2008 Skoda Octavia Reviews

Ewan Kennedy reviews the second and third generation Skoda Octavia sedan and wagon as a used buy.

Skoda was once cheap, bland little cars built behind the Iron Curtain.They failed to get any traction here and vanished from the market almost as fast as they arrived, and no one cared. Today's Skodas are a far cry from those old models. Skoda is one of the many brands now part of the broad portfolio of VW and the cars reflect the quality and sophistication of the go-ahead German carmaker.VW launched the Skoda brand here in 2007 with the release of the Roomster and the Octavia. The Octavia was based on the VW Jetta and was built with the same quality as its VW cousin. Skoda was positioned as a more affordable brand relative to the VW range, and it came in two practical body styles, a sedan and a wagon that offers families a real alternative to an SUV. There were three levels in the range, the Ambiente, the Elegance and the RS, with a range of petrol and diesel engines, and manual and auto transmissions, all from the VW parts bin.TECHNOLOGYThere were three petrol engines, a 2.0-litre four, a 1.8-litre turbocharged four and a 2.0-litre turbo four. The non-turbo engine put out 110 kW and 200 Nm and delivered a smooth driving experience. For a little more zip there was the 1.8-litre turbo unit that punched out 118 kW and 250 Nm, while the 2.0-litre upped the ante to 147kW and 280Nm in the sporty RS. If fuel economy was your want the diesels were the way to go. The 1.9-litre engine produced 77kW and 250Nm while the 2.0-litre boasted 103kW and 320Nm. The transmission choices included 5 and 6-speed manuals, a conventional six-speed auto, and a six-speed DSG.Most models were front-wheel drive, but the Elegance and Ambiente could also be had as an AWD wagon. Ambiente models came standard with air, MP3 compatible sound, leather steering wheel, trip computer, cruise and a full-sized spare. Tick the Elegance box and you picked up larger alloys, premium sound, auto headlamps, rain-sensing wipers and climate control air. At the head of the pack the RS had even bigger alloys, firmer suspension, heated front seats and an alarm.IN THE SHOPPrecious little feedback has been received from Octavia owners, which suggests they're a happy lot. It's also a reflection of the fact the company is owned by VW and the cars are built in VW-owned and run factories with the same production standards. Ask for evidence confirming regular maintenance , and take a close look for possible crash repairs.IN A CRASHAll models were well equipped with active safety features, including ABS brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, traction control and electronic stability control. They also had a comprehensive array of passive features, including front, side and head airbags. ANCAP rated the Ambiente at four stars when it was tested.AT THE PUMPThe turbo diesel engines delivered the best economy in the range with the 1.9-litre engine averaging 6.1L/100km and the 2.0-litre unit averaging 6.4L/100km. Averaging 8.5L/100km the 2.0-litre normally aspirated engine was the thirstiest of the bunch. Meanwhile the turbocharged petrol engines averaged 7.7 L/100 km (1.8- litre) and 7.3 L/100 km (2.0-litre) respectively.Price new: $30,990 to $39,490AT A GLANCEEngines: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder petrol, 110 kW/200 Nm, 1.8-litre turbo 4-cylinder petrol, 118 kW/250 Nm, 2.0-litre turbo 4-cylinder petrol, 147 kW/280 Nm, 1.9-litre 4-cylinder turbo diesel, 77 kW/250 Nm, 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo diesel, 103 kW/320 NmTransmissions: 5-speed manual, 6-speed manual, six-speed auto, six- speed DSG. FWD, AWDBodies: 4-door sedan, wagonVariants: Ambiente, Elegance, RSSafety: 4-star ANCAP.VERDICTSolid, practical family transport in a value-for-money package.RATING4 stars.

