This Octavia was out testing before it unfortunately crashed into another car.
If you’re a Volkswagen Group aficionado, then odds are you know about the Skoda brand, manufactured in the Czech Republic. Spy photographers recently spotted fourth-generation wagon model, called the Combi, in the Alps as the brand is set to replace the current model which has been on sale in 2013. However, this is not just any Octavia wagon — it’s the hot RS version.
Sadly, let me say right off the bat that we’re not getting it in the U.S. But TFL boss Roman Mica has a soft spot for Skodas, and you know what? I do as well. I think the modern examples are handsome looking cars, and they often strike me as a no-muss, no-fuss value alternative to the equivalent Volkswagen. Granted, the VW SportWagen is leaving our shores due in part to slow sales, but having a hot version may have enticed some buyers to the wagon lifestyle. These spy shots even show it towing a trailer, so it’s fun and practical. What more do you want?
The 2021 Skoda Octavia RS Combi sports large wheels covering larger brakes, and the big exhaust gives the game away as the hot wagon variant. Under the hood of the current Octavia RS is Volkswagen’s well-known EA888 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, as we see in the Mk. 7 Golf GTI. Reports suggest the new model could adopt a plug-in hybrid powertrain, which would certainly boost power and cut fuel economy at a stroke.
Sadly, while news the Skoda Octavia Combi isn’t coming to the U.S. is sad for some of us in the TFL office, the story is even worse for this particular car. Later this morning, we received more spy photos that this Octavia had crashed. Apparently, the wagon was involved in a collision with an Opel Zafira, a sort of minivan, when the inattentive driver smashed into the Skoda head on. Both drivers walked away from the crash, which does speak well to the Skoda’s safety.
Skoda’s older than you might think
While this Octavia is one of the company’s most modern and popular cars, Skoda has produced cars long before coming under Volkswagen Group’s ownership. Check out Roman’s tour of the Skoda museum below in Mladá Boleslav below. Skoda and its forebear called Laurin & Klement have built cars at the factory since 1898, making Skoda one of the oldest car brands in the world.
