Škoda Octavia RS 230

Source: Skoda India Youtube

When we talk about performance cars, the images that come to our minds are of Audi, BMW, Benz etc. Recently Jaguar, Audi and other brands have been launching entry-level performance car and the pricing ranged from 30 to 50 lakhs. But it all became irrelevant when Skoda launched it Octavia RS in last year. A perfect match for the term ‘affordable performance car’.

On August 30 2017, a beast was launched in India, the most powerful Skoda to ever come to India; Octavia RS 230.

Looks and Design

In terms of the exterior, there is not much difference the standard Octavia. Most of the people won’t even be able to differentiate it with the standard Octavia, but if you pay close attention you will find it.

Source: Skoda India Youtube

Source: Skoda India Youtube

Source: Skoda India Youtube

Source: Skoda India Youtube

A bold horizontal line can be seen on the bumper, with a broad honeycomb air inlet that enhances the cars aesthetic look. The headlights are redesigned for a new crystalline look with full LED technology and a standard AFS adaptive front light system. The crystalline appearance continues on the fog lights, tail lights and number plate illumination with LED tech. The radiator grille and tailgate sport the RS logo of gloss-black ‘V’ (for victory). Spoilers at the rear of tailgate show the car’s emotive and dynamic design.                                                       

The sporty touch is not just on the outside but inside also. The panels, steering wheel and the dashboard have got a premium as well as sporty look. The 17inch alloy wheels finish the look.

Comfort in seating and space is pretty good in front and back side. With a boot space of 950 litres and expandable up to 1,585 litres, it’s perfect for travellers.

Safety and Ergonomics

Source: Skoda India Youtube

Source: Skoda India Youtube

Source: Skoda India Youtube

Not just the looks, it has got the safety features included like 7 airbags with front & rear disc brakes ABS and EBD, giving it a nice and clean stopping power. The list of equipment available in the new Octavia is, a sunroof, adaptive LED headlamps, keyless entry and go, powered front seats with a memory function for the driver, hands-free parking assist and a super-slick 8.0-inch touchscreen with navigation, eight airbags, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Specifications

Length	4689 mm
Width	1814 mm
Height	1496 mm
Seating Capacity	5 Person
Displacement	1984 cc
Fuel Type	Petrol
Max Power (bhp@rpm)	227 bhp @ 5500 rpm
Max Torque (Nm@rpm)	350 Nm @ 1250 rpm
Mileage (ARAI)	14.5 kmpl Fuel credit card offers
Alternate Fuel	Not Applicable
Transmission Type	Automatic
No of gears	6 Gears
Drivetrain	FWD
Air Conditioner	Automatic Climate Control
Power Windows	Front & Rear
Central Locking	Remote with Boot Opener
Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)	Yes
Airbags	8 Airbags
Seat Upholstery	Leather
Front Tyres Rear Tyres	225 / 45 R17 225 / 45 R17

Performance

Let's talk about performance. Skoda claims that it can do a 0-100kmph in 6.8 seconds, that's impressive! This Octavia has everything new inside; new suspension, new brakes, new wheels and a new engine. Yes, the new engine is of 2.0 TSI (230 PS) turbocharged petrol with 6-speed DSG transmission.

Source: Skoda India Youtube

This car pack a punch and they have also fitted it with a launch control system which helps it to get off the line so quickly. It's not just in straight line but also in corners. One ride and you will fall in love with her, even the soundtrack yes, even if she is straight 4 cylinder engine turbo changed engine she has a pretty good sound.

You might be thinking that she is turbocharged so there will be lots of turbo lag but no, power kicks in from 2000 rpm because of the so much torque it has. Next the gearbox, it works like a charm it will never hesitate to shift up and then again shift down on the touch of your throttle.

Source: Skoda India Youtube

The suspension has become a bit stiffer but, ride quality hasn’t been compromised.

One exciting thing this variant include is the ‘limited slip differential’. In the corners, it makes the outside wheels spin faster and brakes the inside wheels for more aggressive turn-in and finally stabilising the car under power. It reduces the understeer problems seen in many front wheel cars.

Next question will be because it is RS and so much power is delivered; is it good on Indian road?. Yes, it is, you can drive it in the city with ease, it is because of the gearbox. The gearbox makes city driving with ease and, the suspension is great. A car which can go over the corner pretty flat with much comfort for the driver and the passenger.

Source: Skoda India Youtube

It is sad to know that most of the people here are not aware of the premium and quality machines that Skoda makes, and, they go behind Audi and BMW of the same price range. Skoda’s many models and very undermined by Indians and many are spreading an age-old news of poor service of Skoda brand.

 Price: 24.63 (ex-showroom)

Final Verdict:

Looks and design: 8/10
Specs & features: 9/10
Dynamics & performance: 9/10
Safety & quality: 9/10

Skoda has attempted to create many good drivers car in the past and Octavia is one example of an affordable performance car. Same goes with RS as they have launched a limited edition of (very few numbers).

At last, the customers should be taking a look at Skoda cars before going to BMW, Audi etc. In performance, it matches these and in price, it is cheaper. Even it is cheaper than the entry-level Jaguar.