Since the initial allocation of 500 cars was sold out in late 2018, enthusiasts in India have had to endure a long wait for the return of the Skoda Octavia RS. It is, after all, the only true performance four-door at a (relatively) attainable price point. And now, finally, it is back – the Octavia RS 245 has debuted at Auto Expo 2020 as part of a multi-model blitz Skoda has lined up at its Expo stand. The Skoda Octavia RS 245 has been priced at Rs 35.99 lakh (ex-showroom, pan-India).
The Octavia RS 245 is being shipped to India in completely built-up (CBU) form, and this allocation is limited to 200 cars. As a result, there will be no demo cars – just cars for customers to buy. While bookings will open on March 1 at 12pm, deliveries will take place in April.
An interesting point to note is that Skoda has brought in the outgoing-generation, Euro-spec Octavia RS. It features a more powerful version of the 2.0-litre TSI turbo-petrol engine, which now puts out 245hp and 370Nm of torque (15hp and 20Nm more than before). Paired with a 7-speed DSG, the Octavia RS 245 has a quicker 0-100kph time of 6.6sec (the previous car did it in 6.8sec), while the top speed remains the same, at 250kph.
Click to take a look at all the highlights from Day 1 of the 2020 Auto Expo
The Octavia RS also gets an updated suspension setup, larger 18-inch alloys and a body kit that gives it a decidedly aggressive look. The exteriors also come with blacked-out elements, LED headlights, tail-lamps, fog lamps, daytime running lights (DRLs), steel exhaust tips and a boot spoiler. Not only is the RS 245 more powerful than the RS that was sold here two years ago, but also sits lower and has lesser ground clearance, which means there will be no compromise on the RS' sporty driving dynamics.
Skoda will show the next-gen Octavia RS in March. The model is said to make the dramatic shift to a plug-in hybrid powertrain, with a 1.4-litre turbo-petrol being assisted by an electric motor.
Think the Skoda Octavia RS 245 is still a good deal despite being significantly more expensive? Let us know in the comments.
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