2001 Skoda Octavia RS from UK and Ireland - Comments

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.

Apparently the Autocar one that did 6.7 to 60 and 16.7 to 100 was actually remapped and had over 200 bhp. The standard one hits 60 in the low 7's, still pretty quick. I recommend you get a remap because it makes the car smoother and noticeably faster.

Thanks for the advice. It sounded suspicious that the RS, however quick it is, could hit 60mph in 6.7seconds, though I also agree that it is quicker then it's claimed 7.9 seconds suggests. Where would you advise if I wanted a remap of the engine, and how much would it produce (BHP) afterwards? Thanks a lot :)

Which company you would use for a remap would really depend on who you ask - most companies have pretty happy customers.

If you live down south, you have a few choices. Wherever you live, Revo will be an option as they have dealers all over, but they are quite expensive. Down south you have likes of AmD and Jabba, both have good reputations. Up north you could try Star Performance in Scotland. That would by my choice (I live in Newcastle though).

You should get about 210-220 bhp out of a remap assuming no other mods. If you have more mods, you'll get a bit more out of it. Then there is always the big turbo conversions (KO3, IHI etc) but we're talking big bucks there.

Help my yellow engine light keeps coming on and the dealer is having problems tracking the fault down. any ideas from you rs owners that can put me on the right track!!

My engine yellow light was coming on in my Octavia 4x4. It was a coil on the way out that was causing it.

Thanks very much for the tip about the coil as my yellow warning light keeps coming on as well.. Apart from that, a really great car. Mine is the 1.8 turbo, but in L-K trim.. can't believe the kit you get for your money.. Superb car, would I have another one? You bet.

I have owned an Octavia vRS from new - bought in Sept.2001. I am not too happy with the reliability. Three spark plug coils have failed on two separate occasions whilst under warranty resulting in transport to a Skoda Dealer for replacement. Since the warranty has expired a Turbo Boost Valve and Temperature Sensor have failed (cost £360 to rectify) and now I have problems with the clutch - I suspect the thrust bearing is failing. All this and the car has done under 45,000 miles.

To the comments on the autocar review.

I have that copy of Autocar somewhere. I think they suggested it had the more powerful 225 Audi TT engine in it, because the acceleration and the weight meant that the power to weight ratio matched what it would have had with the Audi TT 225 engine in. Although obviously Vag/skoda refused to comment, and just denied that, stating it was standard!

It's the usual thing of car manufacturers giving car mags a more powerful version of their standard car to get better stats, so they sell more; a bit deceptive really.