The Octavia is Škoda’s most popular model. It combines an extraordinary combination of comfort, reliability, quality, safety, German technology and Czech craftsmanship in an exclusively European package at an eminently accessible price point.

The performance flagship of the range, the Octavia RS, combines ultimate driver engagement with practicality and is available in both sedan and wagon models – both, like the rest of the range, at the right price. Practicality is certainly not sacrificed to performance – nor vice-versa – when it comes to the Octavia RS.

Spirited driving is assured, thanks to a new addition to the Octavia RS engine range, the 2.0 TDI 125 kW four cylinder engine – the first time this engine has been offered in a Skoda in Australia. The torque peak for this new exciting engine is an incredible 350 Nm which is available at 1,800 rpm. This engine complies with EU4 standards and is fitted with a Diesel Particulate Filter. The popular 2.0 TFSI 147 kW four cylinder petrol engine will still be available in the Octavia RS.

The Octavia RS TDI is available with a six-speed DSG transmission, and befitting its character it engages the road via 18-inch alloy wheels shod with low-profile 225/40 R18 tyres. Feel and feedback are impressive, thanks to sports-tuned suspension - which is lower than the standard Octavia - and responsive rack and pinion steering with electro-mechanical assistance.

Inside, the RS retains high equipment levels and interior refinements. The vehicle’s sporty character is enhanced by the inclusion of body-hugging heated front seats with sports trim, together with alarm system and sports instrument panel.

Impressive credentials, both active and passive, are an integral part of the Octavia RS’s design.

The Octavia RS is comprehensively kitted out to protect its occupants across a broad range of real-world safety situations with an impressive array of active (crash avoidance) and passive (crash mitigation) safety features.

Importantly, the Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) is standard, regardless of engine, transmission, body configuration or drive system. ESP represents ‘best practice’ technology to counteract skids and slides, helping to prevent numerous subsequent traffic crashes. ESP has been independently assessed to offer significant safety benefits to the owners of cars fitted with the system, as well as other road users. It helps prevent loss of control situations from arising by monitoring cornering performance continuously and intervening automatically to regain control when it senses grip being lost.

An advanced Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) helps maintain driver control by preventing wheel lock-up if an emergency stop is required, while a Traction Control System (TCS) monitors the driveline continuously for wheel spin and automatically reduces engine output to prevent wheel slip. Finally, engine braking control (EBC) prevents the driven wheels from locking if the accelerator is lifted suddenly, or if the vehicle brakes sharply because a low gear has been selected.

In the event of an accident, there are six airbags for passive protection; dual front, front side and front and rear curtain airbags. Front seat occupants receive additional protection with active safety headrests, designed to reduce the risk of whiplash in a rear end collision.