The Czech-built Octavia RS has been enlivened with a new diesel engine.Engines Until now, the sports orientated RS lift back and wagon only came packing a turbocharged 2-litre 147kW four-cylinder petrol motor, combined with a six-speed manual transmission .That's all about the change.Buyers looking at reducing their fuel bill can now opt for a performance-orientated Octavia RS TDi with a frugal 2-litre common rail turbo diesel - coming from Skoda's parent, Volkswagen which has also fitted it, in various states of tune, to the Tiguan, Golf, Passat and Jetta.In the Golf it develops 103kW, but in the Octavia RS there's a much healthier 125kW to play with and as such is the most powerful diesel offered by Skoda to date. There's a choice of a six-speed manual or for the first time, an optional six-speed VW sourced dual clutch `manu-matic’ (DSG) - something we have already seen throughout the VW family.From February, the automatic DSG will also be offered in the petrol RS; the 2009 update for both petrol and diesel models also brings audio controls and paddle shifting on the steering wheel.Styling It's not all good news though: the bland styling of the RS Octavia is now four years old and it shows, but it's Down Under duty has been extended by Skoda until the third quarter of next year when it will be replaced with a heavily face lifted version showing a much stronger styling to match its sporty persona.Transmissions While future bread and butter Octavia models will next year feature a seven-speed DSG, the RS will retain the six-speeder because the seven wasn't designed for a high torque engine.Pricing The diesel version of RS went on sale this week, sharply priced at $39,490 for the manual lift back and $41,790 for the DSG manual/auto. That's a $2000 premium over the petrol version. The diesel wagon starts at $41,490, with the DSG priced at $43,790.Equipment Standard kit on the diesel RS includes lowered suspension with stiffer spring ratings, stability control, 18-inch alloys, boot spoiler, sports seats and pedals, three-spoke leather steering wheel and go-fast looking red-painted brake calipers.Safety Safety gear includes six airbags, active front head rests, anti lock brakes with electronic brake pressure distribution and traction control.DRIVING A few years ago, if you mentioned the words `diesel’ and `sports’ in the same sentence people thought you were, well, balmy.But as a succession of European brands has shown in more recent times you can successfully marry an oil burner with enough performance to raise your blood pressure. Call it the smile factor, and Skoda's RS TDi leaves you grinning.The stop watch aptly tells the story here; the 2-litre diesel, at 8.4 seconds, is just 1.1 seconds slower from zero to 100km/h than its 2-litre turbo petrol RS cousin; not shabby at all considering acceleration from a standing start has traditionally been a diesel's downfall. Remarkably, if you believe Skoda's specification list, the diesel mysteriously weighs up to 40kg less than the petrol version which may explain why the sprint times are so close.OK, the petrol engine does win out on terminal speed at 240km/h against the diesel's mere 225km/h but, as any copper will tell you, that's an irrelevant yardstick nowadays.Where the diesel excels - and should appeal to green-at-heart family buyers - is on fuel economy and exhaust emissions: the diesel is rated at 5.9l/100km; the petrol can only manage 8.1l/100km. The diesel, thanks to its particulate filter is cleaner too, producing 155g of CO2 at the tailpipe per kilometre; the petrol is rated at 193g/km.But stat sheets are one thing; driving the RS TDi is another and, not surprisingly, it doesn't disappoint, on both the road and racetrack.Adding common rail technology to the new engine (instead of the single point Pumpe Duse system in the old engine) has substantially reduced noise and vibration levels to a point, at times, you have to think whether you are driving a diesel or petrol. Looking for a badge on the boot won't help either - there's nothing to tell the diesel from the petrol apart from engine noise at idle.The diesel still shows a lot of turbo lag which is annoying if you want to press on, and there's a degree of predictable understeer to contend from this front wheeler with a lot of weight over its front axle. But the RS shows a wonderfully balanced chassis and refinement which adds to the driving enjoyment.The RS doesn't provide wild child performance; but it will satisfy most drivers. It's a solid, quality built car offering plenty of value for money.What the RS lacks is a styling package which has the ability to turn heads - painting the brake calipers bright red and adding a mild aero kit doesn't cut it - which neatly sums up Skoda's problems in getting attention in this country as it tries to reestablish the brand.

