Tim Robson road tests and reviews the Skoda Octavia RS 162TSI sedan with specs, fuel consumption and verdict. It's a minnow in the crowded Australian new car space, but we reckon those people who have bought into the Skoda brand don't mind being a little bit different. MORE: Read the full Skoda Octavia RS230 2016
Tim Robson road tests and reviews the Skoda Octavia RS 162TSI sedan with specs, fuel consumption and verdict.
It's a minnow in the crowded Australian new car space, but we reckon those people who have bought into the Skoda brand don't mind being a little bit different.
Sure, the cars are based heavily on content from parent company Volkswagen, but there are enough touches of individuality to set them apart from the everyday, without having to compromise on performance, handling or safety.
Is there anything interesting about its design? 8/10
Probably the most distinctive design feature on the Octavia sedan is the hatchback-esque rear tailgate, hinging from the rear of the roof to reveal a cavernous cargo space that belies its appearance.
The bluff, sharp lines of the stock car are enhanced for the RS, with the addition of a deeper, more aggressive front bumper that incorporate fog lights that also act as cornering lamps, switching on individually when the steering wheel is turned.
The driver and passenger pews are both supportive and comfortable
Bi-xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights are stock, along with LED taillights that also add a rear daytime lamp feature.
A small spoiler on the boot lid tops a unique-to-RS rear end, spoiled a little by the thoroughly modern trend of oversized exhaust tips that don't actually attach to the exhaust…
The Octavia RS is a roomy, well thought out sedan that takes the best parts of its VW masters and combines it with a few unique touches; some of which work well, while some aren't so special.
The driver and passenger pews are both supportive and comfortable, and are mounted low to the floor. The flat-bottomed three-spoke wheel is a familiar sight on VW products, as is the large colour capacitive touchscreen that wakes up as your finger approaches.
The rear 60/40 split fold seat with two ISOFIX mounts can take three grown passengers with plenty of legroom, but the Octavia sedan's sloped roofline crowds in on rear head room for taller passengers.
That rear space can take a whopping 568 litres of load with the seats up – just 20 litres less than the Octavia sedan equivalent – and 1558 litres with both seats down. That sloped roof does limit certain load shapes, but it's still an astonishing amount of easily accessible load space.
For some reason, however, Skoda's interior designers think that everyone must drink espressos or energy drinks, because all eight cup and bottle holders in the Octavia aren't large enough to take regulation-sized sports water bottles, 1.5-litre bottles or a slightly oversized coffee cup. It's a surprisingly annoying blight in an otherwise cleverly appointed car.
Does it represent good value for the price? What features does it come with? 8/10
The Octavia RS tops a three-variant model range, with the four-door six-speed manual RS 162TSI petrol sedan costing $37,890 before on-road costs.
Small door pocket rubbish bins and a rubber boot mat are uniquely Skoda additions, too.
However, the attractive sticker price is nullified somewhat when it comes to setting the RS up with a few more niceties.
A $1700 Comfort Pack nets electric heated seats, auto folding exterior mirrors and leather, while an additional $1700 Tech Pack is needed to score keyless entry, lane assist, auto parking assistant with sensors and a 10-speaker premium stereo.
As well, our tester came with the $500 Black Pack, which adds (unsurprisingly) black elements to the rims, mirrors and grille. Spend another $500 and you can score a set of 19-inch rims, as well.
Even with the extras added in, though, our $43,590 tester compares favourably with the top-end options from Mazda (Mazda6 GT, $43,990) and Subaru (Liberty 3.2, $42,490).
What are the key stats for the engine and transmission? 9/10
VW's ubiquitous EA888 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine takes pride of place under the bonnet, and is rated to 162kW at 6200rpm and 350Nm of torque that performs best between 1500 and 4400rpm.
The direct-injection four-potter also sees duty in the VW Golf GTI range as well as in various Audi products.
A well-spaced six-speed manual is offered as standard – a very rare thing in a mid-size sedan in 2016 – while a six-speed DSG with steering wheel paddles is an option.
With the RS mode button in Normal, the ride quality is excellent.
The front-wheel-drive RS runs an electronic limited slip diff, albeit not the top-end Performance version seen on other MQB-platformed cars like the Golf R.
An RS mode button allows a driver to firm up the two-stage adaptive shocks, loosen the stability control a little and sharpen both throttle and gearbox inputs, too.
How much fuel does it consume? 7/10
Rated at 6.6 litres per 100km combined, the Octavia returned 10.5L/100km according to the dash over our 360km test, falling to 8.6L/100km over a 100km inter-urban stint.
CO2 emissions are quoted at 154 grams per kilometre.
The 1417kg DSG-equipped RS prefers 98RON fuel, and runs a 50-litre fuel tank.
What's it like to drive? 9/10
The Octavia rides on a wheelbase (the distance between the front and rear wheels) that is 54mm shorter than that on the similarly-equipped Golf GTI, and that figure adds a measure of poise and stability that changes the character of the powertrain bolted to it.
Though the 162kW RS carries a 53kg weight penalty over the 162kW GTI and its 0-100km/h time of 6.9sec is 0.4sec slower, the RS imparts a more solid and settled approach to its on-road demeanour.
The progressive steering rack from the GTI carries over to the RS, which again feels more planted and mature on a slightly longer, slightly wider car.
It' s lively and entertaining, and a little unruly.
With the RS mode button in Normal, the ride quality is excellent on the 18-inch rims and 225/40 R18 Bridgestone Potenza S001 tyre set. Bumped into Sport, the RS awakens, turning into a very competent back road companion that cossets rather than challenges the driver.
The front tyres can squeak and scrabble if you're too hard on the throttle, but the overall balance of the car is right on target for its RS badge.
It's firmly sprung and tightly damped, but not unduly so, while its roll stability is excellent. It' s lively and entertaining, and a little unruly when you want it to be, and that's part of the RS's appeal.
Warranty & Safety Rating
Basic Warranty
3 years / unlimited km
warranty
ANCAP Safety Rating
What safety equipment is fitted? What safety rating? 8/10
The RS is comprehensively equipped out of the box, with nine airbags, AEB, adaptive cruise control and reversing camera. It's rated with the maximum five stars by ANCAP.
What does it cost to own? What warranty is offered? 8/10
A six-year fixed price service plan is available for the Octavia RS, totaling $2841 over the six years. Brake fluid and pollen filters aren't included in the annual service, though.
The Octavia RS takes the best bits from some of the most proven performers in the wider Volkswagen empire and combines it into a quirkily unique package that is one of the best but unheralded everyday performance buys on the Australian market.
It's not perfect – the interior packaging won't suit everyone, for example – but it's clever, unique and affordable.
Does Octavia's practicality entice you over the Golf GTI? Tell us what you think in the comments below.
Disclaimer: The pricing information shown in the editorial content (Review Prices) is to be used as a guide only and is based on information provided to Carsguide Autotrader Media Solutions Pty Ltd (Carsguide) both by third party sources and the car manufacturer at the time of publication. The Review Prices were correct at the time of publication. Carsguide does not warrant or represent that the information is accurate, reliable, complete, current or suitable for any particular purpose. You should not use or rely upon this information without conducting an independent assessment and valuation of the vehicle.
