition, as soon as we open the door, we already know that we are not dealing with a normal Octavia, since the differences are considerable, increasing the sportiness of the cabin.
The first thing that catches our attention are the sports seats with integrated head restraints. They are not excessively hard, which is appreciated in routine use and on trips, while aesthetically they are very grateful when you buy a car with a certain dynamic character. They come with vRS lettering on the back and red stitching and other details.
For its part, in the doors and in the central panel of the dashboard we have suede leather finish, while we also see moldings simulating carbon fiber. Most notable is the steering wheel, with perforations, red seams and almost completely round, having little "flattening" in the lower area. The cams, yes, are made of little-worked plastic and not too big.
I also don't really like the use of the small gear selector for the DSG transmission. The positive part is that it takes up little space, but honestly I don't find it attractive at all, as we have said on several occasions with other Volkswagen Group models.
Once again, the climate control is integrated into the screen
In terms of technology and connectivity, we have a digital instrument cluster and customizable large size that looks good and is intuitive to operate. The only "but" of this box is that it does not show the gear engaged in a large size, but appears in the lower left corner in a very small size. At least in Sport mode, it should look good. A shame.
On the other hand, in the center of the dashboard is the main infotainment screen. In general, it works well, but there are two details that could be improved. The first is that it does not have a slight driver orientation, and the second and most important is that integrates air conditioning. At least, from the screen we can change the temperature without major problems, but not as intuitively as some simple roulette wheels of a lifetime.
In habitability it is difficult to beat him
Moving on to the habitability section, the Skoda Octavia Combi RS has good front seats, a extensively adjustable cockpit to adapt to practically any size and good holes to empty our pockets for keys, wallet and mobile, as well as to place a bottle of water or soft drink. A pity that this unit does not have a wireless charging tray to charge the mobile.
Meanwhile, the rear seats are very spacious, as in every Octavia since its first launch in the 90s. There's good headroom, knee room, and foot room under the front seat. The central square can also be used by adults, although logically the comfort is not the best, mainly due to the transmission tunnel.
Here behind we also have a correct quality in the upholstery, magazine rack in the front seats, air vents (without standard temperature control) and a wide central armrest with cup holders and a hatch to the trunk to, for example, transport some skis. The side curtains for these rear seats they never hurt on summer trips.
Trunk: 600 liters for the saloon and 640 for the Combi
And since we have mentioned the trunk, the Skoda Octavia enjoys nothing less than 600 liters in the saloon version and 640 in this family Octavia Combi. It is a large volume and we have the advantage that in the case of the saloon body the rear window also rises when opening the trunk, that is, it is actually a five-door, offering a lot of practicality.
In the case of this Skoda Octavia Combi we still have a clearer trunk, as you can see in the image. The loading mouth is very wide, the roller blind is in a high position and the interior upholstery is more than correct. In addition, we can knock down the seats from behind here with some handles and there is no lack of hooks and rings to secure the load. Very good in this sense, without a doubt.
At the wheel of the Skoda Octavia RS
As we mentioned at the beginning, the Skoda Octavia RS is available with three mechanics and two bodies. If you don't do many kilometers a year and want to feel sporty, the best option is gasoline, with the well-known 2.0 NO EVO.
This mechanic develops 245 hp and 370 Nm of torque, always linking to the gearbox 7-speed DSG (double clutch) and front-wheel drive. Among other benefits we find a maximum speed of nothing less than 250 km/h, as well as a sprint in the 0 to 100 in 6,7 seconds. Its combined mixed consumption is 6,9 l/100 km.
Going straight to the point the most remarkable thing about the Skoda Octavia RS is its total balance. It's hard to assimilate that a "reasonably" priced family car can make you enjoy so much on a winding road, just as you don't expect a sports car to know how to treat you with such comfort on urban journeys or when traveling with the family.
As fast as versatile
On a day-to-day basis it is a comfortable car in every way. Feels slightly stiffer than the conventional Octavia, but that extra hardness does not have a negative impact on the smooth running of the car at all. In fact, we have more precision on the steering wheel, although I understand that this may not please all drivers.
We also have quicker steering with fewer lock-to-lock wheel turns.
When we go on a trip on expressways, the engine runs very smooth, turning in seventh slightly below 2.000 laps at the legal maximum (120 km/h). Under these conditions, it's not the most sound-insulated car on the market, but it filters out road and wind noise enough to go completely unnoticed simply by turning the radio down to a very moderate volume.
Of course, that relaxation of the engine can change from one moment to another, just by going down a couple of gears or, even, hitting the right pedal with a shoe. In a matter of moments the engine goes into a rage and leaves you glued to the seat, since the 370 Nm of torque and the 245 CV in the highest area of โโthe rev counter push amply.
