Skoda Octavia Combi RS – The Underdog That Caught a Few Eyes
What the Baseline Combi Already Got
The regular Octavia Combi started life as a fairly complete package: it looked good, had plenty of room for the whole family, and came packing a decent list of standard goodies. Think of it as a dependable work‑horse that could still finish a long road trip without blinking.
Engineering the Extra Boost
But the Skoda gurus decided, “Why not turn it into something a little more… mischievous?” They added a jolt of power, tweaked the handling for a sharper punch, and upgraded the guts—brakes, suspension, everything that makes a car feel alive. The cherry on top? A shiny “RS” badge.
Why the RS Badge Matters
First off, the badge is a signal to the automotive whisperers that you’re dealing with a model that’s not the bland twin of the original. Second, it instantly raises the stakes—the wheels are suddenly expected to do more than just point toward the next café.
Expectations vs. Reality
- Expectation: A roaring, turbo‑charged beast ready to devour every pump of petrol and leave a blistering trail of tyre wear.
- Reality: An estate that blends everyday practicality with occasional bursts of vigor—a respectable compromise between family-friendly and sporty.
Bottom Line
If you’re looking to rev up your weekend drives but still want the space to bring your kids, the Octavia Combi RS delivers a solid one‑liner: it’s speedy enough for a spontaneous dodge‑the‑traffic dash, yet it doesn’t pretentiously shout “fire‑breather” before the next fuel stop. In other words—steer it and you’ll have a good time without the drama!
Spot the differences
Meet the Combi RS – The Sneakiest Version of the Classic
Think the old‑school Combi is just a cute family car? Think again. The Combi RS is killer sleek, turning heads at every street corner.
Front‑End Swagger
- Higher bonnet that gives it a street‑fighter vibe.
- Angular bumper – sharper lines, less boring.
- All glossy black: from the grille to the window frames and even the roof rails. Black never looked so chic.
Back‑End Power
- Sharper rear bumper that cuts through the air with less drag.
- Trapezoidal exhaust finishers – a feature the regular Combi missing.
- Again, everything black: badges and all. Pure, bold, polished.
Bottom line: If you want a vibe that screams “ready for action” but still rolls with family‑friendly practicality, the Combi RS is your go‑to. It’s style, it’s muscle, and yes – it still gets the job done.
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Riding the RS: 15mm Lower, 19″ Wheels, and A Few Quirky Brake Callipers
The RS version of this station wagon shines with a 15 mm lower ride height, thanks to a sporty chassis that gives it that extra edge. On the road, those 19‑inch wheels look a bit bigger than the rest of the family, and the Goodyear Eagle F1 Supersport tyres keep the grip strong.
Brake Callipers: Eye Candy or Plastic Failing?
- Bright red callipers make the car pop… at first.
- From a distance they feel a bit plasticky, like you’d see on a 3D‑printed model.
- Honestly, an RS should sport something that feels more substantial – it deserves better.
Inside the RS: Sporty Comfort Meets Escapism
The cabin feels on point – no surprises here. The front sports seats come with fixed headrests, and the steering wheel is a three‑spoke design instead of the usual two, finished with a dimpled texture that’s all about that tactile feel. Red contrast stitching pops across the seats and dashboard, adding that extra pop of flair.
The dash features a pseudo‑Alcantara surface called Suedia, which adds a touch of luxurious texture without going premium.
Find Your Spot, Then Stay There
Getting into the RS is a breeze: the seats are generous, padded, and supportive. The instrument panel perks up with a special RS display, marking the vehicle’s identity in a clean and crisp way.
Skoda’s Octavia Combi RS: Still a Hit
Paddle Shifters: Plastic vs. Alloy
You’ll find the paddle shifters you’d expect – but they’re currently made of plastic.
If only Skoda had opted for sleek alloy, or even a slick black finish, the whole package would feel a tad more premium.
Cargo Capacity: The Real MVP
The Octavia Combi RS shines just like its sibling, the Octavia Fastback, when it comes to trunk space.
These figures are a 40–45 L boost over the Fastback’s already roomy ʼfastback‟. Even with the rear seats upright, you’re still in the ballpark of the sedan’s four‑door “octavia family” – big, flexible, and ready for all your haul‑needs.
Bottom line
The Octavia Combi RS keeps the generous space and flexible arrangements that the Octavia line is known for. Just a shout‑out: next‑gen paddle shifters in alloy would round off the whole package and leave the “black”‑themed folks cheering.
Spirited character
The Wild Side of the Octavia: Why the RS Is the Real Party Starter
Picture the Octavia Combi as that reliable buddy who always shows up on time, and then meet the RS version—your new life‑saver on wheels. The difference? One’s a quiet Sunday drive; the other’s a turbo‑charged thrill ride.
Engine Power Play
- The base Combi spins a 1.5‑litre engine that keeps the vibes chill.
- The RS revs up a turbocharged 2.0‑litre beast, packing 241 hp and 370 Nm of torque.
- That’s a hefty jump of 93 hp and 120 Nm over the “mellow” sibling.
Performance: Reality Check
Paper figures can be a tease, but on the road, the RS’s sprint is just a tiny bit faster. It covers 0‑100 km/h in around 6.7 seconds, shaving a 1.9‑second advantage up the leaderboard.
