Skoda Octavia RS

It gives you genuine hot-sedan pace and sharp handling, and it is still a roomy four-door with a big boot. Sportier styling, bolstered seats and a fully digital cockpit set it apart inside and out.

The Skoda Octavia RS is the sharpest, most powerful Octavia ever made, a five-seat performance sedan built on decades of rally know-how. Its 1,984 cc 2.0 TSI four-cylinder turbo-petrol makes 261 bhp (195 kW) and 370 Nm of torque, sent to the front wheels through a quick-shifting 7-speed DSG with paddle shifters. The result is 0-100 kmph in 6.4 seconds and an electronically limited 250 kmph top speed, backed by sports suspension, progressive (variable-ratio) steering, an XDS+ electronic differential lock and a sports exhaust. Measuring 4,709 mm long, 1,829 mm wide and 1,457 mm tall on a 2,677 mm wheelbase, the Octavia RS keeps the model's signature practicality: a 600-litre boot that expands to 1,555 litres with the rear backrests folded, plus a 50-litre tank. It rides on 225/40 R19 alloys with a space-saver spare, and weighs 1,528 kg at the kerb. Inside, RS sports seats trimmed in Suedia with red stitching face a 26.03 cm Virtual Cockpit, a Head-Up Display and a 32.77 cm touchscreen running wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an 11-speaker Canton sound system. Equipment is comprehensive: 10 airbags, Level 2 driver assistance (adaptive cruise, front assist, lane assist, blind-spot detection), 3-zone Climatronic, heated/ventilated power front sports seats with memory and massage, a 360-degree camera, intelligent park assist and a hands-free power tailgate.