Test drive Mazda 6 Kombi AWD against Skoda Octavia Combi RS 4 × 4

Two powerful diesel station wagons with dual transmissions, different in style and character

Which car is ideal for all occasions? In today's race for this title, two two-seater station wagons and powerful diesel engines are in the lead. Whether it will be the first in the final of the Skoda Octavia RS 4 × 4 or the Mazda 6 Skyactiv-D 175 AWD this test will show. And may the best win.

As we know, the good thing about Google is that it not only provides answers to almost all questions, but also draws your attention to a lot of undiscovered answers. If a digital person does not know what exactly interests him so much, the search engine is ready to offer him his ideas. Sometimes this can end up in a lawsuit if someone is found to be running a prohibited side business. More often, however, such search suggestions lead to pleasant surprises: if, for example, you enter "Skoda Oct" before pressing "a", you will receive "Octavia RS" as the first sentence - before "Kombi", "Scout" and more once. "Kombi", this time with the correct spelling Skoda.

TDI, DSG, 4×4 – Elite in Octavia RS

However, the Skoda Octavia RS is not only actively searched on Google but also bought frequently, which is why Skoda is expanding the lineup with a diesel version with a dual transmission. Station wagon with 184 hp It also has a standard transmission with two clutches, which means it managed to collect the best that VW has. After modernization at the beginning of 2015, the Mazda 6 Kombi Skyactiv-D with 175 hp. also equipped with a dual transmission and, like the Skoda model, claims to be the ideal car for all situations in life: spacious, but not obstructively large, stable on the road at any time of the year, while economical and fast enough.

The Skoda model creates a feeling of slightly more power - even on wet pavement, the four-cylinder engine pushes the Octavia's 1589 kg forward without hesitation and easily picks up speed throughout the range, interrupted only by ultra-short gear shifts from the fast six-speed DSG. In 7,7 seconds the TDI model hits 100 km/h and the end of the race comes at around 230. But this station wagon is capable of more than fast straight-line driving. Following its light and precise steering, it rushes into corners with pleasure and quickly overcomes them, impressively neutral and with almost no lateral lean. One of the features of the RS versions, the ESP sport mode, is also available in the powerful diesel version. After pressing the button, the electronics begin to skid at a slight angle, which increases the pleasure mainly from driving on the highway. However, in the slalom between pylons, over time, this has almost no advantage.

Skoda Octavia Combi RS impresses with dynamics and spaciousness

Thanks to its balanced settings and simple controls, the Octavia shows very good times even with a fully salvaged ESP and proves that modern stabilization systems do not necessarily slow down for fun. However, the best thing about the RS is not its dynamic qualities, but the fact that everything that is typical of the Skoda Octavia is hidden behind comfortable sports seats with good lateral support. And in the RS version, the station wagon impresses with familiar qualities, such as ample space for passengers and luggage, as well as a wealth of practical ideas. We are not going to once again praise the ice scraper in the tank door, but pay attention to more important things: for example, the back cover rises so high that even people with a height of 1,90 m do not get bumps on the head, and the trunk opening is really wide, as befits an authentic station wagon.

Long-term traditions in the production of station wagons can be traced in the Mazda Six. For example, the boot lid is attached to the tailgate and, when opened, automatically lifts up and, if necessary, hides under the floor of the load compartment. The backrests of the rear seats can be detached from the trunk and then folded forward to avoid the usual gaps in which important pieces of furniture purchased from IKEA can be lost.

Mazda 6 Kombi cheers up with quality treatment

Although the Mazda 6 station wagon is seven centimeters shorter than the sedan, it surpasses the Skoda Octavia Combi in both external dimensions and passenger space. In addition, the vehicle uplifts the mood with its high-quality plastics, soft carpets and stainless steel roof panels on the scratch-sensitive loading doorstep. Like BMW In the new 7 Series, Mazda's infotainment system is based on a combination of a touchscreen and a controller that rotates and presses. It's a good idea: when standing still, you can quickly select an address by touching the display of the navigation system, and while driving, your hand can rest comfortably on the center armrest.

“Comfort” is already one of the main features that characterize Mazda. Although the Sports Line tested has 19-inch wheels, its suspension is significantly more comfortable for passengers than the extremely tight-fitting Skoda with its 18-inch seal. Most of the shock from the short sway bars that the Octavia RS lets through almost unfiltered is devoid of harshness in the Mazda, and the suspension doesn't feel too soft in long waves on pavement. The raspy voice of the diesel, as well as the classic six-speed automatic, which doesn't change gears as sharply as a dual-clutch transmission, but instead impresses with comfortable bumpless starts, also contribute to carefree comfort on long trips.

Approximate equality in security

In general, the Mazda 6 Kombi predisposes to more calmness and lightness. Despite the higher torque, the heavy station wagon accelerates with less force than the Skoda model and does not rush into corners as much. In the slalom with 18-meter doors it is 5 km / h slower than the Octavia RS, and in both lanes it is even 7 km / h. As for safety, there is an approximate equality in points, although for different reasons: while the Skoda stops stronger, Mazda is up against a wider range of support systems, much of what is standard on board Mazda, in Skoda it has to be paid extra or not delivered at all, such as blind spot assistant which makes lane changes safer.

Mazda 6 is more generous not only with standard safety equipment. If you go for the top-of-the-line diesel version with dual transmissions, then all you have to think about is the color. Everything else, from full LED lighting, power-adjustable leather seats and head-up display to the navigation system, is part of the standard equipment that makes traveling enjoyable and safe. It's a tried and tested recipe - richly equipped Japanese manufacturers in the 70s annoyed their tougher European competitors. However, in Germany, the station wagon costs 42 euros, which is 790 7000 more than the price of a Skoda. And since even with the equipment it remains more expensive and consumes slightly more fuel (7,6 vs. 7,2 l / 100 km), an encouraging Mazda cannot stop the dynamic Skoda from taking the first place. Let's see if Google will soon offer a "test win" when typing the Octavia RS.

Text: Dirk Gulde

Photo: Ahim Hartmann

Evaluation

1. Skoda Octavia Combi RS 2.0 TDI 4×4 – 440 points

The RS not only impresses with its agility and safety, but also retains the Octavia's strengths in everyday life. However, the spacious station wagon has a stiffer suspension.

2. Mazda 6 Kombi D 175 AWD - 415 points

The more expensive Mazda 6, while not quite close to the Skoda's handling, impresses with better suspension comfort and more luxurious standard equipment.

technical details

1. Skoda Octavia Combi RS 2.0 TDI 4×4	2. Mazda 6 Combi D 175 AWD
Working volume	1968 cc cm	2191 cc cm
Power	184 hp (135 kW) at 3500 rpm	175 hp (129 kW) at 4500 rpm
Maximum torque	380 Nm at 1750 rpm	420 Nm at 2000 rpm
Acceleration 0-100 km / h	7,7 with	8,5 with
Braking distances at a speed of 100 km / h	36,1 m	36,7 m
full speed	226 km / h	209 km / h
Average consumption fuel in the test	7,3 l / 100 km	7,6 l / 100 km
Base Price	49 544 BGN	68 980 levov