Without being a pure sports car, it allows you to go at a very good pace
To practice decisive driving, it is advisable to go to the Sport mode, at which point the steering becomes somewhat heavier, the suspension gains a bit of hardness and the engine and DSG work more reactively. You will not have the sensations of a pure sports car, but you will enjoy it.
In a fast curve, it is surprising how well established it is and the precision of its direction, with a very high grip limit. Of course in slower zones you can't play as much with the rear based on hollowing out the gas, while you will lose traction if you come out of a turn with your foot on the board and several degrees of steering angle. The XDS electronic diff works as hard as it can, but it's still relatively easy to see the traction control light flashing on the dash.
With Sport mode the sound is increased, but unfortunately it is artificial and is generated by the speakers. It helps to get you into the drive, but I don't think it's a good idea to try to make it sound like a V8...
In the city, its large size can penalize when looking for parking
Lastly, In the city we must be aware that the Octavia already measures no less than 4,7 meters, so it is not the easiest car to find a parking space. In any case, the reversing camera and parking sensors are always there to help us with these tasks.
As for urban driving, the suspension feels firm but not uncomfortable when passing very bumpy areas. The bumps and lying guards do bother a little more, but there we practically don't care if we go with an Octavia RS or a Toyota Land Cruiser, they will always bother. AND As for the dual-clutch change, I have not had any situation in which it seemed abrupt to me or complicated to measure when parking on a slope, honestly.
Consumption on the highway, even at a happy pace, is enviable
We are finishing this test but before going on to the conclusions we have to talk about consumptions, which is another point where the Skoda Octavia Combi RS has left us with our mouths open, at least on the highway, in the city it is another story.
In the fast roads at 120 km/h (or a little more) is satisfied with averages of 6,2 liters, which I think is fantastic for a car of a certain size, family bodywork that is not the one that helps aerodynamics the most and 245 CV under the right foot without any type of electrification. From my point of view, in this sense it is sensational.
Of course, in the city it rises a lot. It will depend a little more on how heavy our foot is and the type of orography, but the usual thing is to be around 9 liters on average when walking around. That is where it penalizes the most, but it is not much higher than that of any normal and current gasoline SUV with about 150 CV.
Throughout our test, with more than 600 kilometers traveled, Mixed consumption has stood at 7,5 l/100 km, driving in a relaxed way most of the time but without cutting myself from time to time in stretching the engine to the maximum and giving me the occasional joy on mousetrap roads.
Conclusions after testing the Skoda Octavia RS
The Skoda Octavia Combi RS is the Volkswagen Golf GTI for when the family grows and space is needed. It has the space, comfort and ease of use of any family model, but with the sporty character of any GTI.
It is not easy to get negative points in the balance, because brings together the best of two worlds, with good daily usability and without aspects such as consumption turning against us. In addition, it is cheaper to buy than the aforementioned reference sports compact.
It is not a batch car either to beat the clock on a circuit, but fun and performance are guaranteed when you want to de-stress in a section of curves, a recipe that is increasingly difficult to find in a market full of "home appliances".
Skoda Octavia RS Prices
| Bodywork | Motor | Change | Traction | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bodywork | Motor | Change | Traction | Price |
| Sedan | 2.0 TSI 245 HP | dsg 7v | Front | 40.200 โฌ |
| Sedan | 2.0 TDI 200 HP | dsg 7v | Front | 40.800 โฌ |
| Sedan | 1.4 TSI iV PHEV 245 hp | dsg 6v | Front | 43.200 โฌ |
| Combi | 2.0 TSI 245 HP | dsg 7v | Front | 40.900 โฌ |
| Combi | 2.0 TDI 200 HP | dsg 7v | Front | 41.500 โฌ |
| Combi | 1.4 TSI iV PHEV 245 hp | dsg 6v | Front | 43.900 โฌ |
Editor's opinion
- Editor's rating
- 4.5 star rating
- Exceptional
- Skoda Octavia RS Combi
- Review of: Diego Avila
- Posted on:
- Last modification:
- Exterior design
- interior design
- front seats
- rear seats
- Trunk
- Spring Suspension
- Consumption
- Comfort
- Price
Pros
- Versatility of use
- Interior roominess and trunk space
- Highway consumption
Cons
- artificial engine sound
- Dashboard display with integrated climate control
- Loss of traction coming out of slow corners
Gallery Skoda Octavia Combi RS
More information about this model
- Plazas 5
- Power 116 - 150 hp
- Consumption 4,3 - 5,1l/100km
- Assessment 4,8
It happens to him like the lion, I think that both on the exterior and interior qualities the new generation has not done him any good, I'll stick with the previous one without a doubt.