In a move that highlights the enduring passion for performance sedans in India, Skoda has officially launched the new Octavia RS at an ex-showroom price of ₹49.99 lakh. However, if you’re just hearing about it now, you’re already too late. In a testament to its “hot hatch in a sedan’s body” appeal, every single one of the 100 fully-imported units allocated for India was sold out even before the official launch announcement, with order books having opened on October 6th.
This immediate sell-out creates an exclusive club of 100 owners, underscoring the high demand for pure, unfiltered performance cars in a market increasingly dominated by SUVs.
Performance That Commands Attention
At the heart of the Octavia RS lies a powertrain with a stellar reputation: the Volkswagen Group’s EA888 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine. This is the same power unit that thrills enthusiasts in the Volkswagen Golf GTI, but in the Skoda, it’s tuned to deliver a formidable 265hp and 370Nm of torque. Power is channeled to the front wheels via a swift-shifting 7-speed DSG automatic transmission.
The result is a claimed 0-100kph sprint of just 6.4 seconds, with the car capable of reaching an electronically governed top speed of 250kph. Adding to the drama is a standard sports exhaust system, ensuring the driving experience is as exhilarating to the ears as it is to the driver. It’s worth noting for driving purists that the Indian-spec model does not include the optional Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC), which actively adjusts suspension and steering settings on the fly.
Positioning in the Performance Landscape
The Octavia RS occupies a fascinating niche in the Indian car market. Its closest direct rival in terms of price and engine is the Volkswagen Golf GTI, priced at ₹50.91 lakh. However, while the Golf is a hatchback, the Octavia RS offers the practicality of a sedan body style.
This unique positioning means it appeals to those who need more space but don’t want to compromise on thrills. In terms of form and function, it draws natural comparisons to premium German performance sedans like the BMW M340i and Audi S5 Sportback. While these cars offer significantly more power, they also carry a substantially higher price tag, making the Octavia RS a compelling and more accessible alternative for the driving enthusiast.
A Design That Screams Sport
The Octavia RS isn’t shy about its intentions. It distinguishes itself from the standard Octavia with a host of aggressive styling cues. These include sportier, chiselled bumpers, blacked-out elements, distinctive RS badging, and large 19-inch aerodynamically optimized alloy wheels. A subtle lip spoiler completes the sporty silhouette. Buyers had the choice of five vibrant colours: Candy White, Magic Black, Mamba Green, Race Blue, and Velvet Red.
Step inside, and you’re greeted by a cabin that is all business. An all-black theme is accentuated by sporty red contrast stitching. The cabin is fitted with body-hugging sports seats and a bespoke, flat-bottomed RS steering wheel, putting the driver firmly in control.
Despite its performance focus, the Octavia RS does not skimp on features. It comes loaded with a massive 13-inch infotainment touchscreen, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, and a premium 11-speaker Canton sound system. Practicality and safety are covered by a 360-degree camera, Matrix LED headlights, wireless smartphone connectivity, heated and powered front seats with a massage function, three-zone climate control, and ten airbags, among other amenities.
The instant sell-out of the Skoda Octavia RS proves that well-engineered, exciting performance cars still have a fervent audience in India, even when they arrive with a premium, limited-edition price tag.
