It was mid August 2006 and the largest(it wasn’t very large, but interesting indeed) Auto Show in South India was going on in Calicut, Kerala. I had just taken a look at the new Camry in the Toyota Stall and had moved on to spot the Skoda Laura. I was just taking a look at the vehicle, when the salesman offered to give me a detailed description of the vehicle. When I said I am pretty much impressed with the Camry and am more or less made up my mind to buy it soon. He insisted that I take a test drive of the Laura and then decide. After the exhibition ended, the salesman invited me for the test drive to the dealership.
I went along and had a brief chat with the salesman regarding Skoda’s overall quality and reliability issues and that was the main reason why I never even thought of considering a Skoda. It was time for the test drive and I was surprised to find out that I would driving the Octavia RS and not the Laura. I was disappointed, but that feeling was to go away soon into total excitement. The salesman drove first to demonstrate the capabilities of the vehicle. I was rather impressed. For around 15 lakhs, this car is a killer on the road! He skid started(burn out) the vehicle to show me the lanching power(as he put it).
Ok, next it was my turn at the wheel and it was awesome! I had just jumped from a 2.4L Diesel 72bhp powered Qualis to a 1.8L Turbo petrol 150bhp European Sedan. The difference was extremely obvious. Though, I have driven Camrys and even 200+bhp powered car, the Octavia RS was different in terms of power delivery! I guess it was due to the various sport tuned components.
Steering, Clutch, Brake pedals
Obviously, since I was used to the Qualis, I found the controls to be tight, but it was manageable enough to be ignored. There was a certain solid feel about it all. Brakes were quick and very effective, infact I had to be careful not to press it too much.
Engine
Undoubtedly, the most astounding part of the car! Not to forget the transmission that transfers the magic of the engine to the wheels and thus gives the driver the desired response at all times. Initially I took it slow to get a feel of things. The engine has very high torque at low RPM, which reduces gear shifts and discomfort for the left foot while crawling at low speeds in 2nd gear. And then when you require speed, a simple pedal to the metal of the accelerator unleashes the power of the engine with great eagerness, propelling the car to 100+kmph in 2nd gear alone(ignoring the high fuel consumption at that moment, of course). I was simply running out of road on the Calicut - Kannur highway to reach the redline in 2nd gear. It was like it would just go on and on!
Visibility
Except for the rear, everything else was fine. You needn’t worry about the rear end except while braking. The salesman told me what while applying brakes I need not worry about my front end, but should be concerned about the rear end, because of its superior braking performance. As for parking the RS comes with rear parking sensors, so not to worry.
Seating Comfort
Front row
Comfortable, Sports leather seats, contoured to keep you in place while maneovouring tight corners at high speeds
Rear row
I am afraid, I can’t comment on this because I did not take a ride in the back of the car. But, from what I have heard, it is not very comfortable.
Build Quality
Well, the speedometer, of the test drive vehicle was broken/not working and the engine light indicator was on. When I enquired as to the reason, the salesman didn’t give me a satisfactory reply. Then at the showroom, an angry customer burst out of the service centre demanding to speak with the service manager because he was being charged for realignment! The salesman remarked that the customer drives through potholes in the road and expects not to misalign his wheels, what is he to do about it. Further I had read a complaint from another customer was experiencing premature tyre wear due to incorrect wheel alignment. But the dealer would not agree with the customer and kept saying everything was fine.
*Respect on the Road
*The Yellow Skoda Octavia RS, definitely commands respect from other drivers on the road. At many instances, the salesman told me that I needn’t hesitate to overtake since all other cars will adjust accordingly without any fuss.(Most of the roads in Kerala, atleast where I stay are 2 way, single lane) At first, I didn’t believe him, but when I tried a few overtakes(I don’t mean extremely crazy overtakes) I was surprised with the actions of other drivers which was to simply let me go ahead. No vehicle, including trucks/buses(coming from the opposing lane) ever shot their high beam at me. I had always known that Mercedes vehicles are given such respect, infact I have witnessed it once. But a Skoda, it was remarkable! And since the car responds well, in terms of accleration or braking, I am sure anyone will feel quite confident while driving this vehicle.
Overall
It is a fantastic car for driving enthusiasts and that too at a reasonable price. But I am not too sure about the reliability.
BTW as one mouthshut member pointed out in his review of the same car, the Skoda Laura is sold as the Skoda Octavia in the international market. Skoda Octavia we get in India has been removed from production.