Škoda weights the scales to 'yes'

THIS might not be the most important part of Škoda's launch strategy for its Octavia range but it could be a deciding point during a sales pitch, the difference between some buyers staying in or walking out of dealerships.

The Australian arm of Volkswagen's Czech Republic offshoot, you see, has just announced that its entire range of petrol engines has had its minimum fuel grade requirement downgraded from 98 RON to 95 RON. OK, it only means a few cents a litre but on a 55-litre tank that's almost three bucks, which equates to around $140 a year for every tank-a- week driver.

Of course that might not appeal to the average Octavia RS buyer. After all, anyone making a conscious decision to load up with a 2.0-litre, 147-kilowatt, 280-Newton metre, turbocharged, four-cylinder (with direct fuel-injection, no less) might not be too worried about weekly savings of a sum lower than the cost of a cup of coffee.

They might think it one for the "couldn't care less" basket or, if they were fiscally influenced, might opt for the 2.0-litre turbo-diesel, a common-rail, direct-injection jigger making a healthy 125 kilowatts (at 4200rpm) and pulling 350 Newton metres from way down low, the big number coining online at 1750rpm and sticking around until 2500rpm.

Sure, the diesel costs a couple of grand more but it uses 1.8 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres (on the official test data) less than the petrol-engined car.

If those engines have a feeling of familiarity about them, by the way, it is because they have both been faithful servants for Škoda parent Volkswagen.

The optional six-speed, twinclutch DSG (it stands for Dynamic Shift Gearbox) automatic transmission is also ex-Volkswagen and features both full-automatic and sequential manual modes.

While most car makers opt to go with sedans and hatchbacks for their sporty models, Škoda has opted to go with a wagon as well, and indications are that decision has been the right one.

Since the RS Octavia variant made its debut back in 2000 some 70 per cent of its 60,000 buyers have opted for the wagon, which is particularly popular in Germany, Switzerland and Italy.

The liftback (hatchback) is a favourite with the Brits and the Spanish while in Australia, where Octavia RS has been available for almost the last two years, buying habits run about 50:50.

The fact of the matter is, though, that, given the development that has gone into Octavia in the past few years and with a new model still a way off, Škoda did not have a real lot to work with at upgrade time and the bold new face is pretty much it.

There are new headlights (xenon lights that "steer" with the car are an optional extra) which are bigger, sized to dominate the new grille.

The front bumper incorporates a wider and much more prominent air intake to help feed the radiator and turbocharger intercooler and, for the first time on Octavia, we see daytime running lights fitted.

An internal rework brings a more modern, unique-to-RS interior trim and the dual-zone, climate-control air-conditioning gets an air quality sensor which automatically switches to recirculating mode if external air quality is poor.

A sunroof and satellite navigation system are still on the options list along with leather upholstery for the sports-style seats.

Škoda's facelifted Octavia RS is available now.

WHAT IT COSTS

Škoda Octavia RS

Octavia RS Liftback (manual) - $37,990
Octavia RS Liftback (automatic) - $40,290
Octavia RS Wagon (manual) - $39,990
Octavia RS Wagon (automatic) - $42,290