Bottom Line
So, if you’re looking for a car that’s ready to turn heads and make every drive a breeze, the Octavia RS is the go‑to. For those who are content with a smooth cruise, the standard Combi is still solid. The choice? Your taste for adventure.
Octavia Combi RS: The “Just‑Right” Estate
Let’s cut to the chase: this estate isn’t a snail, nor is it a race‑car. Think of it as the sweet spot between “renaissance” and “just-yet‑a‑slight‑energy‑boost.” If you’re all about the nitro, the RS might feel a little under‑sized. But if you want a sporty twist on the standard model, this is the hoody hero you’re looking for.
Soundtrack Satisfaction
Who wants a synthetic soundtrack when you can lift the curtains on a real, rock‑and‑roll vibe right out of the box? The RS lets you ditch the computer‑generated hum and kick back with something that feels less “tech demo” and more “road trip jam.” And if the buzz is a bit too loud for your taste, you can simply flip a switch and silence it—easy peasy.
Driving Experience Straight From the Throttle
- 7‑Speed Dual‑Clutch Magic: The gear leapt into position faster than a caffeine buzz. No waiting, no sluggish pulls.
- No Low‑Speed Chore: There’s no sad, snail‑slow crawl that drags you through everyday traffic. You’ll feel the carrot—absolutely no “spin‑around the corner” grudges.
- Sporty Granularity: You’ll find the RS more of a “sporty cousin” than an outright performance beast—just enough punch for thrills, not the full throttle demand of a motorcycle.
Bottom Line
If you’re hunting for a machine that’s fast enough to keep life interesting but not ridiculously quick to the point of losing reason, the Octavia Combi RS sits squarely in that sweet spot. It’s a joy to drive, easy to engage, and ready to give each short trip a little extra zing—without the temptation to become a street‑race legend. So, plan your next outing with the RS in mind: it’s not a cheetah, but it’s definitely shoon‑shoon past a tortoise.
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Maximizing the Combi RS Experience
Want to feel like you’re launching straight off the curb? Play with the gears and DCC, and you’ll be on your way.
Stretch Those Gears
- With its tall gear ratios, the Combi RS loves to be stretched out.
- Fire the paddle shifters and keep the engine cruising between 4,000 and 5,000 RPM—think of it as keeping the engine “boiling” so it’s ready to pop.
Dial in the Comfort with DCC
The car already hits a solid ride‑handling balance, but Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) lets you fine‑tune it.
- Slide the dial left for a softer, more cushy ride.
- Shift it right for tighter, stiffer damping.
- For me, the sweet spot sits right in the middle—just enough cushion, just enough bite.
Keener handling
The Octavia Combi RS: The Drive that Feels Like a Sporty Friendly Giant
When you hop into the Octavia Combi RS, you’ll notice that steering has finally found its groove. The nose and helm are alive, giving a sharper, more responsive feel—so the older, non‑RS version immediately looks shy in comparison.
Why the RS Is Harder on Your Hands
- Multi‑link rear suspension: Think of it as a graceful translator that turns your pulse into a symphony—when you tell the car to turn, the back part responds like a loyal sidekick.
- Brakes that talk back: The RS’s brakes are like a firm yet friendly hand. The pedal offers solid bite, a major upgrade from the older model that felt like squatting into a dish of mashed potatoes.
Road‑Testing the RS on the Maze of B‑Roads
Sure, it’s nimble, but imagine it as a big, sturdy rover. It loves wide, sweeping corners like a pilot enjoys a smooth flight; it may struggle a bit in truly tight bends—but this is by design, not a glitch.
Bottom Line
For us, the Octavia Combi RS packs everything you’d want from a classic family station wagon—spin it, lift your luggage, and still keep that sporty edge. Even with the price tag, it’s a sweet blend of sportiness, practicality, agility, and style—a real joy for the road.
Skoda Octavia Combi RS 2.0 (A)
Meet The Skoda 1984cc Turbo‑King
Ever wondered what a turbocharged inline‑four feels like? Grab a seat—this beast takes you from zero to a roaring 241 bhp (that’s 180 kW or 245 PS) in a speed zone between 5 250 and 6 500 rpm. The sheer power flows from a sleek 370 Nm torque that sits proudly between 1 600 and 4 300 rpm.
Performance Highlights
- Power‑to‑Weight: A staggering 148.6 hp per tonne—talk about drift‑ready.
- Transmission: A 7‑speed dual‑clutch that lets you feel the clicks of manual mode when you need a little control.
- 0‑100 km/h: 6.7 seconds—faster than most coffee orders.
- Top Speed: A cruising 250 km/h that keeps your ego high and tires warm.
Fuel & Numbers
It’s efficient too: 15.2 km per litre when you blend city and highway driving. That’s a sweet mix of muscle and economy.
Cost of A Dream
Stepping into this powerhouse comes at a price tag of $231,400 (including COE, but keep in mind there’s no VES rebate or surcharge).
Get In Touch
Want to test‑drive or need more info? The Skoda Singapore agents are ready to guide you through the journey.
Original release: Torque – Permission required for reproduction. Source: SkodaCarsLifestyle.
