Skoda Auto India has started the Skoda Octavia RS again in the country. This is the second limited run. Skoda says the price is Rs 56.69 lakh ex-showroom. Only 50 cars are being offered in this batch.
That is fewer than before. The first limited batch had 100 units. It was priced at Rs 49.99 lakh ex-showroom. Skoda also notes the first run was snapped up fast. All 100 cars were taken up even before the official launch.
Compared with the first batch, the new one costs more. The rise is Rs 6.70 lakh. Skoda had said earlier that it was looking to bring more cars after the strong interest in the initial allocation.
When Skoda opened the process, it received close to 350 bookings. The company also said it would focus on buyers who had already shown interest first. Only then would new customers be considered.
Skoda Octavia RS: What’s Under The Hood
The Octavia RS mainly stands out for its drive. Under the hood, it uses the Volkswagen Group EA888 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine. Output is 265hp and 370Nm.
A 7-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic sends the power. It drives the front wheels. Skoda claims a 0-100kph sprint in 6.4 seconds. The top speed is limited by the electronics to 250kph.
The car also comes with a full set of performance parts. These include progressive steering, sports suspension, and an updated chassis setup. It also gets a sports exhaust system as standard.
Skoda uses this same powertrain in the Volkswagen Golf GTI. So the Octavia RS has a proven base for performance. At the same time, it keeps the everyday use you expect from a five-door liftback.
Octavia RS Blending Comfort With Premium Sporty Look
The Octavia RS blends performance parts with a bold look. It comes with Matrix LED headlights and LED rear lights that show turn signals in motion. There are glossy black exterior pieces plus 19-inch alloy wheels. RS trim styling sets it apart from the regular Octavia in several small ways.
For the next production run, Skoda lists three paint choices. Mamba Green, Velvet Red, and Magic Black are available.
Even with the sporty focus, the liftback is still made for daily use. The boot is rated at 600 litres. Fold the rear seats, and you get up to 1,555 litres. The body size is 4,709 mm long, 1,829 mm wide, and 1,457 mm tall. The wheelbase is 2,677 mm.
Inside The Car: Tech And Comfort
In the cabin, the Octavia RS uses sports seats in black with red accents. The front seats can be moved with electric controls. They also include memory and heating. Massage is added as well.
You also get ambient lighting plus a 10.25-inch digital screen for the driver.
The infotainment setup runs on a 13-inch touchscreen. It supports wireless Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay. Climate control is three-zone. There is wireless charging too. Audio comes from an 11-speaker Canton system with a subwoofer. A power-operated boot lid is fitted for easier loading.
The protection and driving help package is broad. It lists 10 airbags. There is adaptive cruise control and autonomous emergency braking. Lane assist is included, along with intelligent park assist. A 360-degree Area View camera helps with tight spots. A head-up display is also part of the package.
Fewer Cars, More Interest
The next batch is smaller again. Only 50 Octavia RS cars are set aside for India. The first deliveries are planned for the coming week. Because the number is so tight, many fans who missed the earlier sale may be drawn to it.
Skoda is also supporting the Octavia RS through its ownership offer. The plan comes with a four-year cover and up to 100,000 km on the warranty. It also includes four years of roadside help. In addition, there are four services with no labour charges.
A Sedan Built on a Race Track Past
The RS label is tied to Skoda’s motorsport history. It started with the 180 RS and 200 RS prototypes in 1974. Later, the 130 RS helped cement the name, thanks to race wins. One standout was the 1977 Rallye Monte-Carlo win. Skoda then used the RS badge on a production Octavia in 2000. The RS name later came to India in 2004 with the first-generation Octavia RS.
Fans in India have had other RS models over time too. That includes the Laura RS, the Octavia RS 230, and the Octavia RS 245. The current Octavia RS keeps the same thread. It offers 265 PS. It also blends strong drive with daily usability.
Final Thoughts
The second batch of the Skoda Octavia RS has reached India. It is priced at Rs 56.69 lakh, and it adds 50 more cars of this performance sedan to the market. The jump of Rs 6.70 lakh from the first batch is big. Still, the Octavia RS keeps its appeal thanks to a 265hp turbo petrol motor. It does 0-100 kph in 6.4 seconds. It also claims a 250 kph top speed. The car comes with a long list of features.
Deliveries are set to begin next week. Only 50 units are up for grabs in this round. Because of that, this new batch may stay limited and aimed at fans. It blends real performance with daily comfort. You also get a roomy liftback boot. Add Skoda’s RS background, and it becomes one of the stand out options in India in this price range.