TWELVE months on and Skoda is still finding its feet in Australia. But the Octavia RS has sold steadily enough for Volkswagen to confidently introduce the TDI turbo-diesel version, complete with the latest-generation common-rail technology and DSG dual-clutch gearbox availability. Offered in both sedan (it's actually a liftback) and wagon formats, the RS TDI is an appealing mix of performance, economy, practicality and value-for-money, and deserves to lift the Czech brand’s profile higher than it has ever been before. In wagon guise especially, it makes for quite a unique experience, as well as a welcome alternative to a compact SUV.
![](/assets/contents/2160d540e954ee17a9c5239d5fa11466af34b349.jpg)
Skoda S110L
Released: November 1974
Ended: December 1978
Family Tree: OctaviaIn some ways, the Skoda S110L – the up-spec version of the base S1000 model – was the RS TDI’s spiritual predecessor since it provided better performance. In essence, this small, basic, and utilitarian four-door sedan was an updated version of the rear-engined and rear-wheel drive Renault 8/10 of the early 1960s, and it reflected all-too obviously the austerity of life in Cold War Czechoslovakia. Power came courtesy of a 1107cc four-cylinder petrol engine driving the back wheels via a four-speed manual gearbox. Very few survive today.
Facebook Twitter Instagram