Hi all, after a test drive and a lot of research, including on Briskoda forums I took delivery of a new Octavia RS TSi manual 5 weeks ago . It took 6 months to get here, partly because of being a manual which means special order . I did a trip around the South Island of New Zealand to familiarise myself with it . It has done 3500 k's now and is really freeing up, either that or I am getting used to it. New Zealand has a lot of twisty roads and this car is perfect for that . I bought this car for its cornering ability, acceleration and practicality . It is exceeding my expectations on all counts .I love this car!

The Skoda brand is not so well known in NZ and I do get a few comments regarding its earlier, ie very early history . Those comments are mainly from people who don't really know cars however .Those who know cars are aware of this brilliant product . Skoda NZ are doing a lot of advertising lately including on TV and this is opening up the brand to the public a lot more . Apart from the fact that this is just a stunning vehicle I do quite like it being a little different to the run of the mill products out there . I do realise in Europe and GB it is already a popular and respected brand . 

Thats enough raving on from me .

Cheers to all .

Jim in NZ

Hi and welcome to the forums!

Welcome along to Briskoda and all the best with the new RS! Anybody that thinks Skoda isnt a good brand certainly doesn't much about cars and I wouldn't be taking advice from them You'll find a knowledgeable bunch around here though!

Welcome along to Briskoda and all the best with the new RS! Anybody that thinks Skoda isnt a good brand certainly doesn't much about cars and I wouldn't be taking advice from them You'll find a knowledgeable bunch around here though!

Thanks for the welcome. No advice was necessary, the product speaks for itself .In New Zealand Skoda has been a little unknown but that is changing now. My previous car was a 04 honda euro, the 2.4 model. I have had it since new and never replaced it because at a price point nothing better came along until I wandered into a show room and saw the Octavia RS and read the specs, one hell of a lot of boxes ticked . A test drive and the mandatory do I or don't I spend the money and the right decision was arrived at .The Euro was a bloody good car and still is, similar to the RS in alot of ways ,mid size sedan, quick , loves corners but the RS is a step forward and the perfect transition .I love it.

Cheers