Skoda Octavia RS 230 2016 wagon review
Skoda offer fun-to-drive value-for-money vehicles such as the Octavia RS.
Since Skoda relaunched itself into the New Zealand market in 2003, the brand continues to grow. They offer fun-to-drive value-for-money vehicles such as the Octavia RS.
Since Skoda relaunched itself into the New Zealand market in 2003, the brand continues to grow, no doubt due to offering fun-to-drive value-for-money products such as the Octavia RS. The Octavia is slightly bigger than a VW Golf, but a bit smaller than the VW Passat.
On the road
The Limited Edition 2017 Octavia RS 230 models share a 2-litre turbocharged petrol engine and six-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission as found in the Golf GTi. However, Skoda has liberated seven more kilowatts from this engine for application in the RS 230, for a power output of 169kW and torque at 350 Newton metres.
The retail price for the RS 230 Liftback is $54,990, and the wagon is $57,990, which compares to $54,490 for the smaller 162 kW VW Golf GTI hatch. A comparable VW Passat wagon would be the 132kW 1.8-litre TSI R-line priced at $56,740, while slightly longer, and wider than the Octavia RS wagon, it's considerably down on power by comparison.
Putting out lots of power and speed is all that the RS 230 is about, complete with the performance sound generator (activated by the RS button on the console) that sends a lovely throaty warble through the cabin as you floor the throttle while launching the car down a motorway on-ramp.
The pish-pish sound of the turbochargers release valve as the DSG box changes gear just before the rev limit, will either be loved or hated, but it is all part of this car's distinctive personality.
Inside and out
Black elements seem to be the vogue for many car manufacturers to distinguish their sportier models from the run of the mill cars, and the RS 230 is no exception.
The items that distinguish the RS from its less powerful Octavia siblings include the black backfilled Bi-Xenon headlamps, LED fog lamps, black radiator grille and cellular grid in the front bumper. In addition, there are also black-capped side mirror housings, glossy black valance around the rear twin exhaust pipes, black roof rails (wagon only) and the 19-inch black and chrome finished Xtreme alloy wheels.
Inside the cabin, the RS 230 has twin red stitching through the leather upholstery as well the gear selector boot and the steering wheel surround, while the RS logo adorns the seat backs and the decorative door sill strips.
The bottom spoke of the flat-bottomed steering wheel also has a discreet RS emblem, lest you forget you are sitting in Skoda's sportiest number yet.
Skoda's ‘simply clever' tagline isn't just hyperbole. There are some neat touches in the RS 230 Wagon, such as the four shopping bag hooks in the boot which will hold a decently heavy bag of groceries. T
here is a removable multimedia holder in the console which will hold an iPod or iPhone 5S, an umbrella pocket in the luggage compartments roll cover, and there are also storage compartments located under the two front seats. There's also a false floor in the boot of the wagon which provides storage space for the removable cargo roll cover or optional roof bars.
Ingeniously, the carpet floor mat can be flipped over to reveal a washable rubber mat on the opposite side to put wet and dirty gear on to, and there is one horizontal and two double-sided vertical nets to secure small and loose items.
The Apple Carplay system integrates text messaging using voice commands as well as hands-free dialing.
It will also work with later Android devices through Android Auto. Plugging a phone in through the USB outlet immediately engages the system and there is no need to sync your Apple device through Bluetooth, which saves both hassle and battery power.
Apple Carplay also allows drivers to access iHeartRadio, Spotify, and maps from their device. The voice activation is good but not perfect; as you do not need to speak slowly and clearly for the system to understand you. Speaking Kiwi-accented English at maximum velocity often yields some odd results.
Our review car pictured in ‘moon white' metallic arrived in standard stock trim with heated front seats, dual climate air conditioning, electrically operated tailgate, powered/heated/folding side mirrors, rear camera, privacy tinted rear windows, LED daytime running lights, and towbar preparation.
Keyless entry, autonomous city emergency braking, lane keeping assist, active radar cruise control, parking assist, heated rear seats, and an upgraded 10-speaker sound system, are all optionally available at extra cost.
Overall
We spent a week with the RS 230 and came away impressed with the car’s overall performance as a family-friendly wagon that combines form and function with a fun-to-drive character.
Accelerating briskly from standstill at intersections left other vehicles in its wake thanks to the electronic differential lock which keeps those 230 horses under control, while powering through the front wheels, but the RS 230 still delivered a comfortable ride from its sports suspension package, in spite of the fact that those 19-inch wheels were shod with low-profile Pirelli P Zero tyres.
The only fly in an otherwise perfect ointment was the occasional thunking noise emanating from the DSG transmission when the car was accelerating at full throttle. It's possible the transmission's electronics were working overtime to keep up to maintain clutch shifting with the required full-throttle velocity, as we have come across this behaviour previously in other high-performance DSG cars from Volkswagen Group.
The Skoda Octavia RS 230 is still the practically-minded person's Golf GTI. The RS 230 offers as much fun-to-drive factor as the GTI, but it is also a vehicle that provides greater interior space and comfort, more carrying ability, some great design features, and rock solid build quality. Simply clever? You will be if you buy one.
Price: $57,990
Note: this was reviewed as a new vehicle.
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Richard Edwards 