I really like wagons, however I quick wagons much more.

I very practically purchased a previous-gen Skoda Octavia RS Wagon a number of years in the past, however discovering my perfect specification (a totally optioned RS 245 in Rallye Inexperienced) meant spending much more than Golf GTI cash, therefore why I ended up with the VW.

Whereas they might look utterly completely different, there’s lots in widespread between Volkswagen’s sizzling hatchback and this Czech efficiency wagon, notably beneath the pores and skin.

Of their present iterations, each the Octavia RS and Golf GTI experience on the Volkswagen Group’s MLB evo front-wheel drive structure, working the EA888 2.0 TSI turbocharged petrol engine tuned to ship 180kW of energy and 370Nm of torque.

Each have electro-mechanical limited-slip differentials on the entrance axle to assist get the ability down, and each come as customary with a quick-shifting seven-speed DSG computerized transmission – in Australia, no less than…

As of late the Skoda has fewer and fewer rivals – Volkswagen is axing wagons on the finish of this yr, and Peugeot is killing off the petrol-powered 508 Sportswagon (SW).

Actually, the one pure competitor at this worth is the Subaru WRX Sportswagon, which options customary all-wheel drive, and past that you should begin one thing like an Audi A4 Avant 45 TFSI quattro (from $76,734).

Does that depart the Octavia RS Wagon because the default possibility for the choose few consumers wanting a sensible household wagon with some go-fast vibes?

How a lot does the Skoda Octavia RS value?

At $57,490 drive-away, the Skoda Octavia RS Wagon is the costliest variant of the model’s fashionable nameplate in Australia.

The Octavia Wagon instructions a $1500 premium over the equal Liftback in all specs, which presently has dwindled down to simply two variants. Over the bottom Type, the RS is $15,000 dearer.

You may get the Subaru WRX Sportswagon from $50,990 earlier than on-road prices, although the mid-spec GT is arguably the equal spec to this Octavia RS and priced from $56,490 plus on-roads – or about $62,000 drive-away in Victoria.

Volkswagen is closing new orders of the Golf R Wagon following affirmation of its axing in Australia, and it was priced from $71,990. Cupra is mulling the Leon Sportstourer wagon for Australia, although it’s unconfirmed and we don’t know which variants would come Down Below – the 228kW VZx 4Drive shapes as a goer if it does, and would begin nearer to $70,000.

If you need load-lugging functionality however can abdomen an SUV, the Cupra Ateca ($68,990 D/A) and VW Tiguan R Grid ($71,295 D/A) supply comparable passenger and boot area in addition to extra highly effective engines with AWD.

2023 Skoda Octavia pricing:

• Skoda Octavia 110TSI Type: $40,990
• Skoda Octavia 110TSI Type Wagon: $42,490
• Skoda Octavia RS: $55,990
• Skoda Octavia RS Wagon: $57,490

All costs are drive-away

What’s the Skoda Octavia RS like on the within?

The outdated Octavia was typically described as a less expensive feeling relative to the Golf inside, nevertheless it’s the opposite manner round now.

The place the Mk8 Golf has taken a step again in materials high quality and presentation in comparison with the Mk7, the Octavia now seems like a match for its German cousin whereas additionally nonetheless being a step ahead in comparison with its predecessor.

Our optioned-up tester with the Premium Pack feels extra upmarket with its diamond-quilted leather-based and suede seat upholstery, powered entrance chairs, and head-up show. It feels fairly luxurious on this spec, and whereas not low-cost at over $60,000 on the street as examined, it feels prefer it ought to value extra.

The perforated leather-based wheel feels candy within the hand, with delicate leather-based and sporty purple top-stitching to remind you that you just’re within the go-fast RS. Different touches embody the suede sprint panel and door inserts, in addition to the RS badge on the bottom spoke of the sports activities steering wheel.

Maybe my favorite inclusion is the under-thigh cushion extender, one thing solely the European manufacturers appear to do. For leggy drivers like me, the additional assist is significantly appreciated on longer journeys.

