New Škoda Czechs out

I tested the updated RS, Škoda's pinnacle performance model, on the road and at NSW's Camden airport, a site used for filming hot laps on the Top Gear Australia TV show.

A good way to look at the RS is as a Golf GTI for the family guy or girl.

The GTI, which starts at $38,990 for a three-door manual, has overt hot-hatch looks, is fast and agile, comes only in petrol form and is fairly practical for a sports car.

The RS is substantially bigger, looks smart but less edgy, is not quite as fast and quick-footed and, for a niche model from a niche manufacturer, it has a remarkably wide range of variants.

As well as a five-door liftback, it also comes in a handy station wagon guise, and offers both turbo petrol and diesel power.

Škoda, a Czech Republic-based car maker which is part of the Volkswagen group, starts the RS range at $37,990 for the 147kW 2.0-litre turbo petrol variant with a six-speed manual gearbox.

The 125kW 2.0-litre manual diesel model begins at $39,990. Add $2300 for a brilliant twin-clutch DSG auto transmission and $2000 for a wagon body.

That places the whole range under $45,000 (plus on-road costs) - a sharp price for what is a well-built European car with sporty appeal, excellent versatility and wonderful mechanical underpinnings.

The Octavia petrol variant combines the high-tech features of direct injection and turbocharging to provide both strong torque and the ability to rev beyond 6000rpm, enabling the car to build output without noticeable hesitation.

The 0-100km/h time is a sharp 7.3sec. (7.5sec. auto), while fuel use is an economical 7.7L/100km (7.9L/ 100km). C02 emissions are a reasonable 1798/km (184g/km).

The lighter Golf GTI manages 0-100km/h times of 6.9sec. and 7.3sec., advantages that would be significant to enthusiasts but less so to most motorists.

I should also mention that the same 2.0-litre turbo petrol /DSG drivetrain is available in the Volkswagen Jetta, a restrained-looking sports car which sells for $39,990.

The diesel Škoda Octavia RS provides a smart 0-100km/h time of 8.4sec. while its strong 350 Newton metres of torque underpins rapid passing ability.

Fuel use is a fabulously thrifty 5.9L/100km, the tank range close to 1000km and CO₂ emissions a low 155g/ km.

A high level of specification includes leather-trimmed sports seats, alloy pedals, a three-spoke leather steering wheel, cruise control, heated front seats, a six-CD/eight-speaker audio system, dual-zone climate control, a trip computer, 18-inch alloys, red brake calipers and lowered sports suspension.

A stylish, restrained body kit is a plus for drivers not seeking to stand out, though the car becomes something of an attention-seeker in the Sprint Yellow colour.

Comprehensive safety features include six airbags, stability control, tyre-pressure monitoring and rear parking sensors. The rear seats are sculpted to cosset two occupants rather than provide ordinary comfort for three.

The RS is one of the most practical, livable sports cars available, offering acceptable ride quality and a big 560 litres of boot space, or 1420 litres with the rear seats folded.

The wagon provides 580 and 1620 litres respectively.

Driving the RS on a closed track enabled me to test the car's abilities well beyond what would be needed for road driving.

The car inspired confidence via a feeling of solidity, good grip, responsive steering and a controlled body.

It would be a lovely car to own for someone needing practicality yet appreciating sportiness, fine engineering and good craftsmanship.