The RS (Rallye Sport) designation in the Škoda offer has lasted for years. In the modern era, it was revived by a sharp version of the Octavia, which became so successful that it followed in future generations. Later, Fabia took over these characters for two generations, and recently they also appeared in Kodiaq’s offer. While Unfortunately, the Fabia RS is the music of the past a Kodiaq RS is looking forward to what form it will continue (would it be like a plug-in hybrid?), the Octavia RS is still here. And this year it is coming in a new, already fourth generation.
And in style, even stronger than ever. If the first generation originally debuted only as a liftback with a petrol engine (1.8 20V Turbo with 132 kW) and the station wagon arrived with a two-year delay, the novelty immediately comes with the widest range in history. Of course, there are both body variants, ie liftback and station wagon, petrol engine and turbodiesel (which first debuted in 2006 in the second generation), but also adds a plug-in hybrid.
We have already tried it as part of a weekly editorial test, and in some respects it was embarrassing, but now we had the opportunity to sit in a purely petrol version. So far, only for one day, as part of a presentation event in the vicinity of Mladá Boleslav, we still got a decent picture of the novelty.
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RS 245 performance this time as standard
Briefly, in addition to the plug-in hybrid Octavia RS iV with electric motor and 1.4 TSI with a system power of 180 kW, the “er-ace” is available with two conventional two-liter. The petrol one delivers 180 kW and a choice between a six-speed manual and a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, while the diesel one is tuned to 147 kW. However, it offers a DSG transmission as standard, with a choice between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. The petrol variant, on the other hand, is always a front wheel.
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To improve traction, the petrol version has an electronically controlled differential lock on the VAQ front axle as standard. This is the sixth generation of electrohydraulic “wet” multi-plate clutch, which can transmit up to 1600 Nm per wheel, compared to 500 Nm, which transmits the standard XDS + system of other Octavia models. You can switch between Sport and Normal modes, while the system predictively evaluates how to react.
In both cases we are talking about the latest generation of aggregates. In the case of the petrol tested, it is therefore the 2.0 TSI of the EVO888 evo4 family, the modifications of which were mainly aimed at improving efficiency while maintaining dynamic capabilities. Thus, the fuel injection pressure increased to 350 bar, while the shape of the piston bottom was redesigned and the crankshaft received a new friction-reducing seal. Further changes were made to the exhaust pipe and ignition system.
In any case, the parameters remain at 180 kW and 370 Nm, which it has already reached special Octavia RS 245. In this case, however, they are already standard on the gasoline engine. Nevertheless, the novelty is a bit slower than its predecessor. The RS 245 reported an acceleration value of 0-100 km / h in 6.8 seconds, while the new er-ace is two tenths of a second slower. However, the maximum speed is again 250 km / h.
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More aggressive than before
Coming to the car then proves that Škoda chose a more aggressive style for the er-ace than in the past. The new bumper is decorated with sharp moldings, while the liftback cover is a decent spoiler. By the way, similarly to other details of the body, it is colored black. The brake calipers, on the other hand, are painted red and hide behind 18-inch or 19-inch wheels at an additional cost. Thanks to the standard sports chassis, the body is 15 mm lower than a standard Octavia.
The chassis is modified by specific shock absorbers and springs. At the rear is a rear multi-link axle, while braking is provided by a more advanced system. In the case of the petrol variant and the plug-in hybrid, it uses front discs with a diameter of 340 mm.
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Getting inside then reveals specific sports details. Honest sports seats with an integrated headrest are nice, but you can also pay extra for ergonomic seats with adjustable seat length, upholstery combining leather and Alcantara. In total, the cabin primarily relies on black, whether we are talking about upholstery or ceiling.