Behind the steering wheel is a ten.25-inch Digital Cockpit instrument cluster, which has a clear look and a dial design that pays tribute to Skoda’s older fashions.

You possibly can configure layouts together with a map-only show and driver help techniques, nevertheless it’s not fairly as fairly because the Audi digital cockpit. Clearly, Volkswagen is saving the perfect stuff for the premium manufacturers within the Group.

The extra spectacular show is the massive 10-inch central touchscreen, which has a row of laborious shortcut buttons beneath and a cleaner look to the interface than the Volkswagen Golf.

It’s nonetheless largely touch-based, and is usually a little convoluted to navigate, however wi-fi smartphone mirroring means that you can bypass the native system. I did expertise the odd drop-out in areas with interference, nevertheless it’s in any other case fairly good and the excessive decision makes every part look top-notch.

Whereas our tester got here with the usual eight-speaker sound system even with the non-compulsory bundle, MY24 fashions (accessible from the fourth quarter of 2023) will get a Canton premium audio system when specified with the Premium Pack. Even the bottom system is strong, with clear audio and thumping bass once you flip it up.

Being a Skoda, storage is a robust level within the Octavia.

There’s a rubberised slot forward of the shifter which holds all sizes of smartphones, a modular cupholder space, and a cubby beneath the front-centre armrest.

The door bins are giant and may match 1L bottles, and there’s a little bit bin attachment for the driving force’s door that’s a great place to throw wrappers or gum to cease cluttering the cabin with garbage.

Rear passenger area and boot area are likewise common Skoda sturdy factors, and the Octavia embodies them completely.

For what’s billed as a ‘compact’ wagon, the Octavia Wagon feels fairly giant within the rear, with heaps of room for even bigger occupants to suit comfortably, and there’s loads of area for youths and baby seats.

Facilities embody directional air vents, map pockets behind the entrance seats and USB-C charging ports behind the centre console. Choosing the Premium Pack provides a 3rd zone of local weather management in addition to heated outboard rear seats, fairly luxe!

Circling again to the youngsters, there are ISOFIX anchors on the outboard seating positions in addition to top-tether factors behind all three rear seats.

The Octavia’s boot – no matter physique model – presents segment-busting boot area that places most SUVs to disgrace.

In wagon type, there’s an enormous 640 litres with the seats up, and 1700L with them folded. For reference, a Toyota RAV4 Hybrid quotes as much as 580L with the rear seats in play. All variations of the Skoda Octavia function an area saver spare wheel.

What’s beneath the bonnet?

The Octavia RS is powered by the Volkswagen Group EA888 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, shared with the likes of the Audi S3 in addition to Volkswagen Golf GTI and R.

Within the Octavia, it runs the identical 180kW (6500rpm) and 370Nm (1600-4300rpm) tune because the Golf GTI, driving the entrance wheels by way of a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch computerized.

Skoda quotes a 0-100 time of 6.7 seconds, which is only some tenths off sizzling hatches just like the associated Golf GTI and Cupra Leon VZ (each 6.4s) with the identical engine.

Mixed gas use is listed at 6.8 litres per 100km. The Octavia is homologated to Euro 6 emissions requirements (the Australian baseline is EU5), with 95 RON premium unleaded required at least for the 50-litre gas tank.

How does the Skoda Octavia RS drive?

The place the Golf GTI or Leon VZ really feel offended and overtly sporty, the Octavia is a extra grown-up GT.

In line with its segment-busting dimensions, there’s a way of elevated dimension in comparison with its hatchback cousins.

Whereas solely a four-cylinder unit, the two.0-litre turbo makes peak torque at simply above idle, and the quick-shifting DSG computerized rifles by ratios with no interruptions to acceleration.

The Volkswagen Group has actually refined these transmissions, notably in efficiency purposes, to the purpose the place the low-speed jitters as soon as related to their dual-clutch automatics have practically completely been ironed out.

Efficiency is robust proper by the low- and mid-range, with the Octavia RS solely feeling prefer it runs out of steam because it approaches its 6000rpm redline.

