2008 Skoda Octavia RS review
February 2, 2008 by Karl Peskett
This is all good news for buyers, as the Golf GTI rates as one of my all time favourite cars. And even better than that, the Octavia RS is more practical. There’s a smidge more room for rear seat passengers, but the boot – created by turning a sedan into a hatchback – is massive. But isn’t that going to hinder its balance?
No, not at all. Because it carries around 60kgs more than the GTI it’s a tad more understeery, but we’re talking miniscule increments here and it’s only evident above eight 10ths, when the GTI is out of its league too. The Octavia RS does weigh less than the Jetta though, and it’s a bit sharper and more focussed too. So really, you’re getting the best of both worlds.
The suspension tune is typical of Volkswagen. Body control is tight, bumps are smothered. It is firm, but it’s strikes a good balance with comfort, so your mother-in-law will actually enjoy coming along for a drive. If you want her to…
The yellow of the test car shouts its credentials, but really, only the brightness of the colour makes this apparent. The overall design of the Octavia is a bit subdued, even with the larger wheels and spoiler kit, so a black version of the RS would be more of a sleeper.
DDP^^^^
AlfaRomeo EVERY single time, class, history, pedigee, looks etc etc
Need i go on?
Cheers,
F-0
DDP Says:
January 7th, 2009 at 12:04 pm
The Skoda’s only downfall is back up (at present, move are afoot to do it through VW as well though that can still be limiting) Passat would come into the frame for me, but value for money and equipment levels I couldn’t go pass Mondeo Hatch. Especially now as teh MB is being released, the MA diesels are great buying. 527litre boot space in a Hatch opening is great and although the badge snobs would rule it out because of the blue oval, it is on equal footing with Passat, Laguna and C5 in Europe. $10K less than an equivalent Passat, a little less power but a little better economy.
Alfa will give you a grin whilst driving but kill your back as stated above.
All the cars are good so happy hunting ;)
Frugalone and Frontman.
Alfa – what a joke. They keep breaking down. Unreliable. Resales are horrendous. Overpriced wogg wankcar. Knew a guy with a GTA 147, transmission just ripped off and Ateco would’nt fix it under warranty. Have to change their timing belts every 40k! Selena oil every 5k, and it costs a bomb to fix and service.
FORD? Full Of Rust and Dents! Just wait for the recalls like the explorer. Was at my mechanics and this guy had to replace his front suspension twice! they just collapse! Not even covered by recall/warranty. Yank garbage.
A nice looking car, I really want to take one for a test drive and now that ive been told its got a VW GTI engine inside ill be taking that test drive very soon! I think its also a great looking family car; Its got the right shape and body and looks very sporty if you ask me!. Great work skoda – I hope it performs aswell as it looks!!! :)