Skoda Octavia RS - OzBargain sports car of the year?

goingDHfast on 15/07/2014 - 20:34

I placed an order for one recently so let me get that out of the way first!

Anyway check out the specs and pricing if you are unaware: http://www.skoda.com.au/models/octavia-rs/overview
This is the mk3, based on the same engine & chassis as the new Golf 7.

Considering you can pick up the Manual wagon with 162kw engine (same as the Golf GTI) with more standard features than you can poke a stick at for ~$38,000 I'd say it's a huge bargain!

Very interested to hear other Ozbargainers thoughts on this amazing car - too bad about the 6 month wait for stock in Australia :-(

Automotive

Comments

  • chuneeperformance on 15/07/2014 - 20:47

    anyone experienced the quality?

    • goingDHfast on 15/07/2014 - 21:04

      They're part of the Volkswagen auto group so they are built with the same robots as a Golf or Passat. They copped a bad reputation in the last few years thanks to "the hand grenade" 7speed DSG gear box however the Octy comes with the newer 6speed which gets far better reviews.

      • JimB on 24/07/2014 - 17:12

        Actually, the 6 speed wet clutch DSG has been around for nearly 10 years now starting with the Golf GTI and is quite robust (I have a MkV GTI DSG myself)…. VW then introduced a cheap dry clutch 7 speed for lower powered models and this is the one is poorly designed.

        Overall the 6 speed wet clutch DSG in VAG cars are fairly reliable.

        And if you need a sedan/wagon, I think the RS162 is a cracker of a car and is great value.

  • harryzee on 15/07/2014 - 21:01

    I have 2 skoda superb wagons. Great cars!

  • MustResistPurchase on 15/07/2014 - 21:08
    +1

    How is a wagon a "sports" car?

    • goingDHfast on 15/07/2014 - 21:31

      It's technically a sports wagon I guess. 0-100 in 6.x seconds is ballpark most "sports" cars costing far far more.

    • Smulder on 15/07/2014 - 21:33

      For soccer mums who drive their kids to weekend 'sports'?

  • mskeggs on 15/07/2014 - 21:40

    What are the service/repair costs like? Same as a Volks?

    • goingDHfast on 15/07/2014 - 22:08

      Capped price for first six years. Very reasonable from what I saw.

  • blitz on 15/07/2014 - 22:18
    +1

    Thinking about an Octavia Wagon in bright yellow with MAVIC written on the side.

    • 2ndeffort on 16/07/2014 - 00:10

      with 15 bikes on the roof?

      • blitz on 16/07/2014 - 04:41

        HELLZ YES

  • 2ndeffort on 16/07/2014 - 00:09
    +1

    The most expensive part of owning a new car is depreciation, over the first 3 years this is likely to be a biger cost than servicing/insurance/rego etc but most people overlook it. Skodas notoriously get smashed on depreciation. Although it might be a couple of $K more for a Golf GTI (maybe $3K more?) you would probably get at least that back if you decide to sell after 3 years. I buy my cars on 3 year novated leases, depreciation is normally my first consideration!

  • Veedub on 16/07/2014 - 06:45

    Bargain, yes sir!

    Styling, sorry it's a bit drab, but I guess it can be classed as a 'bargain sleeper"

    I've owned an driven Jetta mk5 with same engine as GTI.
    Owned and driven mk6 GTI with air induction and chip tune, Porsche killer.
    Now in passat R36 "family car"… ;-)

    Air induction and chip tune that Skoda and it will scare the pants of you!

    • Tgb on 16/07/2014 - 07:13

      Don't all cars induct air?

      • Veedub on 16/07/2014 - 08:13

        Yes, turbo fitted cars want need demand more cold air.
        More air means more power and better combustion.
        Colder the air richer the amount of oxygen which equals more power better combustion.

    • goingDHfast on 16/07/2014 - 07:24

      Very tempting to chip… 220kw is possible I read. Any way to do this while retaining warranty? P.S. Love the R36 that was my second option!

      • Veedub on 16/07/2014 - 08:27

        Yes, research 3 mode tune. GIAC STAGE 1

        1. Standard mode ( for servicing) can't be detected by scan tool.
        2. Valet mode (no turbo)
        3. Performance mode

        Some places have 1 hr trial, and if you proceed, the trial cost deducted from full version.

        • GaryC on 24/07/2014 - 17:31

          How's that compare to the APR tune, since the APR seems to be the more talked about?

  • xyron on 16/07/2014 - 09:26

    New WRX is a better bargain IMO, but the Octavia vRS should not be overlooked.

