2008 Skoda Octavia RS review
February 2, 2008 by Karl Peskett
The steering is direct, and like the Golf GTI, it’s no Clubman for feedback, but it’s still weighted to please. It responds with tiny inputs, and there’s no kickback, or torque-steer to speak of. The Octavia RS misses out on the flat bottomed wheel, but there’s still a metallised badge on the bottom spoke, and perforated leather for grip. Again, a subdued, but purposeful package.
And that comes through in the interior finish too. Using the familiar Golf switchgear for your HVAC controls, the quality is excellent. The dash and instruments are of a different design to the Golf, but everything else (stalks, satnav, window switches, etc) is pure Volkswagen. All good then.
The RS is solidly built too, with no body flex, or wobble. And when you consider you can get a wagon version for an extra $2000, the Octavia RS is a seriously good package. It will carry a shed load, but also still have enough punch to still be sporty.
The two litre motor is listed at 147kW and 280Nm, and has plenty of kick. At anything above 2000rpm, it pulls hard, and lag is almost non-existent. Plus, it’s smooth and linear in its delivery right up ’til the redline. What more could you want? The fact that the gearbox and clutch are a delight to use is just the icing on the cake.
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!!! :)