Be prepared: it's the motto of the Scouting movement and could just as easily be applied to the Scout, Skoda's entry into the compact sports utility vehicle market.Based on the Octavia 4x4 wagon, the Scout is aimed at those who want a refined yet rugged vehicle with the practicality of a station wagon. That is, a model that is prepared for almost anything.The Octavia Scout 4x4 has been developed to be as happy on the street as it is in mud, sand, snow, or on gravel.Key to this flexibility lies in its second-generation Haldex clutch, which allows power to be transferred between the front and rear wheels when it is required, reacting faster than the first generation mechanism giving better traction on loose surfaces.And with 180mm ground clearance and 17in Proteus alloy wheels, there's little terrain that can stop it in its tracks.Power to the wheels comes from the tried and tested Volkswagen 2 litre TDI turbo-diesel engine with particulate filter as standard producing 103kW of power and 320Nm of torque via a six-speed manual transmission.Acceleration from zero to 100km/h is a claimed 10.2 seconds, with a top speed of 197km/h.The Scout is said to use 6.6 litres of fuel per 100km (43 miles per gallon) on the combined urban/highway cycle from a 60 litre tank and put out 178g of carbon dioxide per kilometre.It will tow a trailer with brakes up to 1600kg, 650kg without.At 4581mm, the Scout is 9mm longer than the standard Octavia 4x4 wagon and is 15mm wider and 17mm higher at 180mm, making the ground clearance 40mm greater than the two-wheel drive Octavia.It also looks very different from its sibling with chunky bumpers at the front and rear, moulded side protective strips and profiled door sills, all giving greater protection for the bodywork.Black roof rails reinforce the practical nature of the vehicle, as do circular fog lamps below the headlights.Protective wheel-arch strips, unique kick plates on the front door sills and sump guards below the front and rear bumpers are all standard. A four-spoke multifunction steering wheel, gear lever and handbrake are trimmed in leather, while special seat fabric and a grab handle on the dashboard ahead of the passenger seat are unique to the SUV.The wagon gets a swag of standard equipment including heated front seats, dual zone air-con, electronic stability control, six airbags, rear acoustic parking sensors, cruise control, twin chrome exhausts and unique Scout touches throughout the cabin.And the generous 580 litres of rear cargo space can be increased to 1620 litres with both back seats folded flat.Cargo can be anchored down by means of an expandable net and a privacy cover retracts at a single touch.During a drive in the Victorian Alps over bitumen, gravel and in mud, the Scout proved to be all it claimed and more.As well as producing a comfortable ride under sometimes trying conditions, the car never once lost its footing.The cabin was welcoming and quiet, with little intrusive engine sound, and minimal road and wind noise even at the legal speed limit.Altogether it's a surprisingly functional and smart package which, at a starting price of $39,990, takes it right up to rivals for value and versatility.Options include Columbus satellite navigation ($2490) and the usual additions such as sunroof ($1730) Alacantara and leather seats ($2490), xenon headlights ($1730) and front park distance control ($490).The Scout could suffer some initial sales resistance due to the fact there is no automatic gearbox on offer.But it is already on a winner with former world surfing champion and Gold Coast resident Mark Ochilupo about to take delivery of one as a Skoda ambassador. 

It's official; the middle-size car segment has the best buying not only now, but very probably in our history. No, really.Mazda's unprecedented price cut of what remains the class-leading Mazda6 last week made what was already a keenly priced car a downright bargain.But some people just can't be told. For example, the life-saving virtues of electronic stability programs are known to all who can read, yet they buy the relentlessly average Toyota Corolla — in which ESP is not so much an option.Yet cars of this size are selling over the slightly bigger models that are on the whole safer, as or more fuel efficient, faster, better equipped and — as of this week — cheaper even than small-medium hatchbacks in their own brand's stable.Moreover, the three you see here not only undercut many European models, they're demonstrably better in most respects than those priced up to three times as much.It's new ...Honda Accord EuroPrice: $32,990-$44,990Compared to the sleek first gen Euro, the newly launched model looks a bit ungainly; a bit too American. Incrementally bigger than the first gen model, it starts around a grand cheaper.Can't remember the wacky acronym Honda coined for the steering, but it does feel more even. A more rigid, lower-set body contributes to a flattish cornering stance, so the Euro is now even better when pushing on. So too is the ride/handling compromise, even through the top model's low profile 18-inch rubber.This dynamism is no mean feat, given that the Euro is far heavier than the first gen car, indeed roughly equal to the Thai-built V6 (non-”Euro”) Accord. Not quite sure how Honda justifies the 130kg kerb weight gain across the range, or how they can claim with a straight face that economy has been improved.Lard stifles the top spec five-speed auto Luxury Navi. In practice you need to engage Sport mode to prevent its 1605kg plus passengers lagging