The Skoda Octavia RS has long been a favorite among enthusiasts who want practicality and performance in one sharp-looking package. Now in its fourth generation, this new avatar raises expectations once again. Priced just under ₹50 lakh (ex-showroom), the Octavia RS finds itself going up against heavyweights like the Volkswagen Golf GTI. Both cars share the same powertrain and gearbox, but Skoda promises a more refined, feature-packed, and distinctive experience. Our brief encounter with the new RS at the Buddh International Circuit offered a solid glimpse into what this Czech performance sedan brings to the table — even if we couldn’t unleash its full potential.
Exteriors
One glance at the Octavia RS and it’s clear that Skoda’s design team hasn’t lost its touch. The car retains the sharp, athletic stance that made its predecessors so desirable, but now it looks more aggressive and mature. The split headlamps are gone, replaced by sleek full-LED units with distinctive DRL “eyebrows” that lend it a focused, almost predatory face. The glossy black detailing around the grille, mirrors, and window surrounds enhances the sporty flair, while the VRS badging on the grille and tailgate subtly reminds you of its pedigree. Skoda offers the Octavia RS in five colours — Candy White, Race Blue, Velvet Red, Magic Black, and the striking Mamba Green. The latter two, in particular, play up the dual personality of this car — stealthy yet capable of bite. The only visual miss? The rather uninspiring dual-tone alloy wheels that lack the drama a car of this stature deserves and look more like an EV wheels.
Interiors
Step inside, and the Octavia RS immediately makes its intentions known. The cabin is drenched in black, accented with red contrast stitching and faux carbon-fibre trim. The flat-bottom steering wheel, sports pedals, and RS logos scattered around give off a racy vibe, while the 12.9-inch touchscreen infotainment unit and 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster add a futuristic touch.
Material quality is mostly excellent, with soft-touch panels and premium upholstery. However, the use of hard plastics on lower panels and doors does stick out in an otherwise plush cabin. Skoda still uses a conventional key slot instead of a start-stop button. The front sports seats are exceptional, offering power adjustment, memory function, ventilation, heating, and even a massage feature. They hold you snugly in place without compromising comfort. Space at the rear remains generous for two adults, with adequate headroom and legroom, though the raised central tunnel limits comfort for a third passenger.
In terms of features, the RS leaves little to be desired. You get a 675W, 12-speaker Canton audio system, three-zone climate control, ambient lighting, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging, and a heads-up display. Safety is well-covered too, with 10 airbags, ESC, traction control, tyre pressure monitoring, blind spot detection, and a suite of advanced braking systems. The omissions? A sunroof and Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) — both which are available in the international model.
Engine
At its heart, the Octavia RS houses a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, turbocharged petrol engine that develops 261bhp and 370Nm of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels via a seven-speed DSG automatic transmission. Skoda claims a 0–100kmph sprint time of 6.4 seconds, which puts it firmly in hot-hatch territory. The DSG gearbox, as always, is quick to respond and intuitive in automatic mode, while paddle shifters give you manual control for spirited drives. The power delivery is linear rather than explosive — ideal for everyday usability but perhaps a bit too polite for purists who crave raw aggression. Still, it’s more than capable of putting a grin on your face when the roads open up.
Drive experience
On the track at the Buddh International Circuit, the Octavia RS showcased its balanced character. Acceleration is brisk and effortless, with the car building pace smoothly rather than with brute force. The engine note, though sporty, is subdued until higher in the rev range, where it comes alive with a deeper growl. The car’s agility is one of its standout traits. It feels planted and confident through corners, showing minimal body roll and a level of precision that inspires trust. The steering is sharp, progressive, and communicative — exactly what you want from a performance sedan. Skoda’s engineers have struck an excellent balance between rigidity and control, giving the RS a distinctly “go-kart” feel on tight chicanes. Grip levels are high, and the suspension setup — though firm — absorbs mid-corner bumps without unsettling the car. On track, it’s an absolute joy, though how this firmness translates to regular road conditions remains to be seen when we get it for a detailed road test.
Verdict
The new Skoda Octavia RS stays true to its lineage — blending practicality with driving excitement in a way few cars can. It’s quick, composed, well-equipped, and looks every bit the part of a modern performance sedan. The lack of a sunroof or adaptive suspension may irk some buyers, and a livelier exhaust note would’ve made the experience even more special.But these are small trade-offs for what remains one of the most complete driver’s cars under Rs 50 lakh. Limited to just 100 units, the Octavia RS’s exclusivity adds another layer to its appeal.
