Over four generations, the Skoda Octavia range has always been topped by a sporty RS version. Sadly, the fourth-gen Octavia that launched in India in 2021 and was discontinued in 2023 didn’t get one. Things change with the car you see here. There is some heartbreak in store for you, which I’ll get to at the very end.
Also, while the RS brings the Octavia name back to India, no other versions of the sedan are to follow. The minuscule demand for executive sedans means the business case for local assembly is weak, and low-volume imports would result in an unjustifiably high pricing.
2025 Skoda Octavia RS exterior design and engineering - 8/10
RS is based on 2024’s facelifted Octavia
The RS is based on the facelifted Octavia from 2024 that’s best identified by its new headlights and DRL (daytime running lamps) signature that flows into the bumper. RS-specific details like the blacked-out grille, which is also home to an RS badge, and more aggressive front bumper add sportiness to the crisp styling.
Standard sport suspension and 19-inch wheels give sporty stance
At the sides, the RS’s hunkered-down stance is hard to miss, and it comes courtesy of a standard-fit sport suspension that lowers ride height by 15mm. What is a cause for concern is the 128mm unladen ground clearance figure – not a problem on the racetrack but could be an issue on big speed breakers. Helping this Octy’s stance are its 19-inch rims, though their aero-like design is more EV than RS. A lip spoiler, an RS badge, blacked-out detailing for the bumper’s lower section with a contrasting reflector, and twin exhausts do their bit at the back.
Colour options include this striking Mamba Green, Candy White, Race Blue, Velvet Red and Magic Black, and the RS looks the business in all.
2025 Skoda Octavia RS interior space and comfort - 9/10
The Octavia RS’s interior is quick to establish this as a car with a sporty side, and that has a lot to do with the colours and textures used inside. There’s a suede finish on the dash top with contrast stitching and a carbon fibre-like look for the dash wing that come together really well.
Sports seats lead list of upgrades inside
What makes the biggest difference is the sports front seats that look really cool. The seats hold you well, and there’s adjustable thigh support, too. Also nice is the steering that gets a perforated finish. However, the paddleshifters are too small and nondescript for a sporty car, and we aren’t fans of the stubby gear selector at the centre console either. The basic look of the dash hasn’t changed from the Octavia last sold in India, though there is a larger touchscreen now.
Rear section of cabin feels less roomy than it is
At the back, there’s good enough legroom and headroom for six-footers to sit in comfort. However, the cabin’s dark theme takes away from the sense of space, and the RS’s large front seats also restrict visibility from the back. If you’re buying the RS for yourself, this is feedback you’ll likely only hear of and not experience yourself. A dedicated zone for climate control, a fold-down armrest with pop-out cup holders, and adjustable headrests for all three seats are some of the features at the back.
Being an Octavia, the RS also has a very practical side, which is clear for all to see when you open the tailgate. There’s 600 litres of luggage room, the rear seats split and fold down flat to make even more space, and Skoda has also thankfully packaged in a space-saver spare tyre under the floor.
2025 Skoda Octavia RS features and safety - 8/10
Octavia RS comes to India in fully loaded form
The Octavia RS is offered in India in one fully loaded version and packs quite a few features. Those lovely sports seats are fully powered and get memory, massage and heating but miss out on ventilation. Drivers will like the digital dials and the different themes on offer, and there’s a head-up display too, though we didn’t try it.
A notable change from the older Octavia is the larger touchscreen. The new 13-inch unit is slick and responsive and packs wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. But all’s not perfect. The climate control settings are tucked in the screen, which isn’t ideal, and there’s no conventional knob for the volume control either. A slider at the base of the screen does the job.
Additionally, the RS also gets Matrix LED headlights, configurable ambient lighting, a 360-degree camera and an 11-speaker 675W Canton sound system. Notably, there’s no sunroof on this generation of Octavia.
Safety suite includes 10 airbags and ADAS
Safety kit includes 10 airbags, including a centre airbag between the front seats, ABS, ESC and ISOFIX child seat mounts. There are also ADAS with features like auto emergency braking and adaptive cruise control, but how well they work in Indian conditions is something we’ll have to experience outside of track confines.
