Having sold out the full first batch of the Octavia RS last year comprising only 100 units, Skoda has now announced a second batch for India. The Octavia RS has quite a loyal fan base in India, which means many enthusiasts were left disappointed, despite its high asking price. The Octavia RS will return this year with another allocation of 50 units, deliveries of which are expected around the festive season this year. However, it will continue to be a full import, which means prices can still be expected to be quite steep.
- Skoda opens bookings for second batch of Octavia RS
- Existing bookings from previous year will be honoured first
- Octavia RS is powered by a 265hp, 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine
Skoda Octavia RS second batch details
Speaking to Autocar India last year, Ashish Gupta, brand director for Skoda India, had said, “I will definitely be working on getting more cars to India. Apart from the ones already allocated, the remaining people are on our communications list. We will be in touch with them, and our endeavour will be to get more cars early next year.”
Gupta had then said the brand had amassed nearly 350 bookings. The company will be honouring the existing bookings first before opening up the order books for new customers. For reference, the first batch of the Octavia RS was launched at an ex-showroom price of Rs 49.99 lakh.
Skoda Octavia RS powertrain details
The inbound batch of the Octavia RS will continue to be powered by a 265hp, 370Nm 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder, turbo-petrol engine. Transmission duties are handled by a 7-speed DSG automatic gearbox, and power is sent to the front wheels. Skoda claims a 0-100kph time of 6.4 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 250kph. The same engine is also found under the hood of the Volkswagen Golf GTi, a second batch of which is also expected to arrive here. The new Octavia RS batch will be available in three colour options: Mamba Green, Velvet Red and Magic Black
The Octavia RS has always enjoyed a cult status in India. Even the previous-generation Octavia RS 245 launched in 2020 (limited to 200 units) was sold out in a little over a month’s time.
This announcement comes alongside the debut of the Slavia facelift as well as the confirmation of the Superb’s return to India, importantly in diesel guise, marking the return of a diesel engine to the VW group in India since 2020. While all other manufacturers have practically given up on sedans, Skoda will have quite an expansive sedan lineup ranging from mass-market to the premium segments.
Glenn Noronha
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Dhruv Dhaka
Dipan Sur
Hormazd Sorabjee
