SKODAOctavia RS 2014 - 2016

　　The RS version of the Octavia was the Czech automaker’s best product in terms of image and performance, combining the advantages of a mid-size hatchback with the performance and costs of a hot hatch.

　　Ever since the first generation of the Octavia RS broke covers in 2001, the Czech brand owned by the Volkswagen Group has gathered attention. Not only did it provide everything a family would need from a compact-sized vehicle, but it also offered enough performance to be considered a sports car. Skoda was so happy with this car that it even threw it into the World Rally Championship, although without any noticeable results. But the RS badge (some called it VRS) soon became known and respected among the hot-hatch communities in countries and continents where the Skoda sold the car.

　　Sharing its MQB platform with many other vehicles built by Volkswagen was a good thing in terms of development costs. But, on the downside, it meant that it had to share many parts with its mundane sibling, the regular Octavia. Still, that didn’t stop the Czech brand from tweaking a few details and putting it on the vehicle so it could look better. As a result, the 2014 Octavia RS had an aggressive-looking front bumper adorned on the lower side by a wide grille and covered with a hexagonal pattern mesh. There were also two side scoops that flanked it, although those were there just for look and to house the fog lamps. They weren’t meant to cool the front rotors. From its profile, the Octavia RS boasted a set of 17” light-alloy wheels, with an option for 18” or 19” ones. But the Octavia RS was quite subtle, besides the red calipers for the large brakes and the small wing on the tailgate. In addition, at the back, the car featured two rectangular chromed tips for the exhausts.

　　Inside, the high-bolstered seats provided the much-needed side support for the front occupants. The automaker even offered a set of bucket seats with integrated headrests. Still, the instrument cluster was just slightly altered compared to the rest of the Octavia range. The main noticeable detail was on the RS badge that Skoda mounted on the steering wheel. On the center stack, the automaker installed its latest infotainment system fitted with an optional 8” touchscreen and a proximity sensor. In the back, the automaker installed the same split-folding bench seat as in the rest of the range, although with specific upholstery and color options. Still, customers could benefit from the same 590 liters (20.8 cu-ft.) of space provided by the trunk with the rear in place. By folding the rear seats’ seatbacks down, the trunk space increased to a maximum of 1,580 liters (55.8 cu-ft.).

　　But the most important aspect of the car was under the hood. There, the automaker installed a choice of two engines: a 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline unit and a 2.0-liter turbodiesel. Both sent their oomph to the front wheels via a six-speed manual fitted as standard and an electronically controlled active differential. As an option, Skoda offered the car with a seven-speed (dual-clutch) automatic gearbox.

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