Skoda Octavia RS 2025 Review
Sharper, quicker, and cheaper – but has Skoda’s sporty family hauler lost some of its magic appeal?The refreshed 2025 Skoda Octavia RS arrives in Australia with enhanced performance, improved tech, and added value, in both sedan and wagon formats. Powered by a more potent 195kW/370Nm 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, it’s quicker than before, yet practicality remains a core strength. However, while undoubtedly competent, the latest iteration seems to have traded some of its charm for a more polished but ultimately less engaging driving experience.
How much does the Skoda Octavia RS cost?
When looking at pricing, the 2025 Skoda Octavia RS initially appears more expensive than its predecessor but now includes all previously optional equipment as standard. When you crunch the numbers, buyers come out significantly ahead, enhancing the Octavia’s overall value proposition.
Priced at $58,490 plus on-road costs (ORCs) for the sedan and $59,990 plus ORCs for the wagon, it now includes the formerly optional $6600 Premium Pack as standard. Highlights include 19-inch alloy wheels, a 13-inch infotainment touch-screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Canton premium audio, 10-inch virtual cockpit, heated and massaging front seats with memory, heated rear (outboard) seats, head-up display, adaptive dampers, and a ventilated wireless phone charger – a thoughtful touch for fast-charging devices. The only options available are the striking Velvet Red Premium Metallic paint ($770) and a panoramic sunroof ($1900, wagon only).
Warranty coverage is appealing, with Skoda now offering a more competitive seven-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty, aligning closely with other leading brands in Australia. Additionally, capped-price servicing provides predictable maintenance costs, further enhancing ownership appeal and long-term value.
Active and passive safety equipment is comprehensive, including adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality, autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane assist, rear cross-traffic alert, front and rear parking sensors, a 360-degree surround-view camera, tyre pressure monitoring, and eight airbags.
Design-wise, the RS variant features distinctive styling elements inside and out, including red brake callipers, RS badging, RS-styled front and rear bumpers, dual black exhaust tips, and tasteful carbon and suede cabin trims. Skoda has successfully differentiated the RS from the rest of the Octavia range without compromising its premium appeal.
With competitors like the Mazda6 wagon now sadly discontinued, rivals in this mid-size wagon ballpark are few – think Volvo’s V60 and Audi’s A6 Avant, both of which are appreciably dearer. Amid the rising popularity of mid-sized SUVs and electric vehicles, Skoda’s commitment to practical, enjoyable, and value-driven vehicles is commendable.
What’s good about the Skoda Octavia RS?
There’s plenty to appreciate in the 2025 Skoda Octavia RS, especially if you’re after a wagon that blends performance with family-friendly practicality. The cabin ergonomics remain typically Skoda – intuitive and easy-to-use – making it effortless to find the right driving position and manage the controls on the fly. I’m a big fan of the responsive and customisable new infotainment touch-screen, though a physical volume knob instead of a slider would have been a welcome inclusion.
The handling dynamics inspire plenty of confidence, and the selectable drive modes mean the Octavia adapts perfectly, whether it’s a casual commute or an enthusiastic weekend drive. While the adaptive suspension is certainly on the firmer side – expected in a car wearing RS badging – it still manages to absorb harsh road imperfections effectively. Plus, the massaging seats are a fantastic addition, noticeably easing fatigue on longer drives.
Performance is impressive, with brisk acceleration – the sedan sprints from zero to 100km/h in 6.4 seconds, while the wagon is just 0.1sec slower. Power is smoothly delivered through the dual-clutch gearbox, aided by the electronically controlled limited-slip differential (LSD) and Bridgestone Potenza tyres, though better rubber could further enhance cornering performance.
Braking is strong and progressive, while standard Dynamic Chassis Control ensures stable handling and weight transfer. Considering the performance on offer, real-world fuel consumption is reasonably efficient at 8.7L/100km as tested, though it’s worth noting the entire Octavia range requires a diet of premium 95 RON fuel.
Comfort and convenience extend throughout the cabin. Rear passengers benefit from excellent visibility, two USB-C ports, and ample storage. The generous boot capacity (600L sedan, 640L wagon) includes practical features like cargo hooks, storage bins, remote-folding seats, and a two-stage powered boot lid. Impressively, Skoda has retained space for a space-saver spare tyre beneath the cargo floor.
What’s not so good about the Skoda Octavia RS?
The most noticeable downside for me is the loss of the previous generations’ characterful engine note. This underwhelming sound profile is genuinely disappointing, especially considering how thrilling the previous version sounded – it feels like a piece of the Octavia’s soul is missing. Another significant issue is the excessive tyre roar at highway speeds, particularly noticeable on coarse-chip road surfaces. It’s so intrusive at times that it genuinely detracts from the overall refinement of the car.
The seven-speed DSG gearbox also remains a frustration for skilled drivers; despite improvements, it still exhibits hesitation under firm braking or aggressive throttle inputs. Thankfully, the steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters help to mitigate this somewhat, allowing for quicker manual selection. Finally, and rather disappointingly, the presence of squeaks and rattles in the dash, doors, and headliner is noticeable – something I’ve encountered frequently in various Skoda and Volkswagen products, suggesting ongoing manufacturing inconsistencies.
Should I buy a Skoda Octavia?
The 2025 Skoda Octavia RS remains a compelling choice for buyers seeking practical performance without opting for an SUV.
Skoda’s careful blend of everyday usability, sporty dynamics, safety, and comprehensive standard equipment creates a genuinely appealing family car – one that packs enough punch to satisfy enthusiast drivers without sacrificing the practicalities of daily life.
It strikes a fine balance, offering subtle yet noticeable upgrades in power and refinement at a price that’s hard to beat. The Octavia RS lets you have your cake and eat it too – almost.
2025 Skoda Octavia RS at a glance:
Price: $58,490 (sedan); $59,990 (wagon) plus on-road costs
Available: Now
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 195kW/370Nm
Transmission: Seven-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel: 7.0L/100km (ADR Combined); 8.7L/100km (as tested)
CO2: 159g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: Five-star (ANCAP 2022)
Related reading:
Related: 2025 Skoda Octavia electrified
Related: Skoda Octavia range expands in Oz
Related: Gruntier 2025 Skoda Octavia RS gets cheaper
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- Comprehensive equipment and strong performance for the price
- Outstanding practicality and clever cabin storage
- Versatile handling dynamics suitable for all driving conditions
- Characterful engine note noticeably missing
- Intrusive tyre noise on coarse road surfaces
- Occasional gearbox sluggishness under enthusiastic driving
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