2020 Skoda Octavia RS 245 Wagon: A Deep Dive

Hey car enthusiasts! Today, we're diving deep into the 2020 Skoda Octavia RS 245 Wagon, a car that often flies under the radar but packs a serious punch. This review will cover everything from performance and handling to practicality and technology, giving you a comprehensive look at what makes this sporty wagon so special. So, buckle up, and let's get started!

Performance and Driving Experience

Let's talk about the heart of the matter: performance. The 2020 Skoda Octavia RS 245 Wagon is powered by a zesty 2.0-liter TSI petrol engine that cranks out a healthy 245 horsepower and 370 Nm of torque. That's enough to get this wagon from 0 to 100 km/h in a brisk 6.6 seconds. The power delivery is smooth and responsive, making it an absolute joy to drive, whether you're cruising on the highway or tackling twisty back roads. The engine is paired with a slick-shifting seven-speed DSG (Direct-Shift Gearbox) automatic transmission, which offers rapid and seamless gear changes, enhancing the overall driving experience. You also had the option of a six-speed manual, but the DSG is the more popular choice, and for good reason.

Driving the Skoda Octavia RS 245 Wagon is an experience in itself. The car feels planted and composed, thanks to its sports suspension, which lowers the ride height and stiffens the springs and dampers. This results in reduced body roll and improved handling, making it feel more agile and engaging than your average wagon. The steering is precise and offers good feedback, allowing you to confidently place the car exactly where you want it. The electronic limited-slip differential (VAQ) on the front axle further enhances handling, minimizing understeer and maximizing grip when cornering hard. It's a feature that really makes a difference, especially when you're pushing the car on challenging roads. You'll find yourself searching for those back roads just to enjoy the way this car carves corners. The brakes are also up to the task, providing strong and consistent stopping power, which is essential for a car with this level of performance.

One of the standout features of the Octavia RS 245 Wagon is its versatility. It's not just a fast car; it's also practical and comfortable. It's a car you could easily live with every day, taking the kids to school, doing the grocery run, and then heading out for a spirited drive on the weekend. The RS 245 doesn't sacrifice comfort for performance. The sports seats offer excellent support, and the cabin is well-insulated from road and wind noise, making it a comfortable place to spend time, even on long journeys. The driving modes, including normal, sport, and individual, allow you to tailor the car's behavior to your preferences and the road conditions. In Sport mode, the engine response sharpens, the steering weights up, and the DSG holds gears for longer, resulting in a more engaging driving experience. Normal mode provides a more relaxed and comfortable ride, while Individual mode lets you customize the settings to your liking. The car feels equally at home cruising on the highway and carving corners on a winding road, a testament to its well-rounded nature. For those who want more, there is an optional adaptive chassis control that further improves ride quality and handling. The car's ability to seamlessly transition between a comfortable daily driver and a performance-oriented machine is truly impressive.

Interior and Practicality

Moving inside, the Skoda Octavia RS 245 Wagon offers a sporty yet practical interior. The cabin is well-designed, with high-quality materials and a focus on functionality. The RS-specific touches, such as the sports seats with integrated headrests, a flat-bottomed steering wheel, and carbon-fiber-effect dashboard trim, add to the car's sporty character. The seats provide excellent support and are comfortable enough for long journeys. They're also heated, which is a nice touch, especially during those colder months. The driver-focused dashboard is easy to navigate, with clear and concise instrumentation. The infotainment system, with its touchscreen display, is intuitive to use and offers a range of features, including navigation, smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), and various vehicle settings. The layout is clean and uncluttered, with physical buttons for frequently used functions, making it easy to operate while driving. The build quality is solid, with everything feeling well-put-together.

Now, let's talk practicality, which is where the Octavia RS 245 Wagon truly shines. As a wagon, it offers a massive amount of cargo space. The boot capacity is a generous 610 liters with the rear seats in place, expanding to a cavernous 1,740 liters with the rear seats folded down. That's more than enough space for luggage, groceries, or anything else you might need to haul. The wide opening and low loading lip make it easy to load and unload cargo. Practical features like tie-down points, bag hooks, and a 12-volt socket in the boot add to the car's versatility. The rear seats fold in a 60:40 split, allowing you to carry passengers and cargo simultaneously. In addition to the ample cargo space, the Octavia RS 245 Wagon offers plenty of legroom and headroom for both front and rear passengers. The cabin feels spacious and airy, even with a full load of passengers. There are also numerous storage compartments throughout the cabin, including door pockets, a glove compartment, and a center console storage bin. Overall, the Octavia RS 245 Wagon is a highly practical car that's well-suited for families and anyone who needs a versatile vehicle that can handle a variety of tasks.

