Skoda Octavia RS Video Review

Published on 10 April, 2025

We get behind the wheel of the petrol-powered version of Skoda’s much-loved Octavia RS

Highlights

Overview

The Skoda Octavia RS has built a solid reputation as the practical driver’s performance car – but in 2025, does it still deliver the right mix of space, comfort, and driving excitement?

Interior Gallery

The Octavia RS offers the same cavernous 600-litre boot as the standard model, which remains one of the largest in its class. Despite its sleek, saloon-like profile, the rear opens as a full hatchback, making loading and unloading far easier – especially when it comes to bulkier items.

In the back, legroom is exceptional – not just for this class, but even compared to cars in the segment above. There’s ample room for child seats and boosters, and thanks to the generous kneeroom, it’s particularly well-suited for rear-facing seats without compromising comfort for front seat passengers.

Up front, the Octavia RS stands out with a host of sporty, RS-specific touches. Highlights include supportive sports seats with red contrast stitching, RS badging throughout the cabin, a carbon-effect dashboard trim, aluminium pedals, and a chunky flat-bottomed RS steering wheel that adds to the performance feel.

Tech-wise, it’s well-equipped as standard, featuring a large 13-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a reversing camera, drive mode selector, and a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features – including blind spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control.

Under the bonnet, the Octavia RS is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine producing 265hp, launching it from 0-100km/h in just 6.4 seconds. While that might not seem groundbreaking in an age of rapid electric SUVs, there's still something uniquely satisfying about the sound and feel of a fast petrol engine – it brings a level of engagement that's hard to match.

The RS comes exclusively with a DSG dual-clutch automatic gearbox, meaning there’s no manual option this time around. That may disappoint some purists, but the quick-shifting transmission paired with paddle shifters still offers an engaging drive. The power delivery is smooth and responsive, making for an effortlessly enjoyable hot hatch experience. The steering is well weighted, and although the ride is on the firmer side, it remains composed and comfortable enough for everyday use.

What really sets the RS apart is how well it balances performance with practicality. Around town, it’s perfectly civilised, offering a smooth, comfortable ride. Fuel economy is respectable for a car in this category, averaging around 7.0 litres per 100km – depending, of course, on how heavy your right foot is.

In our view, the Skoda Octavia RS remains one of the most practical yet thrilling cars you can buy. As for how much longer we’ll be able to enjoy a petrol version, only time will tell. The current asking price may be steep, but it could well become a future classic, which might make it a smart investment down the line. Skoda’s reputation for reliability is well-established, and with a solid warranty backing you up, you can expect peace of mind for the long haul.

Facts & Figures

Sinead McCann

Sinéad is our resident car tester who has the unenviable (-ok, slightly enviable) task of reviewing all the latest new cars to hit the market. You can follow her on Twitter @smcani and on Instagram @whatshedrives