The easy torque and easy shifts translate to a straightforward day by day expertise, with the Octavia simply in a position to sustain with the ebbs and flows of site visitors, with the synthesised engine notice piped by the audio system including a little bit of drama.

There’s the odd second of delay because the idle stop-start re-fires the engine as you set off once more, nevertheless it’s in any other case a easy operator.

It’s even higher on the freeway, the place it might stretch its legs and lean on its succesful chassis setup which retains you glued to the street and encourage loads of confidence.

At 100km/h the Octavia is spinning quietly at about 1800rpm in seventh, and if you should rapidly overtake it’ll knock down a few gears and hearth you on the horizon with shocking tempo. I discover that the front-wheel EA888 merchandise (i.e. Octavia RS, Golf GTI) give their strongest acceleration when already rolling.

When issues get twisty you’re greatest to flick the Octavia into Sport mode to agency every part up and prime the controls for optimum response, and it’s a reasonably enjoyable factor to punt up a backroad.

Given its bigger dimension and softer setup in comparison with one thing like a Leon VZ, this isn’t the sharpest nook carver, nevertheless it’s obtained loads of play and efficiency to have a little bit of enjoyable with out attempting to set information.

In its most centered mode the engine sound turns into extra amplified within the cabin, and it has a extra burbly and bassy tone than the faux five-cylinder noise performed in one thing like a Golf R. It’s not convincing because the pure exhaust notice that’s popping out the again, nevertheless it’s not an unattractive sound regardless.

Wind noise is fairly properly suppressed, however you do get a little bit of tyre roar over coarser surfaces. Maybe one differentiating issue between Skoda and its Volkswagen dad or mum is sound deadening, because the Golf feels higher insulated.

The Octavia can also be decked out with the most recent help techniques, headlined by the intelligent Journey Help perform that mixes adaptive cruise management, adaptive lane steering and site visitors jam help to supply basically Degree 2 autonomy on the freeway.

It’ll speed up, brake, preserve a set distance and centre you in your lane offered your palms are on the steering wheel – and it’s a contact capacitive rim so it gained’t notify you to place your palms on the wheel consistently for those who don’t put any inputs however your palms are on the wheel.

Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are helpful inclusions given the lengthy physique, and I really like the Matrix LED headlights, which intelligently gentle up the street forward with out dazzling oncoming site visitors. Plus, the adaptive high-beam strikes and bends like a cool gentle present.

What do you get?

Octavia Type highlights:

• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Area-saver spare wheel
• Matrix LED headlights
• LED fog lights with cornering perform
• LED tail lights
• LED puddle lights
• Rain-sensing window wipers
• Privateness glass
• Chrome window body surrounds
• Silver roof rails (wagon solely)
• Energy tailgate with hands-free opening
• Electrical, heated and power-folding facet mirrors
• 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit digital instrument cluster
• 10.0-inch ‘Columbus’ infotainment system
• Satellite tv for pc navigation
• Two USB-C ports
• Wi-fi Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
• 8-speaker sound system
• Wi-fi cellphone charger
• Keyless entry and push-button begin
• Twin-zone local weather management
• LED ambient inside lighting
• Leather-based-wrapped steering wheel
• Paddle shifters
• Rear door window sunshades
• Shift-by-wire gear selector
• Electrical park brake
• Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
• Material upholstery
• Energy baby locks*
• Auto-dimming mirrors*

*Out there MY24 manufacturing from This autumn 2023

Octavia RS provides:

• 19-inch alloy wheels
• Electronically locking limited-slip entrance differential
• Sports activities suspension
• Progressive steering
• Black window surrounds
• Twin exhaust suggestions
• Gloss black exterior highlights
• Auto-dimming driver’s facet mirror
• 10 airbags
• Adaptive cruise management with cease & go
• Lane Help with Adaptive Lane Steerage
• Facet Help
  • Blind-spot help
  • Rear cross-traffic alert
• DAB+ digital radio
• 5 x USB-C ports
• Drive mode selector
• Aluminium pedals
• Black cloth upholstery
• Pink distinction stitching

