Skoda Octavia RS 2.0 TSI - privacy guaranteed
Skoda produces cars primarily for families - with a good value for money. Attackers, however, may accuse them of being bored. Probably, models from the RS series were created for them - like the Octavia, which we are testing today. Will he shut the mouths of the unhappy?
The choice of Skoda seems to be guided by the voice of reason. Because the trunk is big, because there is a lot of space inside, why overpay for better materials when I get almost the same as in a Volkswagen. After spending several nights with the calculator, we finally choose our dream Octavia with a diesel engine, but something is missing from it. After a while we'll finally pass us on the street Skoda Octavia RS and then it will quickly become clear what the heart wanted and what the mind chose. Of course, we cannot always afford what we dream of, but is it worth dreaming of a sporty version of the popular liftback?
the villain
I must admit that until now I rarely looked at cars because of the Polish-Czech border. Until that moment, until the one with the “RS” badge fell into the hands. My world then turned upside down, because all of a sudden these good cars gained character. Suddenly, I'm scanning a passing Octavia for a distinctive grille logo. My transformation took a few days, but it started from the very beginning.
While looking for a car in the parking lot, finally found what he was looking for. I did not expect such a configuration, but it is. And the closer I get, the more I like it. This Skoda Octavia RS with the Challenge RS package replacing the chrome on the grille and doors with black plastic. With black paint and black 18-inch wheels, the Gemini looks like a real villain. Maybe not one of those who leads the gang, but the right hand of the boss? Dirty Job Specification? Certainly. The top version of Octavia is not only details, but also larger changes in appearance. The front bumper here is much more massive, with large air intakes and stretched forward in one harmonious line. At the front, we can also find modern LED taillights, which make the Skoda start to grab attention and look like a higher-end car – not only available in RS, of course. Looking from the side, you can see that the line of the car has not changed so much compared to other third-generation Octavias. Details in the back, where there is an openwork spoiler on the tailgate, and a little lower - two large tips of the exhaust system.
The shape of this model is also very practical. Although it looks like a sedan from a distance, it is clearly a liftback, i.e. a car in which the tailgate rises along with the rear window. This makes the opening through which luggage is placed huge, but the trunk itself boasts a considerable capacity - 590 liters versus 1580 liters with the rear sofa folded down. This one folds in a 40:60 ratio, and we can put it in too by pulling the corresponding lever in the boot. Just smartas they said.
A little retro doesn't hurt
In the interior I was impressed. The Skoda stylists did their best to make us feel like we were in a sports car. Moreover, the interior design refers to the trends of the 70s, which I really liked. The leather seats are ribbed, and we can order them in two different stitching options, a more interesting red stitching and a more muted grey. Strongly contoured sides provide good lateral support, but the integrated headrests can be a little low for the tallest people - they fit me, although I'm 1,86 m tall. The steering wheel is also sheathed in leather, in some places there is imitation of genuine leather. carbon - for example on the door or around the gear lever. Since this is the top version of the Octavia, the level of equipment is also high. It includes, among other things, a Bluetooth kit, a black-and-white Maxi-Dot display between the clocks, dual-zone air conditioning with an AQS sensor, a photochromic rearview mirror, heated and folding power side mirrors, cruise control, and more. However, we definitely want to add at least PLN 2 for an Amundsen navigation system with a preloaded map of Europe and a 600″ screen, but the newer version of this system, the Columbus with an 5,8-inch display, is the best deal here.
It all looks cool, but as soon as we move or start touching something, it suddenly dawns on us why a car that looks like this - and probably drives - is relatively inexpensive. The doors like to creak when moving, as do some of the other elements on the center console. It seems to me that everything is because of these “carbon” inserts, which, apparently, are made of plastic that does not fit well. I would definitely have preferred a little less sport and a little more class which would have given me a better fit with the cockpit elements. Overall, I feel good here and am a fan of the RS seats, but I'm missing something.
Come on RS!
