Skoda’s mid-sized Octavia model is based on a stretched version of the platform of the Volkswagen Golf and Jetta. So the Octavia is a larger car all round with plenty of legroom in the back seats as well as a generous boot.

Earlier this year, Skoda gave Octavia an overdue facelift together with the addition of some of Volkswagen's latest engine and gearbox technology. These models have now been joined by a freshened version of the sporty Octavia RS.

Exterior changes to the Octavia range include a more aggressive frontal appearance with new grille, wider air intake, headlamps and front fog lamps. There are also larger side mirrors. On top of these changes the Octavia RS also gets 18-inch alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights, special RS badging and a choice of seven colours.

The Octavia RS is effectively a larger version of the Volkswagen Golf GTi, although its extra size and weight inhibits its comparative performance. Having said that, the RS is no slouch and provides enjoyable driving at an affordable price.

 

It comes in two body styles, a five-door hatch known as Liftback and a five-door station wagon. The wagon accounts for around 70 per cent of European sales with a 50/50 split expected from Australian buyers.

Interior space in both variants is good for what is a mid-sized car with adequate rear head and legroom.

Power for the Octavia RS comes from a choice of two 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engines, a diesel and a petrol.

Diesel performance cars are no longer the novelty they once were and the Octavia RS TDI should have no trouble attracting the keen driver. Maximum power is a very handy 125 kW, with top torque at 350 Newton metres from 1750 to 2500 revs. There is some very noticeable turbo lag below 1750 rpm so you really need to have the engine revving above that before you really begin to appreciate the engine.

The TSI petrol engine produces 147 kW of power between 5100 and 6000 rpm, and 280 Newton metres of torque from 1800 to 5000 revs. Fuel consumption is a very reasonable 7.7 litres per 100 kilometres.

Interestingly, there is no badging on the exterior of the Octavia RS to identify the type of engine – perhaps Skoda is still a little reluctant to tell the world that this sporty car with its 18-inch alloy wheels may have a diesel engine under the bonnet.

Both petrol and diesel engines can now be mated to either six-speed manual or six-speed dual-clutch DSG transmission.

Our test drive took us to the south-west of Sydney with a nice mix of motorway and semi-rural conditions before we were able to do some track testing on the tarmac at Camden Airfield – the location of the Australian Top Gear TV program’s test track.

 

On the road the Skoda’s roots are obvious with the solid feel and strong body that we’ve come to expect from vehicles out of the Volkswagen and Audi stable. As expected from a sporty car, the suspension is firmer than on the standard Octavia although not uncomfortably so. Likewise the sports seats are firm with strong bolsters, although again the support/comfort compromise is just about right.

Handling at relatively high speeds was precise with only a minimum of understeer under hard cornering. Braking was solid and reliable.

While the petrol RS is likely to be the preferred choice of most keen drivers the diesel was competitive throughout and its extra torque and better fuel economy in day-to-day driving could just swing the decision in its favour.

There’s plenty of standard safety equipment including six airbags, ABS brakes with Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR) and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Electronic Stability Program (ESP), whiplash optimized head restraints and tyre pressure monitoring.

Also standard are dual-zone climate control air conditioning, cruise control, mp3-compatible sound system, rear spoiler in the Liftback, front foglights, leather-clad steering wheel, rear parking sensors and chromed dual exhaust pipes.

The complete Skoda Octavia RS range, with prices (excluding government and dealer charges) is:
RS Liftback TSI 2.0-litre petrol: $37,990 (manual), $40,290 (DSG)
RS Liftback TDI 2.0-litre turbo-diesel: $39,990 (manual), $42,290 (DSG)
RS Wagon TSI 2.0-litre petrol: $39,990 (manual), $42,290 (DSG)
RS Wagon TDI 2.0-litre turbo-diesel: $41,990 (manual), $44,290 (DSG)