It seems some legends just can’t stay away from the spotlight. Skoda’s beloved performance sedan, the Octavia RS, has staged a dramatic comeback to the Indian market, and if the initial response is anything to go by, it was missed more than a weekend without internet! Priced at an ex-showroom tag of ₹49.99 lakh, all 100 allocated units for India vanished faster than free samosas at a startup event – within a mere 20 minutes of bookings opening.
The highly anticipated return saw order books open on October 6, with a token amount of ₹2.5 lakh, and by October 17, the day of the official price announcement, the entire limited stock was already spoken for. This incredible demand underscores the Octavia RS’s cult status among Indian automotive enthusiasts, who clearly value a blend of practicality and exhilarating performance.
Under the Hood: A Performance Powerhouse
So, what exactly has everyone scrambling? At the heart of this beast is a potent 2.0-litre TSI turbocharged petrol engine. This motor churns out a robust 265 PS (261 bhp) of power and a peak torque of 370 Nm, paired seamlessly with a 7-speed DSG automatic transmission. The numbers speak for themselves: Skoda claims the Octavia RS can sprint from 0 to 100 kmph in a scorching 6.4 seconds, hitting an electronically limited top speed of 250 kmph. It’s a proper pocket rocket, designed to make every drive an event.
Design That Turns Heads, Interiors That Pamper
Visually, the new Octavia RS retains its aggressive, sporty stance. It features distinctive RS styling cues including Full LED Matrix headlamps, a redesigned sports bumper, gloss black accents, and the iconic RS badging on the grille. The car rides on stylish 19-inch alloy wheels, complemented by red-painted brake calipers, while the rear gets LED tail lamps with sequential indicators and twin blacked-out exhaust pipes. Buyers have five vibrant colour options to choose from: Velvet Red, Race Blue, Magic Black, Candy White, and the eye-catching Mamba Green.
Step inside, and the all-black cabin with contrasting red stitching immediately signals its performance pedigree. Sports seats and an RS-specific flat-bottomed, three-spoke steering wheel enhance the driver-focused experience. Tech-wise, it’s loaded: a 13-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 10.25-inch digital driver’s display, an 11-speaker Canton sound system, a 360-degree camera, and even heated and powered front seats with massage function. Safety isn’t an afterthought, with 10 airbags and adaptive cruise control ensuring peace of mind.
What’s Next ?
This iteration of the Octavia RS is a UK-spec model, imported as a fully built unit from Skoda’s plant in the Czech Republic, benefiting from the GSR 870 rule which allows up to 2,500 fully imported vehicles annually. Deliveries are slated to commence from November 6, 2025. While the Indian version misses out on Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC), a feature available internationally, its overwhelming success points to a strong appetite for performance sedans in the country. The closest rival, the Volkswagen Golf GTI, is priced slightly higher at ₹50.91 lakh.
The return of the Octavia RS coincides with Skoda Auto celebrating 25 years in India, making this launch a rather fitting tribute to its legacy. It’s a clear message: when it comes to combining everyday usability with unadulterated driving thrills, the Octavia RS still reigns supreme in the hearts of Indian petrolheads.
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