on hills. A typically slickHonda six-speed manual would make a good deal more of the still peaky 2.4-litre four cylinder petrol engine's slightly increased output (148kW/234Nm) and give the Euro some hope of attaining the sub-9L/100km claim.Those extra millimetres are appreciated within, where its comfier now, though tall rear-seat passengers wouldn't fancy it over the long haul.Nor would the driver want upright citizens there — rear vision is already badly restricted.The Navi model gets a reversing camera and you wouldn't fancy backing in a Euro without one.But we'd buy ...Mazda6Price: $27,990-$42,990Now this is how to reinvent an already excellent model.Readers will by now be familiar with the virtues of a car that is better, stronger and faster than its much-admired predecessor.Only four months since its launch, Mazda has sliced the price, from $1750 in the base model Limited sedan up to $3920 off the top-spec Luxury Sport hatch — those who have already bought get free servicing by way of compensation. So not only is the Mazda the more stylish object and more engaging drive, it undercuts the Euro by as much as $5K.Given its breadth of dynamic and practical abilities and that the safety equipment and drivetrain are identical to the top-priced car, the base model is surely the best buy in any segment.Indeed, the 6 also undercuts the top versions of the smaller Mazda3, so you can have a bigger car that's actually more fuel efficient and safer, for less money than the best-selling privately purchased car in Australia.It's a no brainer, the only caveat being that the 6 needs 98 RON to do what it does.And don't forget...Skoda Octavia Elegance 1.8 TFSIPrice: From $30,990God, I love reminding Audiphiles that its Czech cousin in the Volkswagen Group stable packs the same superb engine for $20K less. Always gets a rise, that does.    So no apologies for including a car that for now comes only with a six-speed manual.The turbo-charged direct injection engine is a generation ahead of the atmo power plants offered in the 6 and the Euro. And the arrival next year of a seven-speed version of the twin-clutch DSG will imbue the Skoda with a drivetrain sophistication that the Japanese do not approach.The Octavia's 118kW/250Nm output appears modest, but it grabs all that torque from a diesel-like 1500rpm. An additional $1840 provides 17s and sports suspension, making for a quite discrete and thoroughly enjoyable driver's car.At 1425kg the Octavia is hardly heavier than the VW Golf, on which it's based, and so boasts class-leading petrol consumption of 7.7L/100km — more than a litre better than the Honda and 0.7 under the 6. 

A slightly more rugged version of an already highly capable family wagon. Skoda's Octavia Scout is a mildly ballsier version of the Octavia load-lugger, the mainstay car for central European families that is still rare enough here as to be almost exotic.Punting one for several hundred kilometres from Prague into the Austrian Alps was to appreciate that given Skoda's place in the Volkswagen Group, the Scout could also be a fantastically cheaper take on Audi's $100K-plus Allroad.The Scout is raised 20mm over the standard issue Octavia, given grey plastic protective panels to denote extra-urban intent and equipped with on demand all-wheel-drive.If it lacks the Outback's genuine, if limited bush-bashing ability, the Scout has something Australian issue Subarus conspicuously lack — a diesel donk. To wit, the doughty 2.0-litre four pot oiler with 103kW/320Nm shoves along VW group cars from the Golf to Audi's A4. Also unlike the Outback, the Scout has ample room for backseat passengers taller than 170cm. Luggage space with these people in place is 560 litres and more than 1500 with the seats folded flat.But this version of the four-year-old Octavia comes our way with a six-speed-manual as the sole transmission. Those not appalled by the notion of changing gears for themselves, however, will delight in the easy action of gearstick and clutch.Though this version 2.0 TDI is being surpassed in VW Group autos by a more powerful unit, there's little reason to complain about the fat torque curve that becomes yours from about 1750rpm. The mid-range urge is such that changing down is not always necessary for overtaking as we segue along the freeways and on to B-roads.Czech road surfaces approach our own for coarseness, so little wonder the Skodas we've seen out our way deal with NSW's crude tracks with almost native aplomb.The Scout's more generous suspension travel only enhances an already impressive ride.Open road cruising gets the best from any diesel and even at 160km/h in top gear, the rev counter is barely north of 3000rpm. Save for wind-whistle off the big wing mirrors, occupants aren't audibly aware of its rapid progress.Noise, vibration and harshness are absent, testament to Skoda build quality and a hint of the reliability that independent surveys rate as second only to Lexus. The Octavia range rides on Mark V Golf underpinnings and if the Skoda's interior is a little less polished, it is a happy meeting of comfort and function.After 550km on freeways and B-roads, not quite two thirds of the juice in the 55-litre tank is gone -a ringing endorsement of Skoda's decision to make Australian spec Scouts diesel only. This confirms the suitability of diesel for our wide open spaces and damns oil companies for ruthless mark-ups at the bowsers.Skoda's Scout will be at the Sydney motor show and then go on sale. SKODA OCTAVIA SCOUTPrice: $40,000 (estimated)Engine: 2L/4-cylinder turbo diesel 103kW/320NmTransmission: 6-speed manual, all-wheel-driveEconomy: 6.5L/100km 