2025 Skoda Octavia RS performance and refinement - 9/10
265hp engine delivers brisk acceleration
| Skoda Octavia RS spec box | |
|---|---|
| Length x Width x Height | 4700 x 1829 x 1457mm |
| Wheelbase | 2677mm |
| Engine type | 4-cylinder turbo-petrol |
| Engine displacement | 1984cc |
| Power/Torque | 265hp/370Nm |
| Gearbox | 7-speed dual-clutch |
| Drive configuration | Front-wheel drive |
| Kerb Weight | 1528kg |
| Tyre Size | 225/40 R19 (F/R) |
Let’s get to the heart of the matter, the engine. It’s a 2-litre 4-cylinder turbo-petrol unit that makes 265hp and 370Nm. If you know your Volkswagen Group cars, you’ll know this as the EA888 engine, and that it’s in the same spec as on the VW Golf GTI. Power goes to the front wheels via a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. Also part of the package is an electronic differential lock that brakes the inner wheels in a corner to keep the line tidy and an electronic limited-slip differential to send more power to the outer wheel for sharper handling. A few laps of the Buddh International Circuit gave us a brief taste of how everything comes together.
Skoda claims a 250kph top speed and 6.4 sec 0-100kph time
First impressions of the engine are of it being a gutsy unit. It’s really happy to rev and build the speed you’re looking for. We clocked 201kph at BIC’s back straight, and Skoda says the RS can go all the way up to 250kph, given the space. We couldn’t put the 6.4-second 0-100kph time claim to the test, but acceleration was satisfyingly brisk through the rev range.
Exhaust note is bassy but could be louder
A sport exhaust is standard, and you do hear a bassy rumble in the background. However, those who really value the sound their car makes might deem an exhaust upgrade to be necessary. On the subject, there will be many buyers to whom the RS will merely serve as a base for modifications. There’s a universe of aftermarket go-faster bits for the RS. Of course, you’d be best advised to do so only with people who know their stuff and if you’re okay with voiding the standard 4-year or 1,00,000km warranty.
2025 Skoda Octavia RS efficiency/range - 7/10
Skoda hasn’t given an ARAI fuel economy figure for the Octavia RS. From our experience with this engine on other Skoda, Volkswagen and Audi models, we can tell you that it delivers reasonable economy if driven with a light foot. However, driving with enthusiasm will have the figure nosedive to the 5-7kpl bracket.
2025 Skoda Octavia RS ride comfort and handling - 8/10
Handling is predictable and fun
Buyers who have grown up on a diet of front-wheel-drive cars will be at immediate ease in the RS. Handling is slick, and the electronics and trick differential give a huge margin before the RS starts to understeer. It’s a car you can really push, and that’s not something you can say about too many front-wheel-drive models.
India market RS misses on Dynamic Chassis Control
The steering is very VW Group, which is to say it’s clean and slightly clinical but still fun. Drive modes help you set up the powertrain and steering to your liking, but the India-market RS doesn’t get Dynamic Chassis Control, which brings in adaptive dampers. The Octavia did feel a bit soft when pushed to the limit at the BIC, but it’s no roly-poly comfort-oriented sedan. It really is a car that you can have a lot of fun with.
2025 Skoda Octavia RS price and verdict - 8/10
Love at first drive? We think so. But only a longer test outside a track will tell us how good the Octavia RS really is. There are lingering doubts on ground clearance, ride comfort on poor roads, and performance and handling in real-world driving scenarios. We can’t wait to get our hands back on the Octavia RS for a more wholesome review.
Skoda Octavia RS is sold out in India
The thing is, as good or bad as it may turn out to be, you can no longer buy an Octavia RS. The first batch of 100 cars is sold out, deliveries for which have just started, and Skoda insiders say they have another 250 orders in hand, which will get priority allocation if another batch of cars is imported.
Fully imported Octavia RS priced at Rs 49.9 lakh (ex-showroom)
What’s remarkable is the interest in the Octavia RS even at its Rs 49.9 lakh (ex-showroom) price. It’s downright expensive by older Octavia RS standards, but the inflated price hasn’t stopped it from being lapped up by petrolheads who are left with little choice of fun petrol cars to choose from. In fact, the closest alternative is the Golf GTI, which, you guessed it, is also sold out. If you are one of the lucky ones who made the list, be assured your money has been well spent.
Lenny D'sa
Sergius Barretto
Saumil Shah
Jay Patil
