Review: Skoda 1Z.I Octavia RS (2007-09)

Overview

Released in October 2007, the Skoda 1Z Series I (1Z.I) Octavia RS was available as a mid-size liftback or wagon. Manufactured in Mlada Boleslav, Czech Republic, the front-wheel drive Skoda Octavia RS was available with a choice of two engines a 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel and petrol engines (the 2.0 TDI and 2.0 TFSI variants, respectively).

Engines: 2.0 TFSI and 2.0 TDI

Shared with the Volkswagen Mk.5 Golf GTi , the 1984 cc EA113 four-cylinder petrol engine had a grey cast iron block with an 82.5 mm bore and 92.8 mm stroke, a die-forged steel crankshaft with five main bearings, a cast aluminium alloy cylinder head, direct injection (Volkswagen’s ‘Fuel Stratified Injection’ or FSI), a BorgWarner K03 turbocharger which provided peak boost pressure of 0.9 bar (13.05 psi), an intercooler, double overhead camshafts (belt and roller-chain driven), roller finger cam followers with hydraulic valve clearance compensation, four valves per cylinder, a variable intake manifold and a compression ratio of 10.5:1. Furthermore, the intake camshaft was continuously adjustable over a range of 42 degrees (relative to the crankshaft).

Shared with the Volkswagen Mk.6 Golf GTD , the 1968 cc four-cylinder diesel engine had a grey cast iron block with an 81.0 mm bore and a 95.5 mm stroke, a die-forged steel crankshaft with five main bearings, fracture-split forged steel connecting rods, Bosch EDC 17 common rail injection (operating at up to 1800 bar via eight-hole injection nozzles with piezo in-line injectors), a Garrett GT14V turbocharger which provided peak boost pressure of 36 psi, an alloy cylinder head, double overhead camshafts (belt-driven), exhaust gas recirculation, a diesel particulate filter and a compression ratio of 16.5:1.

Transmissions

Transmission options consisted of six-speed manual and double clutch transmissions (DCTs). The transversely mounted DSG unit had two wet clutches, two input shafts and two outputs shafts. In this arrangement, Clutch 1 (C1) operated the odd gears (plus reverse), while Clutch 2 (C2) operated the even gears. When driving, the next-higher gear ratio could be engaged without actually being activated. To change gears, the clutch for the current gear would open and the other clutch (for the higher gear) would engage under electrohydraulic control.

Body and dimensions

Like the 1Z Octavia on which it was based, the Skoda Octavia RS was underpinned by Volkswagen’s PQ35 platform. The Octavia RS, however, had a 12 mm lower ride height, modified shock absorber and spring rates and a laser-welded roof and reinforced rear section for greater torsional rigidity. Both liftback and wagon Octavia RS models were 4572 mm long, 1769 mm wide, 1447 mm tall and had 2578 mm long wheelbases.

Suspension and steering

The Skoda Octavia RS had MacPherson strut front suspension with lower triangular links and a torsion stabiliser; the rear suspension utilised one longitudinal and three transverse links, and a torsion stabiliser. Furthermore, the Octavia RS had electromechanical power-assisted steering.

Skoda 1Z.I Octavia RS specifications
Body	Variant	Engine	Trans.	Peak power	Peak torque
Liftback, wagon	2.0 TDI	2.0-litre BMN turbo-diesel I4	6sp man., 6sp DSG	125 kW at 4200 rpm	350 Nm at 1750-2500 rpm
Liftback, wagon	2.0 TFSI	2.0-litre BWA turbo petrol I4	6sp man., 6sp DSG (2009)	147 kW at 5100-6000 rpm	280 Nm at 1800-5000 rpm

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Skoda Octavia RS included dual front airbags, front side airbags, full-length curtain airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control, active front seat head restraints, front and outer rear seatbelt pretensioners and front seatbelt load limiters.

Euro NCAP crash testing

In Euro NCAP crash testing , a 2004 1Z Octavia – albeit without curtain airbags – received a four star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 26.73 out of 37; for Australian models, ANCAP awarded an additional two points, for a score of 28.73, due to the fitment of front seatbelt reminders. In the frontal offset crash test, protection from serious leg injury was marginal for the driver and chest protection was rated as adequate. In the side impact test, however, maximum points were awarded.

Features

Standard features for the Skoda Octavia RS included 18-inch alloy wheels with sports suspension, an eight speaker sound system with a six-disc CD player and auxiliary inputs, dual zone climate control air conditioning, two-tone sports seats, heated front seats, cruise control, a cooled glovebox, a leather-wrapped sports steering wheel, split and folding rear seats, remote central locking, power mirrors and windows, a tilt and reach adjustable steering wheel, trip computer, tyre pressure monitoring, an alarm and immobiliser.

Review: Skoda 1Z.II Octavia RS (2009-13)