Reviewed: Skoda NZ’s all-new Octavia RS wagon
It takes a lot to impress me when it comes to new vehicles; I get on average two new vehicles a week and I’ve been a motoring writer for two decades. But there are some cars that stand out the moment you start them – and no, not all of them are expensive European sports cars.
Instead, one European car recently made me tell the brand that it deserves to be New Zealand car of the year finalist 2021 it was so good. And it costs below $60,000.
Drum roll … meet the Škoda Octavia RS wagon.
The fourth-generation Octavia arrived here in the first quarter and it is set to woo over wannabe compact and medium SUV owners due to its outstanding standard features and driveability.
The all-new Škoda Octavia Wagon has increased in length by 22mm and 15mm in width. The boot capacity of the Octavia wagon has increased by 30L (to 640L), which is class-leading in the NZ mid-size wagon segment.
The all-new Škoda Octavia Wagon has increased in length by 22mm and 15mm in width.
The new front apron and the razor-sharp, narrower, new headlights are a visual delight and feature LED technology for low beam, high beam, and daytime running lights as standard. The newly designed, shallow roof rails emphasise the elongated silhouette of the Octavia Wagon. Crystal Black, Lava Blue, and Titan Blue have been added to the range of paint finishes.
The Octavia Wagon offers a new two-spoke multi-function steering wheel that comes with new control buttons and scroll wheels, allowing drivers to operate a total of 14 different functions without removing their hands.
The redesigned dashboard is modular and has been arranged in different levels, featuring a large, free-standing central display. The centre console is elegant, uncluttered and adorned with chrome details – as are the new door trims and handles. New and soft-touch materials lend the interior a premium look.
The front apron and the razor-sharp, narrower, new headlights are a visual delight.
Rodney Gillard, Škoda New Zealand General Manager says that “the Octavia wagon is an icon and one of our top-selling models”.
“With our strong and passionate customer base, we expect the fourth-generation model to continue our momentum in the marketplace,” said Gillard.
“We strongly believe the all-new Octavia wagon, with its improved design features, advanced safety systems, comfort, and value for money, will make this model even more appealing to kiwis nationwide – whether they be across the private or corporate buyer categories.”
The new Octavia wagon is the first Škoda ever to use shift-by-wire technology to operate the transmission, which electronically transmits the driver’s gear selection. In place of the familiar shift lever, there is a new control module located in the centre console with a small rocker switch for selecting the drive modes, as well as a button for the parking mode.
Priced from $57,990, the RS’s engine has been tuned for the ultimate performance.
LED Bi-matrix headlights are also available, allowing the driver to leave the high beam on at all times without dazzling other road users.
A whole range of safety systems is now available, such as Crew Protect Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Assist with Auto Light Assist, FRONT ASSIST with warning and braking reaction to vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists, along with up to 10 airbags depending on the model variant.
Other new features include Area View, Side Assist and Adaptive Lane Assist, and Emergency Assist. Using Hands-on Detect, this system also checks whether the driver is touching the steering wheel consistently.
The Škoda Octavia RS wagon has a modular redesigned dashboard.
Two TSI petrol engines will initially be available in New Zealand: The 110kW TSI with 1.4L cylinder capacity, coupled with the eight-speed auto transmission in the base model, Style. The RS (that stands for Rally Sport) model has a 2l 180kW TSI power plant and a seven-speed DSG transmission.
The Octavia Wagon offers a 10-inch infotainment system that can be operated using gesture control or by voice via the ‘Laura’ Škoda Digital Assistant. The top-of-the-range Columbus infotainment system can – for the first time – display the navigation system’s maps in a different level of zoom than on the 10.25-inch digital dashboard. This new function can be adjusted via an innovative touch slider located below the display, which can also be used to control the volume.
I’ve tested both the entry-level Octavia Style and the RS, and while the base model is great value for money at $47,900 the hero is the RS.
RS model has a 2l 180kW TSI power plant and 7-speed DSG transmission.
Turn on the engine and you’ll be converted. Priced from $57,990, the RS’s engine has been tuned for the ultimate performance, and to get even more from it, punch in sport mode and you’re in for a great ride.
It has plenty of power and torque, and to add to the delight it has a great artificial sound generator that brings of much more to the ride. My son, Henry, loved the noise, especially as I pressed the accelerator as we enter the motorway on-ramp and it ‘roared’ into action.
The transmission is smooth around the city, and in sport mode on the motorway draws the gears out for maximum power.
The bonus of the wagon is s the length and low centre of gravity adds to the ride and handling, with surefootedness. The RS handled the tight turns better than medium SUVs when I was taking on winding backcountry roads, especially hairpin turns.
Octavia Wagon offers a 10-inch infotainment system that can be operated using gesture control.
There are drive modes to select from: Comfort lightens the steering, while Sport mode makes it heftier and my preferred mode. Normal is, well, a nice balance, and there’s an Individual drive mode that allows you to tailor what you want.
The downside is tyre noise in the cabin. But that’s about it.
The Škoda Octavia RS should sit in the premium section alongside the likes of Audi’s S5 Avant that is priced from $125,900.
The only obstacle the Octavia RS wagon faces is that buyers just love those SUVs. But if you are looking for a sporty wagon, I suggest you take the RS for a spin (once we hit Level 2, of course).
The boot capacity of the Octavia wagon is class-leading in the NZ mid-size wagon segment.
