Review
Skoda Octavia Combi RS
The RS badge is reserved for the top version of the Skoda Octavia, for both petrol and diesel versions. In this way, Skoda also makes its knowledge and experience in motorsport accessible to the average consumer. The current Octavia RS is the fastest production version of the Octavia ever and can even reach top speeds of 248 km/h. We did a driving test with the Octavia Combi RS diesel.
engines
We drove the Octavia Combi RS diesel. This is the sportiest diesel version of the Octavia. It is a turbo diesel with four cylinders and a lung capacity of 1968 cc. This Octavia RS is driven on the front wheels and has a power of 184 hp and a maximum torque of 380 Nm. In terms of transmission, you can choose a manual gearbox or a DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission. Both with six gears. The top speed is about 230 km/h and the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h takes just under 8.2 seconds. The diesel version of the Octavia Combi is available from 31,240 euros and from 30,440 euros the sedan will grace your driveway.
In addition to a sporty diesel, you can also opt for an RS version with a 2-liter turbo petrol engine with 220 hp or an RS 230 with 230 hp and a maximum torque of 350 Nm. Both versions are available as a Combi and as a sedan. You go from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.9 seconds and the top speed is around 248 km/h. This is also the fastest production version of the Ocatavia RS ever. The RS sedan with 220 hp is available from 29,540 euros.
Driving experience
In terms of performance, the Octavia Combi RS diesel can be compared with other sporty diesels such as a Focus ST diesel. Where we feel the Octavia Combi RS makes the difference is that despite its sportiness, it has remained a very pleasant and comfortable car. No sporty seats that may hug you a little too tightly or a stiff suspension that makes you feel every bump in the road mercilessly. Comfortable seats that you can use for long journeys without getting back pain or a suspension that allows you to drive on a road in less good condition without being shaken. After all, you don’t buy a car like that to race on a circuit. The engine also makes a cheerful and sporty sound when you rev it up and the DSG shifts quickly up and down. Perhaps the RS badge on this diesel is a bit of an overstatement. It might be a little spicier for sporty enthusiasts.
For maximum driving comfort, the Octavia RS is equipped with a progressive steering system. The advantage of this system is that it automatically adapts to the driving situation. On a straight motorway you barely notice the steering, while on a winding road or when parking the steering becomes noticeably more sensitive.
Appearance
You can choose from numerous Octavia colors for an RS. However, there are also three exclusive colors for the RS: metallic Steel Gray and Rallye Green and the non-metallic Sprint Yellow. Our test car was colored in Steel Gray. Our favorite and personally we would opt for an exclusive RS color.
In terms of design, the Octavia RS is quite a handsome appearance. Our preference is for the Combi due to its fuller and cooler shape compared to the sedan. At the front we see the radiator grille with RS badge and, among other things, a new front bumper and fog lights in RS design. At the rear we see two handsome chrome exhausts that are neatly integrated into the rear bumper and, among other things, a spoiler on the roof edge.
Conclusion
The Skoda Octavia Combi RS diesel is a practical sporty family car that feels pleasant and comfortable, even on a road that is not in good condition. Of course, you can also get away from the traffic light easily, but without burning rubber.
Johan De Haes
Test driver
