Skoda fills another gap in the model range: With the all-wheel drive sporty RS version of the Octavia, the Czechs occupy a small but fine niche that is otherwise only considered by much more expensive premium models. The spacious compact with 135 kW / 184 PS strong diesel costs as a sedan 34.890 Euro and as a combination 35.550 Euro.
The drive is provided by the 2,0-liter diesel, also known from the front-wheel drive RS model, which is combined as standard with a six-speed dual clutch transmission. At first, the turbo petrol engine with up to 2 kW / 169 PS, which is offered in the 230WD variant of the RS, is still not available with all-wheel drive technology. Skoda considers the demand for the new diesel registrations to be too low given the strong diesel and fleet customer dominance.
For company car drivers, the all-wheel drive RS is above all a good choice when it comes to snowy areas. As in every other of its models, Skoda also equips this Octavia with a system based on a multi-plate clutch, which, if necessary, transmits up to 50 percent of the torque to the rear axle. In most of the usual driving conditions, however, only the front axle is driven to save fuel. The standard consumption increases compared to the front-wheel drive version by 0,3 to 4,9 liters (station wagon: 5,0 liters). But there are improvements thanks to better traction in acceleration performance. The RS sprints from zero to 7,5 km / h in 7,7 (8,0) instead of 100 seconds.
The Skoda also wants to lure the sporty driver with the well-coordinated sports suspension, which offers a good compromise between long-distance suitability and agility. As with every other Octavia, an electronic differential lock on the front axle (XDS) is also included, which brakes the wheel on the inside of the curve to prevent understeer. Sports seats, leather steering wheel and various RS decorative logos for the gear knob and Co. are also on board for special RS ingredients. The exterior of the sports model is recognizable by a special front design, ??? inch rims and a diffuser at the rear.
The surcharge for the all-wheel drive technology is 1.800 euros. With a final price of 34.890 euros, the new model is not yet the most expensive in the Octavia family. With the same diesel, identical all-wheel drive technology and also standard dual clutch transmission, the standard model is another 500 euros higher - because this variant is only available in the highest equipment line “Laurin & Klement”.