Skoda Octavia RS 245 2019 Long-term Update #1

The 2019 Skoda Octavia is Skoda’s most popular car in Australia, closely followed by the Kodiaq SUV (because, Australians & SUVs). But if you’re not SUV-inclined, a versatile wagon with some added spice might be the perfect fit for your mildly-compromised (I mean kids) car of choice.

Priced from $46,990 (plus on road costs), the 2019 Skoda Octavia RS 245 could be the family car you never knew you needed.

This one feels personal. For some time now I have resisted the minor temptation to buy an SUV. I’ve always preferred a hatch or sedan because unlike the majority of Australia’s motorists, I like being lower to the ground – it’s also where my budget delivers the best value given my slightly snobbish desires.

My eldest step-daughter is now studying overseas which for the most part leaves us with just two kids (eight and 10) to chauffer (save for regular hangers-on).

We recently sold our family car, an Audi S3, because legroom was getting a little tight in the second row. Which makes us well and truly in the market.

So how did the Skoda Octavia RS 245 measure up? Pretty well, actually.

There’s plenty of room in the Skoda Octavia RS, for all occupants. The kids have oodles of leg room, even when my husband has the seat pushed back.

Thanks to our optional luxury pack (see below) they also get heated seats!

Air vents, charge points, and arm rest with cup holders and back of seat pockets is about all they need.

The boot pleases me no end. The reversible rubber/carpet reversible floor mat is brilliant. You’ll find multiple anchor points, tie down points and clever net systems.

It’s worth noting that there are hard plastics inside the Skoda Octavia – but with my family on board, that can be a blessing. It feels like the sporty Euro with a robust edge. And as a result, I feel a little less precious about it.

The lovely Alcantara upholstered seats feel beautiful, but their durability worries me. They’re not as versatile or as easy to keep clean as leather.

Quick, sharp handling and a lively engine make the Octavia RS a lot of fun to drive. It’s engaging but not draining, sporty but not harsh. Skoda has found a middle ground that is likely to appeal to enthusiasts, young and old, with or without the family load to consider.

The 2.0-litre turbo-charged engine is paired to a quick shifting gearbox that moves from mild to a little bit wild with the flick of a switch – the sport switch. Use your paddle shifts for a more involved drive. It’s just a lot of fun. Sounds great, too.

School pick-up talking points include the Skoda’s ability to move from 0-100km/h in 6.7sec without sacrificing the boot load of groceries. Parents, bow down.

Jumping into the Skoda Octavia RS 245, I’m presented with a familiar German-led design aesthetic that I’m immediately comfortable with. Ergonomically, it’s mighty similar to where I’ve come from (Audi S3); and the seats are as comfortable as any I’ve sat in lately.

Harder plastics and a little less tactility where the key touch points are concerned are subtle hints of this vehicle’s more affordable price point.

The infotainment display and virtual cockpit (optioned) play home to the modern technology on board.

Equipped with Apple Carplay/Android Auto, wireless phone charging, satellite navigation, a reversing camera with front and rear sensor and auto parking I’m left wanting for nothing.

Add to this great safety tech like adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist and blind spot monitoring and whether you’re in the town or country, ease of driving increases. Yes, sadly some of these are part of an option package.

A manual park brake occupies valuable space and (like many) regularly snags my handbag straps. For this reason, an electric park brake ticks dual boxes.

The Skoda Octavia RS 245 is priced from $46,990 (plus on road costs).
Our vehicle adds metallic paint ($500), panoramic sunroof ($1700), 19-inch Xtreme anthracite wheels ($700), automatic tailgate ($500), virtual cockpit ($700) and the

Luxury Pack which includes upgraded upholstery, electrically-adjust seats with driver memory, lane assist, blind spot detection, heated front and rear seats as well as auto folding mirrors ($2800). We’re now looking at $53,890 (plus on road costs).

If I was to switch straight into the Octavia RS 245, I’m immediately getting more car, more technology and more versatile space…. for less.

After two weeks in the Skoda Octavia RS 245, I’m finding it very hard to fault. I’m also sad to see it go – which is always a sign of a good vehicle. It ticks so many boxes where driveability, connectivity and safety are concerned.

The space is commendable, given this vehicle’s footprint and is a perfect fit for my family stage/size. Versatility is excellent and I think it looks good.
Would I buy one? Yes. Will I? Time will tell…

How much does the 2019 Skoda Octavia RS 245 cost?
Price: $46,990 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 2.0 litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 180kW/370Nm
Transmission: Seven-speed dual-clutch
Fuel: 6.5L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 149g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: Five-star ANCAP