There might well be a great deal of laughter when I suggest Skoda has thrown down a challenge to the likes of BMW, Mercedes and Audi. They should fear a little the return of Skoda to Australian shores.Certainly, Skoda earned a second-rate reputation when it was last here in the 1980s, but times have changed with this brand as it begins to make a new mark Down Under. Skoda offers what those prestige brands cannot - high standard at a competitive price.Luxury at a reduced rate, that's a key to Skoda's success.And the oil-burning Octavia wagon ought be smack bang at the top of the-cars-to-consider list for those with a budget in mind but a big appetite for features. First, the two-litre turbodiesel, four-cylinder engine - which produces 103kW of power and 320Nm of torque - uses just 6.4 litres of diesel every 100km.It does sound a little agricultural, but there's plenty to like about the seat-slinging kick of this engine and its want to just keep on pulling. The automatic DSG gearbox - my favourite transmission, supplied from Volkswagen - is proof that the parent company has not brushed aside the Czech-based carmaker.While I cringe at the cheap looking Pontiac-like grilles and front ends of the Skoda, this wagon, overall, does not look too bad.The Octavia TDi touring, at $37,790, is a solid and honest wagon, with ample Euro flare and enough class that it is worthy of being a ‘budget' buy for those wanting to keep up with the Joneses.While it is no BMW, Mercedes or Audi, and for some it won't compare with the French and Italian offerings in the segment, Skoda Octavia will have appeal based on price.  

Skoda returned to Australia last October with a range of well-equipped models. They are not essentially bad cars, borrowing bits from Volkswagen's huge buying power, but the execution has perhaps not been as perfect as it could have and the pricing in certain offerings leaves us a bit cold.We drove several models, both the basic Ambiente trim and Elegance.Basic trim levels are good with reasonable features, while Elegance adds a comprehensive list of extras including auto lights, auto wipers, reversing sensors, cruise control, faux carbon fibre trim and trip computer. Our test cars included the basic models up to the RS.You can also add various options such as those added to the Elegance sedan that blow the price out. It was tuned with sports suspension, had a wheel package added, satnav and a sunroof which took the normal $33,290 price up to more than $45,000.For all the froth and bubble, the bottom line is that on first appraisal the Octavia, in its many forms, feels like a $25,000 car.Allowing for all the kit, the Elegance sedan really is over-the-odds on price.This German-owned Czech brand remains hobbled by a fair degree of invisibility to most potential buyers.Now we may be wrong but in this mid-sized segment which the Japanese own through the Toyota Camry/Aurion and the Mazda6, Skoda would hardly register on the radar.Allowing for all that the Octavia does have redeeming features. The liftback model is very versatile. Fold the rear seats flat and there's enough room for furniture. The boot alone is 560 litres and pumps out to a whopping 1420 litres with the seat down.The warranty is a respectable three years/unlimited kilometres with roadside assist and service every 15,000km.All transmissions are smooth but the six-speed automatic direct shift gearbox (DSG), direct from VW and Audi is the pick of them.The two-litre petrol engine is a bit of a screamer, and both turbo-diesels have annoying initial lag, then a substantial boost from just off idle that tugs at the steering wheel. The 1.9-litre diesel runs out of breath a little early, while the 2-litre pulls further up the rev range.While the ride is quite compliant even with the optional firmer suspension, there are seemingly ever-present traces of engine, suspension and road noise filtering into the cabin.The front-wheel drivers have crisp handling, although there is a little more understeer on the diesels with their heavier steel engines up front. The interior is quite smart, and everywhere you look there are switches and buttons and dials from the Audi and VW spare parts bin. Nothing wrong with that either.Fuel economy on our tests was close to the claimed figures for each model, even though we gave some a few spirited charges.Apart from awareness, the biggest issue Skoda has with the Octavia, which incidentally is coming to the end of its model life with an all-new car coming next year, is price. It does not seem to be right.And while there is a little bit of an improvement at both ends of the range — the 1.9-litre diesel and Octavia RS wagon — there still seems to be something missing from the menu.Yes, it has a bit more grunt and is a little bit flashy here and there but it remains a little soft compared with a hot Audi or VW.While they were all a pleasurable drive, there was a distinct lack of wow factor.Even the RS seemed a little tame to be sporting such a badge. Nothing really hits you in the face in terms of flash badging in the cabin, either.In fairness the RS wagon is a tidy package for a tick under $40,000 and a whole lot cheaper than buying a turbo Audi A4 wagon.If you have your hearts set on one you can do a lot worse.But then there is the issue of resale down the track.What price you will get in two years is anyone's guess, although the diesel models are bound to attract better residuals.

