Skoda Octavia I Combi 1997 - 2010 test drive -

Not boring and not troublesome

We have a new Octavia RS! The call from the representative office of Skoda was not taken by surprise.
Of course, we take it!
 
Green mark
Skoda Octavia RS in the underground garage was waiting for me by the lemon-yellow skoda Octavia RS of the previous model. The latest car will appear with us no earlier than spring. Since Skoda produces both old and new octavia at the same time, such incidents are possible. The Tour prefix was added to the designation of cars of the previous generation. However, this Octavia RS was officially not delivered to Russia earlier, so it can be called premiere with full confidence.
 
The armored option for 187 dollars. Sports leather steering wheel Standard equipment RS. Traditionally, sports versions of Skoda are labeled with the letters RS and green nameplates resembling Latin V. Brake calipers are also marked (RS RIDs are ventilated). Compared to ordinary octavia, there are other settings of pendants, tires, bumpers, rear spoiler.
 
But the most noticeable difference, of course, is in the engine. Higher boost pressure allows you to remove from 1.8 liters of full 180 hp. Without noticeable losses in the convenience of use. This must be checked
 
Yellow beast
Four cylinders, 20 valves, 180 hp And one adjustable turbocharger. There is not enough brilliant emblem on the casing. Late October and clogged capital streets are not the best place to frolic, at least slowly roll. At one time, Volkswagenovsky 1.8t surprised the phenomenal flexibility phenomenal for the duddy motor. Today, the palm of the championship has a 2.0tfsi follower, but the Octavia RS engine is not so much inferior to him. Of course, up to 1,500 rpm, he is hardly capable of exploits, but then even lucky in the fifth gear. And from 2000 to the limiter for 6500 rpm, powerful acceleration is guaranteed. Let dust (rubber) into the eyes? Spring is possible in the first and second gear on dry asphalt. Unless, of course, turn off ESP (additional equipment) or ASR mandatory anti -wings system.
 
The speedometer with a nonlinear scale ends at a mark of 270 35 km/h in reserve. However, you can truly evaluate the advantages of the motor only on the suburban highway. The ease with which the Er Eska performs overtaking is not given to everyone and with a three-liter engine above 80 km/h, any transmission is suitable for acceleration, it remains only to choose the lazy fifth, frisky fourth or fierce third. In any case, the opponent is left without a single chance.
 
Contrast combined upholstery in the back seat is standard, an armrest too. The main thing is not the quantity, but the clarity of turning on the five gearboxes of Octavia RS is quite enough. Black and white seats calculated, not otherwise, for my average parameters. The pillow is up to the stop, the back is more vertically, the steering wheel is a little on itself and the perfect landing is found in 10 seconds. Light support a little to fit a little, and there are no questions left at all. Surprisingly, colleagues of more solid dimensions did not feel inconvenience. The masters of their craft clearly worked on the seat.
 
The main and essentially the only problem of the Octavia salon is the lack of length: it is uncomfortable to sit behind a tall driver and front passenger. As for a considerable trunk, I will add to the usual praise to add a spoonful of tar, additional body amplifiers in the area of \u200b\u200bthe rear wheels do not allow you to carry long and wide loads. This is the retribution for the sports settings of the chassis that require greater body rigidity. Otherwise, except for color and materials, nothing new.
 
Stretch marks slightly limit the capabilities of RS as a carrier. Green calipers are an indispensable attribute of Skod with a Schildik RS. In the suspension settings, it is very difficult to find a compromise. I want a racing controllability, it turns out a bone, I do not want to slow down in front of the potholes on the road floating barge. Skoda-Octavia RS is not equipped with a suspension for bad roads. In a serious turn under the slightest wave, the lower edge of the bumper flashes in a matter of centimeters above the asphalt. Of course, country primers are contraindicated.
 
Frisous overtaking, intensive braking, city traffic jams a 95th of 18 rubles. AI-98, which is required to fully implement all engine capabilities, is even more expensive. I am glad that the on -board computer after all these exercises did not take 12 l/100 km. Lies? If only with the gas stroke counter: 212 km took 25 liters.
 
Let's try a calm driving manner? Now less than 9 l/100 km comes out. This is at an average speed that just complies with the permitted rules outside the city is a pleasant surprise with such dynamics!
 
  A combination of opportunities
The abundance of characteristic features makes everyday ride on bright machines extremely tiring. Octavia RS, on the contrary, is distinguished by a flexible character and undoubted practicality. The accelerated dynamics is successfully combined with efficiency, powerful, well tolerating stressful brake modes are convenient and easy to circulate, not only on the concrete of the route, but also in a restless urban movement, a moderately fast steering wheel does not bother on the highway and is understandable in serious turns. Of course, to the current leaders with multi-link pendants and wheels of the 40 percent profile of Octavia RS far away, but its price starts with 25 thousand dollars.
 
The manufacturer’s data for the first-generation Octavia may be expensive, but for a 180-horsepower hatchback with a huge trunk and a richly finished interior, a rather interesting offer. The liability has a small road clearance and a low -hanging front bumper on irregularities must be extremely neat. And also prices for additional equipment: $ 686 for ESP, 514 for climate control, 186 for the central castle with remote control. This must be compensation for an acceptable price of the car itself ...
 
SUMMARY
Skoda Octavia RS just the combination of convenience and sports, with which it is not boring and not troublesome.
 
+ A powerful and economical engine, excellent acceleration dynamics, effective brakes, a comfortable driver place, a large transformable trunk.
- Small road clearance, a small energy intensity of the suspension, little space for the legs of the rear passengers, high prices for additional equipment.
 
 
Skoda Octavia RS
The premiere of charged Octavia took place in the fall of 2000. Russian premiere in 2005. Hatchback and station wagon options.
 
Engine: gasoline 1.8 liters (180 hp).
 
Gearbox: 5-speed mechanical.
 
Price in Russia: from $ 24 800.
 
Anatoly Fomin
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

Source: The magazine "Driving"