Anyone who does not know what RS means in the ranks of Skoda will be shocked, to say the least. Its latest version is also the most powerful production Octavia ever to drive on Earth. The manufacturer also advertises with such words, but it looks pale compared to other cars with the same designation. Of course, we are talking about brothers from the Volkswagen concern - Audi in RS versions. Unfortunately, these are at least 4-5 times more expensive than our Skoda, so there is nothing to compare with. If we had hundreds of thousands on our account, we would not talk about Skoda. At best, when it comes to introducing it into the company's fleet.
The heart of the Octavia RS is the 2.0 turbocharged engine, a typical configuration for high-speed cars in this class. Larger engines can only be afforded in the premium segment, because the excise tax on units with a volume of more than 2 liters is several times higher. Therefore, it no longer surprises anyone how much manufacturers, not to mention tuners, can squeeze out of smaller engines. Our villain puts out 220 hp. at 4500 rpm and 350 Nm of torque in the range of 1500-4400 rpm. The engine can operate in several modes, from Eco to sports, but it is for the latter that we buy a sports car. However, after starting the engine, something went wrong. Under the hood is an inline two-liter engine, and it gurgles like an American V6. The sound is certainly cool, but leaves a certain disgust. Well, you can't hear anything like that outside the car - the bass hum comes straight from the speakers. While I had no problem with this in the Volkswagen Golf GTD because it sounded good on the outside too, here the sound is so unnatural and so loud it's tasteless. I couldn't turn it off either, so we're doomed to pretend we're not.
And yet the engine is protected. Skoda is confidently moving forward. So much so that a quick start cannot be carried out without the intervention of the traction control system, and when it is turned off, the wheels spin happily during acceleration. However, you must remember that we reach 100 km / h in 6 seconds, which can quickly cause trouble for inattentive people. On slippery surfaces, you definitely need to be more careful with speed, because you don’t always feel it, and late braking on wet pavement can be a little further than we expected. The protruding rear of the car is a little heavy, so Skoda Octavia RS He likes to spin the wheels too often - although the main culprit here is the high torque transmitted to the front axle. An important element of the Octavia RS is also a multi-link suspension, which is not available in weaker versions. In this way, we have achieved very precise cornering, and additional levels of grip are provided by the electronically controlled XDS differential lock. Even at higher speeds we feel confident, but the sporty Skoda has gained over 100kg in weight compared to the 1.8L version. The curb weight of 1445 kg is definitely striking.
TSI engines are ideal for the needs of the driver. When you don't need all the power, you can easily drop down to 6L/100km in the open. In the city, you can even drive at 8 l/100 km, but values close to 10 l/100 km are more realistic. However, when you want to use the power, go a little crazy, accelerate and brake hard - you have to consider an increase in fuel consumption of about 12-13 l / 100 km. If the DSG transmission had an additional seventh gear, the fuel consumption figures would be even better, but they deserve a lot of praise anyway. An engine with more than 200 hp, which is already enough for 5-6 l / 100 km? Path!
About the book and cover
In this way, Skoda Octavia RS this is definitely a car that evokes emotions. For every day it will be an ordinary family car, but if desired, it can show who is in charge here. And if her strength is not enough to win, your opponent will definitely not be so easy with her. At the first acquaintance with some elements, this can be slightly annoying or completely annoying. But the more time you spend behind the wheel, the more you'll love it - until you fall in love completely. Yes, it creaks here and there. It's not the most powerful car on the market. But if you're going to jump to conclusions, wait a minute. Take a ride with the newest generation and give your opinions later. You don't have to like it, but the chances are high that it might. That's why it's worth giving it a chance.
Skoda Octavia RS as a top model it is the most expensive model on offer. You will leave the showroom for 107 zlotys, but for the version with a DSG gearbox you will have to pay an additional 200 zlotys. A trial copy, including the Challenge RS and Traveler Assistant packages, costs PLN 8. We'll buy a Volkswagen Golf R a little more expensive, although the GTI is more likely to be a direct competitor. The Seat Leon Cupra, of course, is comparable in price and quality - even the most powerful, 141-horsepower version may be affordable for potential Skoda Octavia RS buyers. There will be other hot hatches competing, but which one is more practical? Which sports sedan or liftback costs less than zlotys? zloty? If you can't decide whether to buy a sports car or a family car, the Skoda Octavia RS could be the answer to your problem.