Technology and Features

Let's dive into the technology and features that the Skoda Octavia RS 245 Wagon offers. The infotainment system is a central hub for many of the car's functions. It features a touchscreen display that is responsive and easy to use. The system supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone and access your favorite apps, music, and navigation. The car also comes equipped with a range of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) to enhance safety and convenience. These include adaptive cruise control, which automatically adjusts your speed to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front, lane-keeping assist, which helps to keep you in your lane, and blind-spot monitoring, which alerts you to vehicles in your blind spot. Parking sensors and a rearview camera make parking and maneuvering in tight spaces easier. Other notable features include automatic LED headlights, rain-sensing wipers, and dual-zone climate control. The car also offers a range of connectivity features, including Bluetooth for hands-free calling and audio streaming, as well as a Wi-Fi hotspot, allowing passengers to connect their devices to the internet.

The instrument cluster is digital and can be customized to display various information, such as speed, fuel consumption, navigation directions, and more. The car's sound system is adequate, but audiophiles might want to consider upgrading to an aftermarket system for a better audio experience. Overall, the Skoda Octavia RS 245 Wagon is well-equipped with technology and features, offering a modern and connected driving experience. The integration of smartphone connectivity, advanced driver-assistance systems, and convenient features makes it a practical and user-friendly vehicle. It provides a good balance of technology and ease of use, making it a great choice for both tech-savvy drivers and those who prefer a more straightforward approach. The car’s technology enhances both the driving experience and the overall convenience of ownership.

Design and Styling

The design and styling of the 2020 Skoda Octavia RS 245 Wagon are where the car truly stands out. It's a sporty and stylish wagon that is both practical and eye-catching. The RS models get a more aggressive look than the standard Octavia, with unique design elements that give it a distinctive appearance. The exterior features a sporty front bumper with large air intakes, a black grille, and distinctive LED headlights. The side profile is characterized by a sleek silhouette, with a long roofline that extends to the rear of the vehicle, offering plenty of cargo space. The rear of the car features a sporty bumper, a subtle spoiler, and dual exhaust pipes, adding to its sporty appeal.

The design is not only stylish but also functional, with aerodynamic elements that improve performance and fuel efficiency. The car's proportions are well-balanced, and the overall design is modern and sophisticated. The RS models also get unique alloy wheels and red brake calipers, further enhancing the car's sporty character. The interior design complements the exterior, with sporty seats, a flat-bottomed steering wheel, and carbon-fiber-effect dashboard trim. The cabin is well-designed, with a focus on functionality and a high level of fit and finish. The car's design has aged well, and it still looks fresh and modern, even years after its release. Overall, the Skoda Octavia RS 245 Wagon's design is a winning combination of style and practicality, making it an attractive choice for those who want a car that stands out from the crowd.

Verdict and Conclusion

So, what's the verdict? The 2020 Skoda Octavia RS 245 Wagon is a fantastic all-around car. It offers a winning combination of performance, practicality, and value. It's a car that's equally at home on the racetrack and the school run. The powerful engine, responsive handling, and sporty design make it a joy to drive. The spacious interior and large cargo capacity make it a practical choice for families and anyone who needs a versatile vehicle. The technology and features are modern and user-friendly.

While it might not be the flashiest car on the road, the Octavia RS 245 Wagon offers a lot for the money. It's a car that's often overlooked, but those who choose it are rewarded with a truly special vehicle. It's a testament to the fact that you don't need to spend a fortune to get a car that's fun to drive, practical, and well-equipped. If you're in the market for a sporty wagon that offers a great blend of performance and practicality, the Skoda Octavia RS 245 Wagon should definitely be on your list. It's a car that deserves more attention and recognition for its outstanding qualities. In conclusion, the Skoda Octavia RS 245 Wagon is a brilliant car that offers a compelling package for those seeking a practical, fun-to-drive, and well-equipped vehicle. It's a true all-rounder that excels in many areas and is sure to put a smile on your face every time you drive it. Go check one out; you won't regret it!