Skoda Octavia RS tests: natural gasoline

After having converted it to diesel and then to the plug-in hybrid more recently, the Czech wagon still associates its RS label with gasoline. Phew!

At Skoda, it’s a bit like the forest that hides the tree and not the other way around. Within the Octavia range, the RS versions grow like quackgrass. Excluding bodies and transmissions, it is now possible to choose from a minimum of three branded versions of the famous label. A record.

Yes, but only one uses a 100% thermal petrol engine. However, at the risk of maintaining our reputation as fundamentalists and the cliché according to which diesel and plug-in hybrid do not mix well with driving pleasure, neither of these two engines turns out to be as natural under the hood of this sporty sedan as a good old internal combustion unit burning unleaded.

Especially since, as before, the Octavia RS opts in this case for proven and recognized mechanics. This is the 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder from the VW Golf GTI. No more no less, because this bi-injection TSI, also referred to by its code name EA888 by its biggest fans, retains here precisely the same characteristics as under the hood of the German star.

More than by its 245 hp, a power that the previous generation already displayed at the height of its career, this engine gives a smile with its personality. Not that it’s a big extravagant. But his way of wrapping vigorously on the couple in a rather warm growl brightens up the everyday. Its smoothness even evokes that of certain blocks equipped with a pair of additional cylinders.

Although attentive, the 7-speed DSG robotized gearbox can thus be satisfied with the minimum union requirement in terms of downshifts during the recoveries. Never short, the cavalry lengthens the stride with fluidity rather than causing a fall of reports in cascade during the revivals. Alone to pass the power to the ground, the front axle, follower of progressiveness, is not doing worse.

Never as comfortable as at a fast pace, but cast, this RS takes on the air of an excellent GT. In any case in the presence of optional controlled damping, more than recommendable. The wide range of suspension settings allows everyone to find their favorite compromise between comfort and body support.

It would have been surprising if this technical cousin of the most famous GTI did not inspire the same versatility. And in the absence of such a glorious brand image, the Skoda makes the difference as usual in its practical aspects; in other words, rear seats of a family worthy of the name and a gargantuan trunk.

Although, to do well, you might as well opt for the Combi station wagon, even more convincing in the matter, not to mention his look of a rascal mover, more attractive. By the way, even if it means playing the retrogrades, we would choose it in its manual gearbox version, a rarity in current production.

Because let’s face it, all means are good to try to delude this traction a little too good in all respects. No trace of a real self-locking differential, a time proposed in the past. We bet that it will reappear on a next version, even more powerful, and brings a little edge to a behavior, certainly safe and precise, but very wise.

Fantasy remains all the more proscribed as ESP cannot be completely disconnected. Even if it is unlikely that most heads of household will take offense, the others will remain hungry. It is always possible to partially inhibit it. But for that, it is necessary to navigate within a tactile multimedia interface which, as on board many models of the Volkswagen group lately, has cruelly lost its simplicity.

This half-hearted sportiness is also born from other small annoyances. Like the automatic upshifting when approaching the red zone, even in manual mode. Or the driving position, strangely a little too high. Perhaps the most annoying remaining is the mute of the exhausts after the application of recent homologation standards. The cheeky tone of the 2.0 TSI has almost disappeared to make way for a playback awkwardly played by the sound system, which fortunately can be deactivated.

However, we recognize that under these new constraints, this Octavia RS is content with a decent appetite, in line with its very attractive prices. The more than 10 l / 100 km obtained at the end of a drum beating test, punctuated by intensive bottling sessions, do not reflect its real consumption. Neither its CO emissions₂ reasonable. Its penalty remains effectively bearable for a 100% gasoline sedan as there will be less and less.

Our verdict

No doubt, the Octavia RS is in essence the best. And without necessarily being the most expensive … Too bad it lacks a bit of spice.

WE love

Engine elasticity
General comfort
Practical aspects

We like less

Any sound
Very wise behavior
ESP not disconnectable

Skoda Octavia RS DSG7 tech. Sheet

BUY

Tested version: 40,290 €
From 38,590 €
Average manufacturer consumption / during the test (l / 100 km): 6.8-7.1 / 10.4
CO₂/malus : 153-160/818-1 504 €
Fiscal power: 14 hp
Country of Manufacture: Czech Republic

Proposed range

Gasoline from 110 to 245 hp, from € 22,960 to € 41,390
Diesel from 116 to 200 hp, from 26,210 to 43,790 €
Plug-in hybrid from 204 to 245 hp, from € 36,320 to € 43,980

DRIVE

Engine: transverse front, 4-cylinder turbo, direct and indirect injection, 16 valves, chain distribution, stop & start, 1,984 cm³
Transmission: traction, robotized 7 gears
Power at rpm (hp): 245 to 5,250
Torque at rpm (Nm): 370 to 1,600
Weight (kg): from 1520
Long.xlarg.xhaut. (m) : 4,70×1,83×1,46
Wheelbase (m): 2.68
Tank (l): 50
Max speed (km / h): 250
0 to 100 km / h: 6 ”7
Standard tires: 225/45 R18
Test tires: 225/45 R19, Bridgestone Potenza RE050A