Key highlights
- Skoda confirms the Octavia RS will launch in India by early November 2025 as a CBU.
- Powered by a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine producing 261 bhp and 370 Nm.
- Gets sporty styling, RS-specific cabin upgrades, and a 0–100 km/h time of 6.6 seconds.
Skoda has officially confirmed the return of the Octavia RS to India, with the launch scheduled for early November. The performance sedan was first showcased at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo in January, and it’s coming in as a Completely Built Unit (CBU). That means limited numbers, a premium price tag, and no local assembly shortcuts.
This marks a proper comeback for the RS nameplate, which has built a cult following in India over the years. And yes, it’s still a five-seater with a boot big enough for your weekend luggage and your ego.
Powertrain and performance
The new Octavia RS draws power from a 2.0-litre TSI four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine. It produces:
- 261 bhp
- 370 Nm of torque
- 0–100 km/h in 6.6 seconds
- Top speed: 250 km/h (electronically limited)
The engine is paired with a 7-speed DSG automatic transmission. This is the same setup found in the Volkswagen Golf GTI, which shares the MQB Evo platform with the Octavia RS.
Design: subtle aggression
Skoda hasn’t gone overboard with the styling, but the RS does stand out:
- Gloss black accents across the grille and bumpers
- Honeycomb mesh grille
- Larger air intakes
- Blacked-out exhaust tips
- RS badging on the front, rear, and cabin
- 18-inch alloy wheels standard, 19-inch optional
The car showcased earlier this year wore a striking neon green paint job, but expect more conventional colours at launch.
Cabin: sporty but sensible
Inside, the Octavia RS gets:
- Sport front seats with red contrast stitching
- Flat-bottom steering wheel
- Aluminium pedals
- Digital instrument cluster
- Large touchscreen infotainment system
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Alcantara and carbon fibre trim options
It’s still a practical sedan, but with just enough flair to remind you it’s not your average Octavia.
Expected pricing and rivals
Being a CBU, the Octavia RS won’t be cheap. Expect prices to hover around INR 50 lakh, depending on final specs and import duties. That puts it in the same ballpark as entry-level German performance sedans, the Toyota Camry Hybrid, and the Volkswagen Golf GTI.
Skoda will likely position the RS as a niche offering for enthusiasts who want performance without sacrificing practicality.
Also read: GST 2.0: Jeep India introduces new prices, cuts up to Rs 4.84 lakh