    • Veedub on 16/07/2014 - 09:50
      -1

      Bargain magnet for police and attention from "the fully sick rexie bro's" ;-)

      • tonyjzx on 16/07/2014 - 12:24

        i hate the wheels on it

        otherwise i like the slightly dull design

        do you want a car that screams out how much of a boy racer you are???

    • goingDHfast on 16/07/2014 - 13:20

      Wow, the base model can be had for a very similar price to the Octavia sedan!
      Too bad they don't make it in a wagon format…

  • ozeebee on 16/07/2014 - 13:41
    +1

    I love these Skodas! I would own an Octavia before a Golf just because there's way too many Golf around. I like to be a bit different from the crowd.

    Would skip the new WRX and jump straight to an STI with the rear wing delete. I know it's a different price but the new STI is just that much better.

    I reckon if you can get a better intake setup, better flowing exhaust and a tune. Your Octavia will be a serious weapon!

    • goingDHfast on 16/07/2014 - 14:33

      " if you can get a better intake setup, better flowing exhaust and a tune."

      Hmmm any hints at convincing the wife for those upgrades? I did consider asking the dealer to do it as part of the first service hoping she wouldn't notice the higher bill. Alternatively I could use the money from selling the wedding ring to fund these upgrades ;-)

      • ozeebee on 16/07/2014 - 14:54

        Tell her it improves fuel consumption :D

      • Veedub on 16/07/2014 - 15:21

        Cold air intake is an easy 10 minute bolt on.
        Or
        Replace standard air filter with high flow replacement panel type like K&N. (doesn't void warranty)

        Turbo back free flowing Exhaust you may need to consider after warranty period is up.

        All that power, you will need to consider stopping power, so upgrade to your brake pads and discs. Or go Brembo!

        Personally do it in stages, like a project you get to appreciate the changes.

        Only tell the wife if she asks, and if she asks its a upgrade to make it safer and more fuel efficient.

  • [Deactivated] on 16/07/2014 - 22:37
    +1

    Not the sexiest car, but has some amazing engine components and engineering behind it!
    But if I were you on a bargain hunt i'd consider Nissan Pulsar SSS. There price at 29~K Drive away(I've definetly seen the cars go for about 22k to 23k) with 6 capped servicing, also has 140KW very nice features that come with the car, cheap parts, cheaper service in the long run and i think nissan has a lower depreciation rate? Correct me if I'm wrong about depreciation!

  • Kelpei on 18/07/2014 - 22:45

    Skoda's have had a very good reputation in the UK for the past few years, I think these Octavia's are made in the Czech Republic too!

  • goingDHfast on 19/07/2014 - 08:34

    Interesting review here for those saying they'd prefer a WRX or a Commodore:
    http://www.carsguide.com.au/car-reviews/top-3-drivers-sedans…

    The Octy wins!

    VERDICT

    The SV6 is by no means a bad beast. A Commodore means lots of car for the money. It is light on its feet yet still has a big-car feel without feeling like a barge in the bends.
    Subaru's WRX is a headkicker when fired up in anger - outrageous grunt for the asking price, with a much-improved auto option and that grip - and the super-firm road manner is the sole failing.
    My two minions for the day choose the Skoda as the car they'd pinch if all keys were on the table and it's hard to argue with that conclusion.
    It lacks the width of the Commodore and the outright grip and grunt of the Subaru, nor is it as overt as the other two in the looks department. The cheeky Czech has plenty of space, pace and poise and can be driven with purpose.

    Common kit - All three have: Five-star ANCAP safety rating, Bluetooth phone and audio link, USB inputs, cloth trim, leather-wrapped steering wheel with ancillary controls, direct fuel injection, trip computer, power windows and mirrors and climate control, space-saver spare (Skoda and Subaru)

    What's unique - Skoda Octavia Front-drive, turbocharged four-cylinder, twin-clutch automated manual gearbox, satnav, tyre pressure monitor, heated mirrors Holden Commodore SV6 Rear-drive, V6, conventional automatic transmission, remote start, app-based smartphone-compatible MyLinkSubaru WRX All-wheel drive, turbocharged flat four-cylinder, continuously variable automatic

  • GaryC on 24/07/2014 - 17:13

    I got the Mk2 MY2012 Octavia RS when it was on sale and I think it's a great car that pretty much hits all the spots. Comfortable and well laid out interior that's built to the same quality as other cars in the VW group, the same engine as the Golf GTI, great 6sp DSG gearbox, plenty of space in the back, discreet exterior that's nice and subtle, and has a great price. It's like the poor man's Audi RS6 Avant.

    I just had it serviced at Solitaire Skoda and it was $400.

  • FutureTech on 26/07/2014 - 14:14

    How about throwing in a few grands and get a Audi a3 sedan?

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