Missed The RS? — Skoda Excellent Sportline Overview

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The Skoda Octavia RS wants no introduction. It was one of many first ‘scorching hatches’ to grace our shores, and in its present RS 245 type, it’s one of many uncommon efficiency vehicles out there to us. The automobile you see right here isn’t the Octavia RS, in fact, however when you missed shopping for one of many 200 limited-edition Octavias, the brand new Skoda Excellent is your ticket to efficiency. It will get a mid-cycle replace with up to date appears to be like, a brand new base Sportline trim and, most importantly, a brand new energy plant as properly. The facelifted Excellent comes with a bigger grille, slimmer headlights and a reprofiled bumper.

Within the extra luxurious L&Ok trim, you get a number of chrome detailing, however on our Sportline model, it’s all been changed by gloss black. There’s not a touch of chrome anyplace on the surface of this automobile. Out again, the Skoda emblem has been changed by wide-spaced Skoda lettering which can also be blacked out. A delicate lip-spoiler completed in gloss black rounds out the looks bundle. Even the wheels on this model are completed in gunmetal. There may need been a slight threat of all these modifications wanting cheesy, however the automobile’s Race Blue exterior color enhances these bits completely to present it an aggressive stance.

Inside, not loads has modified within the L&Ok variant, however the Sportline mannequin will get an RS-inspired all-black inside full with alcantara-clad seats, a flat-bottomed steering 
wheel and a digital instrument cluster. These modifications rework the Excellent right into a sports activities sedan. It’s barely odd that this extra driver-focussed model doesn’t get ventilated seats or drive modes — these are reserved for the L&Ok variant — however general, it’s a pleasant place to be. The Excellent is roomy sufficient on the within that the all-black motif doesn’t get claustrophobic, and in case it does get somewhat stuffy, you may all the time make use of the not-so-panoramic sunroof.

My greatest gripe with the Excellent’s inside is that the rear seat isn’t snug for three-abreast seating. For a automobile whose major function is the rear-seat expertise, the large middle tunnel takes away invaluable leg-room from the center passenger. With simply two individuals, it’s extraordinarily snug, as you’d anticipate. You get a separate local weather management zone to your self within the again plus acres of leg-room and a great view exterior as properly.

Okay, sufficient faffing about, let’s get to essentially the most important replace on the Excellent — the engine. The 1.8-litre engine has been changed by a 2.0-litre turbocharged-petrol engine making 187 bhp and a wholesome 32 kgm. In case you had been questioning why I used to be pushing the Excellent as a substitute for the high-performance Octavia, hopefully it’ll make sense now. This is identical engine you’ll discover within the Octavia RS, albeit in a decrease state of tune, paired to an excellent 7-speed DSG. It’s about 55 bhp down on the Octavia and has to lug round somewhat extra weight, however when you’re behind the wheel, you’d be hard-pressed to inform the distinction in the best way the engine pulls. Preliminary throttle response is nice, however as soon as the turbo is absolutely spooled, you’re handled to a really sturdy mid-range. And simply as you allow the engine’s extensive powerband, the transmission slots into one other cog and also you’re again within the meat of the revs once more.

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There aren’t any drive modes on this variant, however the transmission does get a Drive mode and a Sport mode. Leaving it in Sport ensures that the transmission is all the time in the proper gear, however you may as well take over shifting with paddles on the again of the wheel. The paddles are smaller than I like, however they make up for that with their fast response. To make use of an overused cliche, the transmission metes out lightning quick upshifts and completely rev-matched downshifts. In truth, I’m fairly satisfied it could actually really learn my thoughts, as a result of by the point my fingers moved the paddles, the automobile was already within the gear I wished.

The one downers on this entire expertise are the brakes, which provide you with an awesome preliminary chew, however the brake power appears to taper off. Not precisely what you need when the engine and transmission egg you on to larger speeds. It will get stopped, little question, however not with out a few code-brown moments. Whereas I’m complaining, I’d additionally like to say that the exhaust be aware is simply too delicate. It would go well with the L&Ok model, however this menacing blue automobile may do with a throatier be aware.

Prior to now, the Excellent has gotten complaints for its harsh journey and Skoda’s mounted that by making it a tad softer. It doesn’t crash over tough roads as a lot, however the dealing with remains to be excellent. On a twisty street, you would possibly even overlook that you simply’ve obtained extra room behind you than most SUVs. Costs for the Skoda Excellent Sportline begin at Rs 29.99 lakh, ex-showroom, India. Even when you may nonetheless get the Octavia RS245, which you’ll be able to’t, you’d should shell out a further Rs 6 lakh for it. Now that’s some huge cash left over for go-fast goodies!

AUTODATA
Skoda Excellent Sportline

POWERTRAIN
Displacement: 1984cc, I-4, turbo-petrol
Max energy: 187.4 bhp@4200-6000 rpm
Max torque: 32.6 kgm@1450-4200 rpm
Transmission: 7-speed, DSG

TYRES
F/R: 215/55 R17

DIMENSIONS
L/W/H (mm): 4869/1864/1469
Wheelbase: 2841 mm
Floor clearance: 156 mm
Kerb weight: 1562 kg
Gasoline capability: 66 litres

PRICE: Rs 29.9 lakh (ex-showroom, India)