So the fact that it's among the best value cars of any type to be had in a market that's fairly glutted by choice is known to but a few. The top model Octavia mid-size car is not so much a slightly cheaper alternative to Volkswagen's Jetta, with which it shares drivetrains and underpinnings, but a bargain Audi A4.Yet closing in on six months since the venerable VW-owned Czech marque was reintroduced through limited outlets, the merits of the two model line-up are whispered between the knowing and the wise.If motor hacks aren't necessarily among the latter, we generally know a good thing when we see it. While in the case of the Roomster — an unorthodox sort of hatchback/people-mover crossover — it's a case of looking hard, the diesel version was one of the most pleasant surprises of 2007.As for the Octavia, it's more a question of looking for the wood among the trees, so varied is the line-up. Try 16 of them, with a choice of five engines (two diesel), three transmissions, three trim and spec levels and two shapes (wagon and sedan/hatch) priced from $29,990 to $39,490 plus options.And, when manual-matic DSG transmissions become available for the petrol cars later this year, that list will top 20. Essentially there's an Octavia to suit most purposes, from the doughty and dutiful entry-level 1.9-litre turbodiesel to the sportiest wagon for anything like the money.The latter is the one designated RS. Our other favourite Octavia runs the newish 118kW/250Nm 1.8-litre direct injection turbo petrol engine.In wagon or hatchback format (the so-called sedan's rear lid hinges at the roof), it deserves consideration with everything from the same engined Audi A3 to the new Mazda6.But it's hard to the go past the RS that uses the engine and manual transmission from the Golf GTI, especially when it exerts the lure of the electric blue wagon we borrowed earlier this month.While Skoda plans a threefold expansion of its dealer network in 2008, a more immediate solution to the prevailing anonymity would be to drive them around a bit. We hadn't so much as reached the exit of Skoda's Botany bunker before the first passers-by asked just what it was.Later, parked hard by our Holt St offices, the hourly duck downstairs to foil the City of Sydney's rapacious parking plods led to more questions from a procession of colleagues.To and froing along Parramatta Rd and the Far From Great Western Highway was almost to constitute a public menace, so obviously were the eyes of other motorists straying in the Skoda's direction.The unkind might suggest that this was down to mystification rather than fixation, but the RS wagon — slightly lowered, with its silver roof rails, discrete sportif touches and enigmatic badging — is discreetly attractive.Inside, the cost-saving measures as compared to the Jetta are evident to the extent that there are no metal accents around the controls or damping in the grab handles. So what?Skoda holds Top Gear magazine's manufacturer of the year award and in European reliability surveys the Czechs are usually bettered only by the likes of Lexus. Volkswagen would like to rate so well.The RS ambience is bolstered by seats in two-tone cloth/leather. The front pews are excellent — both comfortable and supportive — and the driver's seat is highly adjustable, as is the steering wheel.Whereas a Golf's instruments are lit in blue, the Octavia's illuminate in the same green as its arrow badge.A sportwagon though it is, it's also a highly practical device, with 560litres space in the back, and 1400 with the rear seats folded flat.The best part of the RS, though, is in what it shares with the GTI. Apart from the active/passive safety package that guarantees a five-star crash safety rating, there's the superb 2.0-litre direct injection turbo four and that sweet shifting manual transmission.Though at 1400kg unladen it's 60kg heavier than the VW and a good deal bigger, the RS loses surprisingly little to the extraordinarily accomplished GTI. The same driver would be hard put driving the Octavia through the same twisting roads quite so sharply as the Golf, but the Skoda is the more predictable and forgiving device, even if the feel through the steering wheel is not so true.There's slightly more compliance to the Skoda's ride, but also a surety about the tautened suspension that's enjoyable even before the grip of the standard 18-inch rubber is tested.At freeway speeds there's some booming in the elongated glasshouse and the road rumble is not so effectively suppressed as it is by VW.The upside is the tasty note of that turbo-charged engine is more audible.If the RS is in essence a gussied up front-wheel-drive family lugger, there's nothing half-baked about its execution. Less tangibly, there's also the perception of driving something that only those who know will recognise as a clever choice.Much the same sense, in fact, as was conveyed by the GTI before it become almost ubiquitous. But don't tell anyone. It's a secret. The bottom lineThe best value, most fun wagon for anything like the dough.