The steering wheel is special for the Octavia RS, which replaced the two-arm solution from the common variants with a sports three-arm one. You will also be interested in decorating the dashboard with Alcantara or the special graphics of the digital instrument panel, which is standard for the Octavia RS. The 10.25 “screen will delight with clear and detailed images, as well as a sports graphics mode. It relies on a combination of a digital speedometer and a horizontally oriented tachometer, similar to a race car, while also displaying oil temperature or currently used engine power. however, a more pronounced display of the currently classified stage than the small icon at the bottom left. In the case of a slot machine, it would certainly be useful …
Otherwise, it is the well-known Octavia. Thus, unlike the Golf, the multimedia system will please with several buttons for direct access to selected folders. A plus is a spacious cabin, as well as a spacious luggage compartment. It does not differ from the usual variants, so in the case of a liftback it is 600 liters and in the station wagon it is 40 liters more.
By the way, the Škoda luggage compartment is considered to be the main advantage compared to competing hatchbacks. In addition to the Ford Focus ST and Hyundaie i30 N, the Peugeot 308 in the top version of the GT Line and, for example, the Opel Insignia GSi are also considered competitors.
He can ride, but what about the sound?
The start-up is literally shocking, because under the hood there is a loud rumble, as if not working under the hood not 2.0 TSI, but at least an eight-cylinder. Standa has already warned me about something similar, and although I don’t think the sound looks as artificial as the “tones from the nineties of computer games” plug-in hybrid Cupry Leon eHybrid with the same basis, it still does not fit the overall character of the car. Dense tones are heard by default, while sport mode further enhances them. Fortunately, however, the settings of the Octavia RS can be individually adjusted to your needs and this coloring can be switched off completely. And then you will find out that the two-liter actually has a pleasant sound.
But the truth is that on the sports version it is again very subdued. So I would recommend focusing on the voice and choosing something that will not be as artificial (and over time tiring) as today’s sports mode and as boring as the muted sound.
But the ride itself will please. As expected, the two-liter has the power to give away, it doesn’t bother even at low revs and from some 1800 revolutions it boldly moves higher. At some 5,000 rpm, it still has enough energy.
The additional seven-speed dual-clutch transmission then shifts perfectly. It responds quickly to a manual instruction and, in the case of automatic modes, logically selects individual gears. Fuel consumption on the motorway section was around 8 l / 100 km, but as the pace accelerated in the districts, it rose rapidly. The indicator then grew above 12 l / 100 km, which is still within limits for this type of car.
The chassis of the car does not deny a tougher tuning, but even on broken roads it remains flexible and with a clear damping with gentle drumming from the rear wheels dampen unevenness. You can easily have an adaptive chassis in the settings around the Sport – Octavia RS mode, similarly to other new group cars with adaptive shock absorbers, enabling a smooth transition of their settings.
The car keeps track with an overview, while the steering (standardly with a progressive effect) is steeper than in the usual variants. Between the extreme positions of the steering wheel is 2.13 turns, instead of 2.7 turns. At motorway speeds, there is a slight noise from the body, on the other hand, even at speeds of around 160 km / h, it remains quite tolerable.
Conclusion
With the petrol engine, the Škoda Octavia RS in the new generation is not an outright sharp projectile that would push competing compact hot hatches into the ground with fun and speed. It is rather a universal machine that works great in everyday life and in free time the owner can ride with it quickly. After all, the carmaker’s statement that one of the biggest advantages of the Octavia RS over the competition is a bulky luggage compartment speaks for itself. But that’s nothing against the qualities of the car itself, because the predecessor was exactly the same.
So if you are looking for a fast universal car with a large trunk, you have come to the right place. And the petrol version is a better solution for me than the plug-in hybrid that made me personally like that disappointed in the technically related Cupra Leon ST eHybrid. However, if you are looking for really fun tools for weekends, you need to look elsewhere.
Did you know that …?
… Octavia RS increases its sales thanks to the gradual expansion of its offer? The first generation produced 17,688 pieces, the second generation 87,893 copies and the third 173,218 pieces.
… so far the vast majority of sales were diesel engines? It recorded 58% of sales, but in the new generation gasoline motorization is expected to strengthen.
… most sales are cars with vending machines? For the predecessor, the automatic transmission accounted for 72% of sales, while for the novelty, this share is expected to increase further.
… in addition to the Czech Republic, the largest markets of the Octavia RS also include Austria and Switzerland?
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