Stealthy, swift and very practical, the latest Octavia RS Combi is a wolf in sheep's clothing.
This week I'm in one of the most unassuming cars you can buy, namely a diesel Škoda estate. In fact, apart from my test car's bright metallic blue paintwork, there is little at first glance to draw much attention to it.
Combi has been given a makeover. So what's different? There is a new front bumper and grille, new headlamps that incorporate the car's name, new rear lights, new front wings, new front fogs, LED running lights and 18-inch Neptune alloys (€390).
RS is to Škoda as GTi is to VW. Škoda is a key member of the VW group so it is no surprise to see that Octavia continues to raid the Golf GTi's parts bin. You can get a 200bhp petrol RS or a band ‘C' 170bhp diesel (my test car), plus the excellent DSG gearbox is available as an option.
The saloon Octavia already has a massive boot but the Combi has even more capacity. Estate cars still make up less than 10% of any car's range but they still offer an alternative to an MPV. In an estate it is easy to think you are in a saloon or hatch as the driving position is low and car-like. Surprisingly, not every driver wants to sit up high.
My test car came with massive 18" alloys that allowed petrol-heads to notice the big red brake callipers. Other than that, the Combi is a conventional looking estate car. You won't find yourself glancing back at the Combi in the same way you would with a handsome A4 Avant, but you will feel quietly smug that you have a very competent machine.
I took the RS Combi on an 800km day trip recently and it racked up the distance with effortless ease and still had juice in the tank when I got home. The driving position was good and the seats supportive. The front wheel drive car's ride is both composed and comfortable. On twisty, rural roads it handles well, but when it rains the front wheels can scramble for grip at times.
Under the bonnet lurks a potent and economical 170bhp, 2-litre TDi engine. The six-speed manual gearbox is fine, but I'd prefer the brilliant automated manual gearbox (DSG), despite the extra couple of grand it costs. It takes 8.4 seconds to go 0-100km/h and top speed is 225km/h. The TDi will average 5.7 litres of diesel per 100km travelled.
The RS Combi is stuffed with kit like parking sensors, dual-zone climate control, LED driving lights, a top stereo, ESP, tyre pressure monitor, iPod/MP3 jack socket, rain sensing wipers, auto dimming rear mirror, cruise control and integrated Bluetooth.
Well-built and familiar, the Octavia RS Combi goes quietly about its business of being a very versatile and nippy car - Škoda calls the RS Combi "responsible fun" and I have to agree. Škoda Octavia RS Combi prices start at a tempting €28,615.
Michael Sheridan
