Skoda Octavia RS TDI Gets Sound Actuator, Plus a Loot at the Best Exhausts

A company in Germany called Cete Automotive GmbH seems to specialize in adding active sound systems to all sorts of cars and about two years ago they completed this RS 2.0 TDI with their Sound Actuator. We're talking about the same sort of technology used by the BMW i3, the Audi SQ7, and many other cars.

Instead of just letting us hear the engine, the mufflers also produce their own sound through technology that's similar to speakers. This has no performance gains, but it covers up the nasty sound TDI engines make. Have a listen, see what you think!

When we first heard it, we thought the video had been edited. It's that much of a difference.

Of course, not everybody buys an RS 2.0 TDI Combi. Some prefer a 2.0 TSI sedan because it's lighter and much faster. In fact, considering how fuel-efficient the engine shared with the GTI is, we'd consider it for a car that does low annual miles.

Of course, the fastest Octavia is the RS 230, equipped with all the goodies from the Golf GTI Performance Pack. But that one sounds good enough without any custom exhaust.

The Octavia RS plays the performance game a little differently from everybody else in that both TSI and TDI models look the same. The actual exhaust systems sit behind triangular silver trim pieces. So whichever custom system you go for, nobody will ever be able to tell.