Choices

Premium Pack: $5400

• Dynamic Chassis Management
• Head-up show
• Heated entrance, rear seats
• Facet mirrors with reminiscence
• Passenger facet mirror tilt perform
• Suedia/leatherette upholstery
• Energy entrance seats
  • Cushion depth adjustment
  • Lumbar adjustment
  • Reminiscence perform
• Tri-zone local weather management
• Canton premium audio system*

*Out there MY24 manufacturing from This autumn 2023

Colors

Customary:

Metallic/Pearl Impact: $770

• Moon White Metallic
• Sensible Silver Metallic
• Graphite Gray Metallic
• Magic Black Pearl
• Race Blue Metallic

Premium Metallic: $1100

Is the Skoda Octavia RS protected?

The Skoda Octavia has a five-star ANCAP security score primarily based on checks performed by Euro NCAP in 2019.

It scored 92 per cent for grownup occupant safety, 87 per cent for baby occupant safety, 73 per cent for susceptible street person safety, and 79 per cent for security help.

Customary security gear consists of:

• 8 airbags incl. front-centre
• Adaptive cruise management
• Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
  • Pedestrian, Bicycle owner detection
• Driver fatigue monitoring
• Lane Help
  • Lane departure warning
  • Lane hold help
• Parking sensors entrance, rear
• Reversing digicam
• Tyre strain monitoring

Luxurious Pack (Type) provides:

• Blind-spot help with exit warning
• Emergency Help
• Lane Help incl. Adaptive Lane Steerage
• Rear cross-traffic alert

Octavia RS provides:

• 10 airbags
  • provides rear-side thorax airbags
• Adaptive cruise management
  • Cease & Go
  • Site visitors Jam Help
• Blind-spot help with exit warning
• Crew Shield Help
• Lane Help incl. Adaptive Lane Steerage
• Rear cross-traffic alert

How a lot does the Skoda Octavia RS value to run?

The Octavia, like the broader Skoda vary, is roofed by a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee.

Logbook servicing is required each 12 months or 15,000km, whichever happens first.

Skoda Australia presently presents five- and seven-year service packages. They value $2600 and $3400 respectively for the Octavia RS.

As for real-world gas consumption, we noticed an indicated 7.4 litres per 100km over every week’s price of combined driving, together with peak-hour commuting and a mix of metropolis and freeway driving.

That’s barely half a litre up on the model’s declare, and fairly spectacular given the efficiency on faucet and the very fact it was often pushed in a extra spirited method.

CarExpert’s Tackle the Skoda Octavia RS

It’s straightforward to see why the Octavia RS has such a cult following.

The quick Skoda brilliantly balances tempo and dynamism with on a regular basis consolation and practicality, in some methods higher than its better-known Golf GTI relative, in addition to a slew of different comparable vehicles for the cash.

With the non-compulsory Premium pack for simply over $60,000 on the street, the Octavia RS packs extra equipment than you’ll ever want and presents a stage of luxurious and expertise you’d usually count on of a automobile costing way more.

Actually, for those who’re contemplating one thing like an Audi A4 Avant – which with the identical engine is almost $20,000 extra – it could possibly be price taking a look on the Skoda has a wallet-friendly different. It’s all from the identical household anyway.

Gripes embody the fiddly infotainment and touch-based local weather controls, and the faux engine sound gained’t be to everybody’s tastes.

Whereas we’re right here, whereas the contents of the Premium Pack are fascinating and welcome, over $60,000 for a nameplate that was as soon as $50,000 could also be a step too far for some.

However whilst a base bundle, the Octavia RS has lots to supply. Up till lately it was cheaper than a Golf GTI which made it a cut price, and now it’s the identical worth as a Cupra Leon VZ – sporty wagon or centered sizzling hatch?

With fewer and fewer attainable wagons available on the market, not to mention high-performance ones, that is virtually shaping because the default selection.

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