Skoda Octavia RS review

Pros: crisp design, excellent interior, huge cabin, great drive

Cons: still runs a lot through the touchscreen

Skoda Octavia RS Design

The high-performance RS version incorporates the revised looks of all facelifted fourth-generation Skoda Octavia models, which means it comes with the new headlight clusters complete with the sharp, angular daytime running lamps which slice downwards to echo the shape of the radiator grille. Beyond that, it’s the familiar RS signifiers, including large alloy wheels, an enhanced body kit including a discreet lip spoiler on the rear hatch, wide twin-exhaust apertures and a lot of black detailing. It all adds up to a superb-looking car, especially in a bright colour, and if you need more practicality than the fastback can provide then there’s a Combi estate version of the Octavia RS too.

Skoda Octavia RS Interior

As before the facelift, the RS has a huge interior with loads of rear passenger room and a cavernous boot that holds a minimum of 600 litres in even the fastback’s body, so in terms of practicality it can’t be faulted. It’s also above reproach in terms of the quality of the fit and finish, and the sporty flourishes befitting the flagship such as its sumptuous bucket seats, attractive fillets of trim which mimic carbon fibre, red contrast stitching for the upholstery and a racy two-spoke multifunction steering wheel all help to lift the interior ambience. The big change for the 2024 car onwards is the new 13-inch infotainment system, which is a big improvement when it comes to ease-of-use, although those who prefer proper physical buttons may still lament the fact that much of the Skoda’s onboard technology is run through the display – including the in-cabin climate controls.

Skoda Octavia RS Performance & Drive

The diesel and plug-in hybrid drivetrains have been dropped from the Octavia RS line, which leaves the 2.0-litre TSI petrol engine as the sole choice. This is not ideal for our market, where its CO2 output of up to 160g/km makes it relatively expensive for motor tax and VRT, but there is some good news as it has more power than before – up from 245hp previously, to 265hp now. That puts it on a par with the related Volkswagen Golf GTI, and in turn it means the fastest Octavia RS (the fastback) runs 0-100km/h in 6.4 seconds. It certainly feels every bit as quick as that one metric would hint at, while a noisier exhaust system overlays the speed with a great soundtrack.

What’s most likeable about the Octavia RS isn’t the power, though, but rather that it does both ride and refinement, and yet also driving thrills and handling to equally lofty standards. It comes with the option of adjustable dampers, but these aren’t strictly necessary because its standard, sporty suspension set-up does everything so well anyway.

The RS has fabulous steering and really impressive body control, while the brakes are more than up to the job of hauling it down from speed. And around town and when cruising along motorways or fast country routes, the Skoda has a supple, comfortable ride, and it limits both tyre and wind noise to a near-impeccable degree. In short, there’s rarely a driving situation you could realistically encounter on the public highway where the Octavia RS will be found wanting, which is what makes it such a talented all-rounder.

Skoda Octavia RS Pricing

Set against a base price of €31,430 for an entry-level Octavia hatch, the RS looks steep at €55,300. But it comes with an extensive standard equipment list for that money, as well as the lofty abilities of its chassis and drivetrain to justify the price, and crucially it’s also cheaper than a few of its key rivals – including the mechanically similar Golf GTI, which is around €4,000 more expensive again. If you want the Combi Octavia RS, by the way, it adds another €1,650 to the overall figure.

Carzone Verdict

There are rawer and faster hot hatchbacks in the world than the updated Skoda Octavia RS, but there are few which can match its splendid blend of abilities in all departments. It’s quick and exciting to drive and it handles sweetly, but it feels refined and grown-up and spacious and beautifully built. Apart from an over-reliance on its central infotainment touchscreen, the RS is a master of all trades and jack of none – and a quite magnificent car as a result.