2001 Skoda Octavia RS review from UK and Ireland

Engine warning light has come on for no apparent reason- soon fixed by dealer, and little else.

My previous car was a 98 Mercedes E320 and when I came to change it, I decided to ignore badges and hunt out a bargain model which could deliver the goods regardless of image.

After hearing good things about Skoda, now under VW ownership, I decided to try the Octavia RS Turbo. It was often overlooked in the press, but whatever reviews it did get seemed to be brilliant- fast, refined, practical and understated. After a test drive, I immediately purchased it. The RS is a super piece of kit at the price- it is quicker then my E320 and more economical, too, averaging about 36 mpg.

Performance is simply astounding: above 4000 rpm it really sprints hard, and although the brochure states 7.9 seconds to 60, I suspect that it is indeed quicker and magazines have proven me right, getting times of 7.6s down to 6.7s and 0-100mph in under 17 seconds. With a well run-in engine of 70000+ miles, my RS simply destroys anything slower than a BMW 330i, with V6 X-Types being totally slaughtered, and although insurance is high, the low price makes it worth it. It is reliable and well made, and while handling brilliantly, only a slight lack of steering feedback and average brakes stop this being perfect. A very, very good car overall.