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In this weeks local "Free Press Leader". I'm sure that it will be syndicated in all their various publications.
Distinctive character
by Peter Barnwell
"This is a really good car, the right size. plenty of go, sporty handling and feel and, after a recent makeover, good-looking too.
Skoda's Octavia RS TSi, (the turbo-petrol model) is in a competitive section of the market but measured against direct competitors like the Mazda 6, Honda Accord EURO and new Subaru Liberty Sport. The Czech-made five¬door lift back blows them all into the weeds in more than outright performance.
It runs a two-litre, turbo-petrol four-cylinder we know and love from the previous VW Golf GTi and is good for 147kW/280Nm output. That translates into a 0-100km/h sprint in 7.3 seconds.
Response on the move is impressive, aided in the test car's case by an optional double clutch (DSG) transmission with steering wheel paddle change -a $2,300 option on the base price of $37.990.
Equipment levels are generous and include a premium audio system, sports seats, dual-zone climate control. auto wipers and headlights. auto dim rear view mirror, six airbags and stability control.
It handles the way a sports sedan should, offering a taut feel and minimal body roll through turns, strong brakes and quick steering. The smooth-running engine with a bit of a burble is a gem, with as much squirt as any normal person could need and returns 7.7 litres/100km into the bargain -on 95 octane fuel.
The Octavia RS feels nimble and safe to drive. The body is rock solid and practical with the liftback rear and split-folding rear seats.
It's a largish car providing seats for five, four in comfort. and a large load area.
The driver's cockpit is stylish and functional. Essentially, Skoda's Octavia RS TSi is a keener priced VW with its own distinctive character. Definitely worth a look."
You can currently view the story on the Free Press Leader site by clicking on the "Browse the entire paper online" link. This will of course only work this week until a new edition comes out.
Distinctive character
by Peter Barnwell
"This is a really good car, the right size. plenty of go, sporty handling and feel and, after a recent makeover, good-looking too.
Skoda's Octavia RS TSi, (the turbo-petrol model) is in a competitive section of the market but measured against direct competitors like the Mazda 6, Honda Accord EURO and new Subaru Liberty Sport. The Czech-made five¬door lift back blows them all into the weeds in more than outright performance.
It runs a two-litre, turbo-petrol four-cylinder we know and love from the previous VW Golf GTi and is good for 147kW/280Nm output. That translates into a 0-100km/h sprint in 7.3 seconds.
Response on the move is impressive, aided in the test car's case by an optional double clutch (DSG) transmission with steering wheel paddle change -a $2,300 option on the base price of $37.990.
Equipment levels are generous and include a premium audio system, sports seats, dual-zone climate control. auto wipers and headlights. auto dim rear view mirror, six airbags and stability control.
It handles the way a sports sedan should, offering a taut feel and minimal body roll through turns, strong brakes and quick steering. The smooth-running engine with a bit of a burble is a gem, with as much squirt as any normal person could need and returns 7.7 litres/100km into the bargain -on 95 octane fuel.
The Octavia RS feels nimble and safe to drive. The body is rock solid and practical with the liftback rear and split-folding rear seats.
It's a largish car providing seats for five, four in comfort. and a large load area.
The driver's cockpit is stylish and functional. Essentially, Skoda's Octavia RS TSi is a keener priced VW with its own distinctive character. Definitely worth a look."
You can currently view the story on the Free Press Leader site by clicking on the "Browse the entire paper online" link. This will of course only work this week until a new edition comes out.
) and Cut'n'Paste!
- though maybe it just makes me sad 
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