With A Penchant For Understatement

2023 Author: Eric Donovan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-08-25 09:36

Skoda is finally equipping its bestseller Octavia with a modern common rail diesel. The 170 hp engine is initially only used in the RS. Our test shows what it can do.

By Frank Mertens

It took a while. Exactly seven months. That is how long it has been since Skoda presented the model revision of the Octavia. But the Skoda customer has not yet benefited from the new, powerful common rail units. But the waiting time is over, finally.

Sportiest model

Now Skoda customers can also enjoy the top diesel from the VW group shelf, namely in the Octavia RS, the sportiest model in the series. The performance of the diesel engine used in the Octavia RS is unchanged from that of the 2.0 TDI with 170 hp, but the engine's smoothness has finally arrived in the modern automotive era compared to the old pump-nozzle technology.

The four-cylinder does - once it has warmed up - barely perceptible its work. Finally, you no longer have to bother with the annoying diesel nailing of the predecessor unit. The maximum torque of the motor is still 350 Newton meters and is available from 1750 to 2500 revolutions per minute. This means that the Octavia RS has enough power to meet its sporting demands. The RS puts its 170 hp on the road without any complaints, but an all-wheel drive would not only look good on the diesel, but also on the optionally available 2.0 TSI petrol engine with 200 hp.

Tugging on the front axle

Because when accelerating briskly, the forces ensure a slight but noticeable tug on the front axle. This can only be felt marginally, but could be avoided with the 4x4 drive also used in the Octavia Scout. That would noticeably increase the driving pleasure in this family sports car. For now, Skoda is not thinking of offering all-wheel drive in the RS as well. Too bad. But what is not, can still become.

But that's also what there is to complain about on the technical side of the Octavia RS. The steering is extremely direct and provides good feedback. The optionally available DSG also fits the sporty characteristics of this vehicle, but here with six gears. It ensures quick, barely noticeable gear changes. But if you prefer to switch - no problem. The manual six-speed gearbox works just as well. The shift lever can be operated quite crisply with short shift travel.

According to the manufacturer, the engine, which already has the EU5 standard, has a six-speed DSG with a combined consumption in the estate car and sedan of six liters (CO2 emissions 159 grams). Even if you can still add a liter under real conditions, a good figure. Which brings us to the body shape: Combi or sedan? In terms of driving technology, there is hardly any difference between the two - taste has to decide accordingly. And that clearly gives preference to the Combi.

Because the great strength of the Czech family athlete is his discreet appearance. Only the subtle RS logo in the radiator grille and on the rear indicate at first glance that the top model of the Octavia is in front of you. In the interior, the two letters can be found on the steering wheel, which is easy to hold, the door sills and also in the leather seats. Those who want to combine sportiness with understatement are in good hands with the Combi.

Aching rear spoiler

The limousine is completely different: the rear spoiler, which unfortunately cannot be overlooked, immediately catches the eye. Unfortunately, it immediately destroys the otherwise good overall impression of the Octavia: it then looks slightly chubby. It speaks for the RS buyer that he decides 70 percent for the Combi. The sedan is very popular among buyers in Spain and Great Britain.

Let's come back briefly to the interior. The materials not only look good, they also feel good. The processing quality is excellent. But this has been known for years from the Czechs, who stand for a good price-performance ratio. The customer also gets that with the Octavia RS: The Combi costs 32,030 euros as a 2.0 TDI with DSG, the sedan 30,890 euros. The 2.0 TFSI for the sedan with DSG is 28,090 euros in the price list, for the Combi you have to leave 29,230 euros at the dealer.

That is not a small amount, but in return you get an almost all-round convincing car if you choose the Combi.