Skoda Octavia RS Detailed Review: A GTI for Grown-Ups?

Skoda has unveiled the 4th-gen Skoda Octavia RS in the UAE recently. It’s the car you’d buy if you like a considerably fast vehicle with enough room for family and it’s practical as well. The RS badge on the Octavia RS means “Rally Sport”. 

Available as the Octavia RS in the UAE, it’s the same as the vRS offered in the UK and other countries. Skoda offers the Octavia RS as a sedan and as a station wagon (estate) worldwide. However, the UAE only got the sedan for now. 

Today, we will discuss every detail of the Skoda Octavia RS sedan and compare it to its competitors. But before we do that, let’s learn a thing or two about Skoda.

Skoda 

Skoda is a Czech automobile manufacturer with a rich history dating back to 1895. It produces cars that blend quality, design, and affordability. The brand focuses on safety, comfort, and technology in its models. Skoda offers a wide range of vehicles, from compact cars to SUVs. 

Popular models include the Octavia, Superb, and Kodiaq. Skoda emphasises eco-friendly initiatives, producing electric and hybrid vehicles. It has earned a strong reputation in Europe and other markets. Skoda continues to innovate while staying true to its core values of reliability and practicality. 

The Volkswagen Group owns the brand.

Aggressive Aesthetics

Compared to the normal Octavia, the Octavia RS looks quite aggressive. The front grille is blackened, as are the stylish side mirrors. There are air inlets in the front bumper that channel air to the aerodynamically designed 19″ Elias anthracite alloy wheels. 

The wheels aren’t very attractive. But you can remove the plastic aerodynamic covers from the rims to make your ride look more appealing. The car sits 15 mm lower than the standard Skoda Octavia, which enhances road grip and improves the vehicle’s overall aesthetics. 

Skoda offers elegant Matrix LED DRLs at the front, which look quite pleasing to look at. The rear tailgate is powered and can be closed automatically with the single touch of a button. You get a fake diffuser in the rear bumper along with fake vents. 

There is a stylish yet minimalistic ducktail spoiler at the trunk. However, the Skoda Octavia RS sedan doesn’t come with a sunroof, unlike previous generations. 

 

Skoda Octavia RS Price

Skoda UAE sells the Skoda Octavia RS as a separate car, not as a variant. The price of the Skoda Octavia RS in the UAE is AED 152,000. Customers can make online bookings, and Skoda expects deliveries to start as early as July 2025

Inside the Bonnet

Sitting inside the bonnet is a 2.0-litre turbocharged TSI engine that makes 265 hp and 370 Nm of torque. The power is sent to the front wheels via a 7-speed DSG DCT transmission, which is equipped with an E-LSD. Confused? 

A DSG DCT is like a fast, smooth, lazy-driving hero. It knows when to change gears without you doing anything and gets it done quicker than a regular automatic. Plus, it’s like a double agent with two clutches working behind the scenes to keep you moving smoothly and efficiently. 

What good is a sports car without a DCT, right? A problem with the Octavia RS is that you can’t really shift gears manually. You can’t bash the rev limiter even in manual mode. The car will automatically shift gears once you hit the limiter. 

The Skoda Octavia RS can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds. That obviously depends on the road conditions and the quality of the fuel. Skoda claims it’ll do 100 km/h in 6.3 seconds, but Carwow’s Draggy says something different. 

 

Specs	Skoda Octavia RS
Engine	Inline-4
Forced Induction	Turbocharged
Displacement	2.0L
Transmission	7-DCT
Drivetrain	FWD
Power	265 hp
Torque	370 Nm
0-100 km/h	5.9 seconds
Fuel Economy	15.7 km/l
Weight	1907 kg

 

It has pretty impressive fuel economy, though. For a well-engineered, sports family sedan, 15.7 km/l is not half bad, is it? 

Ride Quality

You may think that, being a sporty sedan, the ride will be stiff. It is indeed, but it is also customisable. The suspension can be set to either the comfort, normal, or sports setting, depending on your preference. The tyre noise isn’t very subtle.

The handling is sharp, the steering responsive, and the gearbox is aggressive. A fast and heavy car like this requires good brakes, and that’s precisely what the Skoda Octavia RS has. 

Cabin Comfort

Jumping inside the cabin, the first thing you’ll notice is the sports bucket seats with RS branding. The seat material is either fabric, leatherette, or leather, depending on the price you pay. There are two screens: the driver’s display measures 10.25 inches, while the central infotainment display measures 13 inches. 

You won’t find many physical buttons, and most controls can be accessed through the central screen.  However, there is a tri-zone automatic climate control system. The centre console features an armrest, two cup holders, a wireless charging pad, and two USB-C ports. The C ports are also available at the back. 

The heated steering wheel is also different from the standard Octavia with RS badging and suede upholstery. The rear passengers have ample room in the back. There is seating for three people in the rear with a proper 3rd headrest. Yet the floor only allows two passengers to be seated in the back. 

The trunk capacity is extravagant, with 590 litres of boot space. That is when all the seats are in an upright position. Fold them down and the boot capacity increases to 1555 litres. 

For Arctic Monkey fans, there is a 12-speaker Canton system. The paddle shifters are small components made of inexpensive plastic. The dashboard has a blend of suede and fake plastic carbon fibre that not only looks but also feels cheap. 

The ‘S’ in Skoda stands for Safety

The Skoda Octavia has been awarded the maximum 5-star rating in Euro NCAP crash tests. You get nine airbags and almost all the available ADAS features. The Automatic Emergency Braking and Adaptive Cruise Control have been known to malfunction, so exercise caution when using these features. 

The car can automatically park; the six sensors on each of the front and rear bumpers should confirm this. 

Skoda Octavia RS Competitors

• Honda Civic Type R

The Civic Type R is fun, but it lacks the Octavia’s practicality and technology. It’s all thrill, no comfort.

• Audi S3

The Audi S3 is a luxury play, but it’s overpriced. The Octavia RS offers more value for your money.

 

• Ford Focus ST

The Focus ST is raw and fun, but it’s cramped and feels cheaper. The Octavia is more refined.

 

• Volkswagen Golf GTI

The Golf GTI is solid, but the Octavia RS outperforms it in terms of space, comfort, and handling. It’s the better all-rounder.

Conclusion

The Skoda Octavia RS is the perfect blend of performance and practicality. It offers thrilling power, sharp handling, and an impressive list of tech, all wrapped in a stylish yet functional package. Whether you’re chasing adrenaline or commuting, the Octavia RS does it all without breaking the bank. 

For anyone after a sporty car that’s as comfortable as it is capable, the Octavia RS stands out. Thanks for reading till the end. Let us know what you think in the comments below. Keep following the Arabwheels Blog for more content like this.