2023 Skoda Octavia RS Wagon review: The dad weekender drive

Two up: Ahead of its impending facelift, Wheels Media product manager Michael Fisher and analytics master Tim Kenington split custody of a hot Octavia wagon to give us their regular-bloke "I'm no journalist" take.

The car

2023 Skoda Octavia RS

Price

$58,490 drive-away

Pricing for the Skoda Octavia range starts at $42,490 drive-away for the Style 110TSI sedan, up to $58,490 drive-away for the range-topping RS 180TSI Wagon tested here.

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JUMP AHEAD

• Welcome
• Is the Octavia RS Wagon comfortable?
• What technology do I get with the Octavia RS?
• How is the Octavia RS Wagon on the road?
• What safety features does the Octavia have?
• What technology do I get with the Octavia RS?
• Does the Octavia have good fuel economy?
• How is the Octavia for parking?
• Does the Skoda Octavia suit a family?
• Specifications

From its dynamic road presence to its practicality for family needs, the Skoda Octavia RS Wagon looks like the definition of a 'Dad Weekender' – a car that blends safety, usability, and driving pleasure.

This top-of-the-range wagon, packing a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine with a stout 180kW and 370Nm, promises a fun-filled week of balancing family schedules with spirited driving.

Is the 2023 Skoda Octavia RS Wagon comfortable?

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Absolutely. The designers of the Octavia RS seem to have taken comfort seriously.

Step inside and you're greeted with seats that are both supportive during spirited drives and cushy enough for long hauls. Its cabin ambience strikes a balance between sporty and luxurious, with quality materials throughout and plenty of legroom for everyone.

Road noise? Barely there. The RS Wagon does a stellar job of insulating you from the tedium of travel.

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What technology do I get with the Octavia RS?

The Octavia RS comes with a bevy of technology aimed at making life easier and journeys more enjoyable.

Serving as a centrepiece is the sleek infotainment system that does a pretty seamless job of connecting wirelessly with your devices, surrounded by a constellation of tech treats, from the digital instrument cluster to ambient lighting.

There's also a suite of connectivity features and the head-up display enables you to monitor key details such as speed and navigation directions while keeping your eyes on the road; it's a great complement to the comprehensive information available through the excellent digital instrumentation.

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How is the Octavia RS Wagon on the road?

On the move, the Octavia RS Wagon strikes a fine balance between dynamic fun and everyday usability.

Precise handling and responsive steering give drivers the confidence to tackle twisty roads with gusto, yet the suspension is forgiving enough to absorb bumps and imperfections with aplomb.

The powertrain is a harmonious match of eager acceleration and effortless mid-range punch, culminating in a drive that's as engaging on a spirited sprint as it is relaxing on a long cruise.

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What safety features does the Octavia have?

A suite of active and passive safety features works silently in the background, keeping an electronic eye on the road and ready to step in when needed.

The blind-spot monitoring lights are cleverly positioned on the inside of each side mirror and are quite large, providing at-a-glance alerts to the driver without being visible from outside the vehicle.

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Does the Octavia have good fuel economy?

Considering its performance credentials, the Octavia RS is surprisingly frugal, so your thrills at the wheel aren't punished at the pump.

It has a couple of smart features such as idle-stop that help maximise every drop of fuel, making the RS both economical and exciting. The official combined highway and urban fuel-use figure is 6.8L/100km and we managed to get close to that claim with consumption of 7.2L/100km during our week with the car.

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How is the Octavia for parking?

Parking the Octavia RS is a breeze. Its parking assist tech really reduces the stress of squeezing into a tight spot.

The wagon's reversing camera and sensors give you a clear view of the surroundings, and the steering input required for parallel or bay parking is calculated precisely, making it almost like playing a video game – simple and somewhat enjoyable.

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Does the Skoda Octavia suit a family?

The Skoda Octavia RS Wagon is a family car with an edge. It delivers the practicality needed for everyday family life – spacious boot, ample cabin space, and safety features in spades – while also satisfying those who haven't forgotten the joy of driving.

Clever little touches can be found everywhere, such as a little light coming on when you open the mirror in the passenger side sun visor. The double-sided mat lining the boot floor means you’ll never need to worry about dirtying the carpet again – carry as much mess around as you like with the vinyl.

It's a car that caters to the needs of a modern family that appreciates the finer aspects of motoring while keeping the realities of parental logistics front and centre.

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