Car Skoda Octavia Review

The Skoda Octavia, a car slated to suffer much at the hands of its Japanese competitors, as it lacked backseat space, a crucial factor in this segment. There were also problems such as a limited dealership network and the high maintenance costs associated with cars from European car manufacturers. The Immediate threat though rested with the brand presence, as far as Skoda was concerned. The Skoda brand was known among a few rally enthusiasts, but that was as far as it got.

Today, well into its third year in the Indian market, The Skoda Octavia brand enjoys much fan following and the car is known to be as much fun to drive, as it is to own. I had heard much about the diesel engined octy, but heard even more about its sibling. The Skoda Octavia 1.8 RS turbo petrol!!! "Don't worry about looking in the rear view mirror with an engine spec like that", Ya thats what i thought when i first saw the RS, away in the distance with mere mortals on their puny Indica Xetas and boxy little Wagon Rs and so on... It is my pleasure to write about that very lucky day when an unassuming Skoda executive handed over the keys of the Skoda to me, I was overwhelmed with joy. It was the first time I was able to lay my hands on a car that enjoys rally pedigree. It holds under its reinforced hood, an awesome 1.8 liter petrol engine that is able to pump out 150 thoroughbred rally horses. Though the 1.9 liter diesel continues to enjoy the lions share as far as sales are concerned, the RS holds a sweet spot in the petroheads heart.

Now with all its big advertisement line Rally is now a family sport , the octy better live up to the hype. Let me take you through my experience, step by step. I did not introduce myself as a journalist and perhaps because it was a rather extended day for the salesman at the Skoda stall, I wasnt exactly received with king like treatment which is usually the case when someone sets out to sell a 15 lakh petrol car.

The lines of the Octy are very subtle, but the car looks very big and the build is tank like. The car cant be termed beautiful, but handsome would be a very suitable adjective for its styling. The RS is distinguishable from the other Octavia variants, but not to the untrained eye. The RS comes with a rear spoiler on the boot, a front bumper that has an integrated front spoiler, a beautiful hexagonal chrome exhaust and those oh so desirable 16 inch spider alloys.

Once you step inside, the same European feel continues to surround you. The interior may look plain and simple, but the plastics used are of very high quality. Space is very adequate and the slightly small steering wheel on the RS gives the interior a very sporty feel. Shrouded in black leather covering sporty seats, the RS interiors seem very focused, driver focused. Not much takes your eye of the job at hand, but some very expensive bits of chrome and leather that can really boost the drivers ego. The rear however isnt as pretty a picture. Space at the rear has been compromised, legroom is not as much as one would expect, but because of this seating arrangement, once the seat is folded, you could probably fit a broken down small car in it. The white dials are very well placed, the illumination allowing them to be very readable.

The Octavia RS comes with climate control, 8 speakers surround MP3 player, parking sensors, electric sunroof and a host of other digital and not so digital equipment to enhance the driving experience, but the multi functional display is the most interesting of them all. It allows you to monitor among many other parameters instantaneous fuel consumption, range and ambient temperature.

The engine is the USP of this car so to speak, distinguishing it from its more frugal twins. Just for the record, the same engine also features on the Audi TT, the only difference being the fact that it churns out about 100 horses or so more. What it means that with some modifications, you might just be able to take your date for a drive on a Skoda Octavia TT Jokes apart, the engine is very powerful, even in its stock form. The power seems relentless throughout the rev range and though there isnt much turbo lag, low end torque better not be a big priority lest you get disappointed. The engine seems happy to keep screaming away constantly hitting its 7000 Rpm redline and heading back to around 5500 Rpm, only to get back there within no time. The transmission is a five speed manual transmission is always spot on and sticks into position with a reassuring clunk.

The Octavia is great fun when dragging from signal to signal or when party hopping with friends, or on long drives just for the fun of overtaking those minions on two wheels or those infamous road kings. The Octavia will easily hit 100 kph from standstill in a mere 8.4 secs, achievable in second gear and will keep your head pinned backwards all the way to an eventual top speed of 219 Kph. The most pleasing feature of this car is the fact that unlike most naturally aspirated petrols in which one can hear the cams and cranks and their mechanical accomplices symphony, this 1.8 makes the sound of music, the sound of the wind, WHOOSH..

The chassis of the Octavia is very well sorted out, designed to be safe at high speeds and pleasing around corners. The Octavia, thanks to its long travel suspension and wide tires is able to track straight, irrespective of the surface. The body weight and stiff suspension allows for very confident rides at elevated speeds. This though has an ill effect on its low speed handling. The ride is a tad bumpy at low speeds and thanks to it weight, a tad bit of understeer is noticed at high speeds. Also, the steering is well weighted and feedback is adequate. The best trick of the Octavia suspension is the way it can dispose of the biggest bumps at high speeds, with a muted THUD.


The Octavia RS comes loaded with much for its price and Skoda build quality is never suspect. If one desires thrills beyond what most petrols its price can offer, look no further. If there is one car that can change a sane 50 kph driver into a maniac on the road, here it is.