In a move that underscores its legendary reputation, the entire Indian allocation of the new Skoda Octavia RS has been snapped up by buyers in record time. Skoda Auto India opened its order books earlier this week with a token amount, and within a matter of days, all 100 units earmarked for the country were reserved. This sell-out happened even before the car’s official debut, scheduled for October 17, and without a confirmed price tag, which is anticipated to be between ₹50-55 lakh (ex-showroom).
This isn’t the first time the Octavia RS has caused such a stir. The model’s previous iteration, the RS 245, saw its 200-unit run sell out in just over a month back in 2020. The latest generation, however, has generated an even more feverish response, highlighting the growing appetite for high-performance, practical sedans in the Indian market. Being brought into the country as a fully imported model (CBU) contributes to its premium positioning. For those who missed the initial window, there may still be a glimmer of hope, as a handful of units could become available if any bookings are cancelled after the final price is announced.
What Makes This Octavia RS So Special?
At the heart of this excitement is a formidable powertrain. The fourth-generation Octavia RS is the most powerful yet, boasting a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine that delivers a thrilling 265 horsepower and 370 Nm of torque. This power is channeled to the front wheels via a quick-shifting 7-speed DSG automatic gearbox. The result is a family-friendly sedan that can sprint from 0 to 100 kmph in a mere 6.4 seconds and won’t stop pushing until it hits its electronically governed top speed of 250 kmph. Enthusiasts will be pleased to know it features a standard sports exhaust, ensuring the car’s performance is matched by an equally compelling soundtrack.
Visually, the RS stands apart with its aggressive stance and dedicated styling cues. Buyers can choose from five eye-catching colours designed to make a statement: Mamba Green, Magic Black, Candy White, Race Blue, and Velvet Red. Inside, the cabin is a blend of sportiness and sophistication. An all-black theme is executed with a mix of suede and leatherette, creating a driver-focused environment that feels both luxurious and purposeful.
The car is also a technological tour de force. It comes equipped as standard with a host of premium features, including:
- A 12.9-inch central infotainment screen and a 10.25-inch digital cockpit.
- A head-up display and an 11-speaker Canton sound system.
- Heated and massaging front sports seats.
- A comprehensive ADAS (Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems) suite and 10 airbags for safety.
- Practical touches like a 360-degree camera, three-zone climate control, and a powered tailgate.
The Octavia RS has long held a unique position in the Indian car landscape. It successfully bridges the gap between a comfortable, feature-rich family car and a thrilling, performance-focused machine. This sell-out success, even before its official launch, is a powerful testament to its enduring appeal. It proves that for a dedicated group of Indian car enthusiasts, the promise of pure driving pleasure, wrapped in a practical and technologically advanced package, is an offer too good to refuse.
