Swedish Rally Driver Oliver Solberg Takes Škoda Octavia RS for a Spin
Mladá Boleslav, 4 June 2024 – Škoda’s legacy in motorsport spans over 120 years, and this rich heritage shines through in their RS range, with the latest Škoda Octavia RS exemplifying this tradition. Renowned Swedish rally driver Oliver Solberg recently took this sporty model for an extensive test drive, sharing his enthusiastic impressions.
Competing in the FIA World Rally Championship with a Škoda Fabia RS Rally2, the 22-year-old Solberg found the new Škoda Octavia RS to be a delightful blend of handling, practicality, comfort, sportiness, and power. The standout feature for Solberg was the 195 kW (265 PS) engine, offering an impressive 15 kW (20 PS) boost from its predecessor.

“The immediate power is fantastic,” Solberg remarked. “You don’t have to worry about gears; just touch the accelerator at any speed, and the Octavia takes off.”
The Octavia RS boasts a four-cylinder turbocharged engine from the same EA 888 family as Solberg’s rally car. “The engine’s quick response and immediate reaction to throttle commands are impressive,” he noted.
A notable enhancement in the latest Octavia RS is the electronically controlled differential, ensuring perfect torque distribution between the front wheels. “This differential greatly aids in power transfer. Even when exiting sharp corners in lower gears, the inside wheel maintains traction,” explained Solberg. “The car’s front end naturally rolls into corners under throttle, making it stable and predictable.”
Lowering the chassis by 15 millimeters has further enhanced the Octavia RS’s sporty driving experience. “A lower center of gravity improves handling and steering responsiveness, crucial for dynamic driving,” emphasized Solberg. “The new Octavia RS embodies more motorsport DNA.”
Despite its sporty enhancements, the Octavia RS maintains its hallmark long-distance driving comfort. “The Octavia RS excels in combining speed and road comfort. It’s firm and precise, yet the shock absorbers aren’t too hard,” Solberg highlighted.
Solberg also appreciated the redesigned sharper front and new LED Matrix headlights of the Octavia RS. After his test drive, he humorously expressed a wish to keep the car, saying, “Can I have it as a company car, please?”
With rave reviews from a seasoned rally driver, the new Škoda Octavia RS promises an exhilarating yet comfortable driving experience.