When Skoda introduced the first generation of the Octavia RS, it didn’t know how the public will react, and the results exceeded its expectations, so it decided on continuing the saga with a new generation.
The Czech carmaker introduced the second generation of the Octavia hatchback in 2004 but waited until next year to launch the sportiest version for that, the RS. Unlike the first generation, the Octavia II RS was available with either a gasoline or a diesel engine.

With an increased demand for sporty sedans and family cars, the Octavia became the main attraction for many European customers. It was that kind of vehicle that could be driven in a relaxed mood with all the family on board or raced on a track day. It shared more of its underpinnings with the much more famous Golf GTI/GTD.

The Octavia II RS was more like a wolf in sheep clothing. It featured a bigger bumper at the front with integrated fog lights on the sides. Between them, the carmaker added a wide black grille needed to increase the cooling area in the middle. Apart from the unique 17” light-alloy wheels and the small wing on the liftgate, the RS looked very similar to the rest of the Octavia range.

Inside, the carmaker added bucket seats at the front for the base trim level with an option for sport, high-bolstered seats that sported the green-red-white logos for the VRS, Skoda’s motorsports division. The split-folding rear bench featured the same upholstery as the front seats. It could accommodate up to three passengers, but with limited legroom for the middle one.

Skoda offered the Octavia RS with a choice of two engines: a 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline unit and a turbo-diesel. The former was quicker, but the latter was better on fuel efficiency.