Fans of good cars remember the turning point in the development of the Czech company Škoda, when a small, “modest car” designed to serve as a family car was taken under its wing by the Volkswagen Group. As a result, the new models, having received German quality, quickly conquered Western markets.
One of them, Skoda Octavia RS - a sports modification of the second generation of the "classic family car", requires a separate discussion, since today it is positioned as the best achievement of the Skoda company in the "sport" class.
Skoda is one of the most successful in the automotive segment. So, in 2010 more than 760 thousand cars of this brand found their owners. The company plans to roughly double its car sales over the next six years. By what means? Obviously not due to the promotion of the brand by investing money in advertising.
The leading designers of the concern are constantly working on creating new models and at the same time improving the existing ones. So, by the tenth anniversary of the launch of the "charged" Skoda Octavia RS, the company released a liftback in a 600-horsepower version, wishing to conquer the record speed mark for its own cars - 322 km / h. The new version was assembled by designers from Milton Keynes in tandem with tuning specialists from REVO Technik.
The result of the work is the latest improved safety systems: a braking parachute, a reinforced lowered hull and a fire extinguishing system.
The second Skoda Octavia RS is equipped with a 2-liter 4-cylinder TSI engine with a Garret turbine and is fully adapted to run on high-octane fuel for racing. As a result, the mechanism produces a maximum power of 600 l / s, while the "civilian" Skoda Octavia RS liftback has 200 hp, which, however, is very, very good. But this is about the prospects, and now about the present.
No matter how authoritative the name of the manufacturer may be, the decisive factor in the model's prospects will be its recognition by the professional jury at high-level competitions. Only there, among equals in its class, a car can objectively prove its advantage over other mechanisms.
The Skoda Octavia 2 itself, which served as the basis for the new RS modification, has repeatedly been recognized as the best car in various indicators in its class in Germany, Great Britain, and the Czech Republic. And the Italians, quite sophisticated in design, awarded her the title of "Most Beautiful Car".
As for the Skoda Octavia RS, in 2010, according to the results of tests among sports cars worth up to 1,500,000 rubles, the model was recognized as the best in the Expert nomination, having received the main national award and the unofficial title "City Rocket". Among the Skoda models, the Octavia RS is the fastest.
The "C" class liftback is equipped with a 2.0 TFSI engine (200 hp) for a reason. The high-end Volkswagen Scirocco and Golf GTI, known as "hot Germans", have a similar engine. Basically, all these cars are located in the same price horizontal. Reconfiguration of the control unit helped to increase the acceleration speed. The speed of the Skoda Octavia RS acceleration to 100 km / h is possible in just 7.2 seconds, which is a real advantage for those who like a quick start. The torque increased from 280 to 340 Nm.
The car is designed for use in the "fast driving" mode, therefore, many aspects of the car's operation are aimed at reducing possible cataclysms associated with high speed:
- a sharp start is softened by a reliable traction control system, excluding the "wobbling" of the front of the car;
- Skoda Octavia RS is stable on any surfaces, even uneven ones, insensitive to the effects of crosswinds, which noticeably affects the speed;
- clear steering feedback allows you to safely fit into the steepest turns;
- the braking system is well planned: the front axle of the RS-BT is equipped with perforated brake discs d380 mm and 6-piston calipers;
- external details: spoilers on bumpers and tailgate, diffuser, various linings, ergonomic exterior of the body - reduce air resistance, opening up great opportunities for increasing speed.
The six-speed robotic gearbox operates smoothly under normal operating conditions, shifting without stress. True, the riders mark at the very start and at some stages of the competition a small minus in the form of a slight "thoughtfulness": this is how the Germans meant this nuance. During normal trips, even at fairly high speeds, the "braking" is almost imperceptible.
Having declared the fuel consumption of 7.9 l / 100 km, the creators turned their hearts around a little. When using a car "in imperfect conditions", the Skoda Octavia II RS model "eats" much more gasoline. Exceeding the indicator can reach 4-5 liters. Of course, these numbers are insignificant for those who bought a car worth over a million rubles. But for the sake of an objective assessment of the car, this nuance is worth noting.
Skoda Octavia RS is often positioned as a car for "selfish" who love speed, chic and sporty aggressive driving style. Stylish appearance, a carbon fiber spoiler on the 5th door, bumper trims, 17-inch French Zenith alloy wheels, a lowered suspension and even a salon, without extra "bells and whistles", but it includes seats with lateral support, steel pedals, sports "Bent" steering wheel, fully focused on the "sport" class.
In fact, this front-wheel drive five-seater liftback is designed more for high-speed family trips. Combining a really chic body, a comfortable interior and a powerful technical component, it is not "racing" roomy and comfortable for passengers. Even small children feel comfortable in such a car. Excellent suspension, including German KW springs and short-travel shock absorbers, quietness in the cabin, good music and expensive finishes - the whole set makes the trip comfortable for the driver and all passengers.
Considering the Skoda Octavia RS as a purchase, many Russians consider the car expensive and unsuitable for the notorious Russian roads, although, in fairness, it is worth noting that roads and highways, if you do not consider a remote province, are gradually returning to normal. Rather, the model is designed for a Western consumer who appreciates, first of all, the chic German quality and style, and not the "cheapness" of the car.
The price of the Octavia RS is not overpriced: this car costs exactly what it costs - this is its main advantage.
Our drivers, accustomed to "Ladas", "Okushka" and other "boxes for frogs", nothing "sweeter than carrots have not tasted", you can understand. The price of the Skoda Octavia RS (which is about one million one hundred thousand rubles) in comparison with the cheap economy class cars that flooded the salons is incommensurable.
However, all components of the compared models are also incomparable. A high-class car a priori cannot be cheap, because even the basic Octavia II RS assembly, which includes 6 airbags, various sensors, controllers, an advanced stereo system and other cool "bells and whistles", initially makes up an ideal set that is not available for cheaper cars.
