The Skoda Octavia RS is set to return to India as a performance-focused premium sedan. It combines strong turbocharged performance, modern safety technologies, and a refined interior. Positioned as a halo product, the Octavia RS is aimed at buyers who want sports car performance in a practical four-door sedan.

With limited availability and full import status, the Octavia RS is expected to remain an exclusive offering in India.

Launch Date and Booking Timeline

Skoda Auto India has confirmed the official launch date of the new Octavia RS as 17 October 2025. Pre-bookings are expected to begin earlier, on 6 October 2025, through authorized Skoda dealerships. Customer deliveries are likely to begin shortly after launch, depending on allocation and import logistics.

The Octavia RS will be imported into India as a Completely Built Unit (CBU). The initial allocation is expected to be limited to approximately 100 units. Due to this limited supply, early booking will be important for interested buyers.

Engine, Performance and Driving Capability

The Octavia RS is powered by a modern turbocharged petrol engine designed to deliver strong performance and smooth everyday drivability.

Engine: 2.0-litre TSI turbocharged petrol engine.
Power output: 265 PS.
Torque: 370 Nm.
Transmission: 7-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Acceleration: 0–100 km/h in approximately 6.4 seconds.
Top speed: Electronically limited to 250 km/h.

This powertrain allows the Octavia RS to deliver quick acceleration, responsive throttle performance, and stable high-speed cruising.

Interior Features and Comfort

The Octavia RS offers a premium interior with sporty design elements and advanced technology.

Expected interior features include:

Fully digital instrument cluster.
Large touchscreen infotainment system.
RS-specific upholstery with Alcantara and leather options.
Ambient interior lighting.
Wireless smartphone charging.
Keyless entry and push-button start.
Multi-zone automatic climate control.
Sport seats with enhanced support.
Driving mode selection with sport settings.

These features provide a balance between performance-focused driving and everyday comfort.

Safety Features and Driver Assistance Systems

Safety is a major focus area in the Octavia RS. The vehicle is expected to include both standard safety equipment and advanced driver assistance systems.

Standard safety features include:

Multiple airbags including front, side, and curtain airbags.
Anti-lock braking system with electronic brakeforce distribution.
Electronic stability control.
Traction control system.
Hill-hold assist.

Advanced driver assistance features may include:

Adaptive cruise control.
Lane keep assist.
Forward collision warning.
Automatic emergency braking.
Blind-spot monitoring.
Rear cross-traffic alert.

Additional parking assistance features include a 360-degree camera system and parking sensors.

Expected Price and Positioning

The Skoda Octavia RS is expected to be priced in the premium sedan category. Estimated price range: ₹45 lakh to ₹55 lakh ex-showroom.

The final on-road price will vary depending on import duties, GST, insurance, and state registration charges. Since the vehicle is imported as a Completely Built Unit, its price is higher compared to locally assembled vehicles.

GST and Import Duty Impact on Pricing

The Octavia RS will be imported as a fully built vehicle. This means it will be subject to India’s import duty structure and GST regulations.

Key tax components include:

Basic customs duty on imported vehicles.
GST and compensation cess.
State registration and insurance charges.

Recent changes in taxation have increased the cost of imported vehicles. This makes Completely Built Unit models more expensive compared to locally assembled vehicles.

Buyers should always check the final on-road price with authorized dealerships.

Limited Availability and Buying Advice

The Octavia RS will be available in limited numbers in India. Buyers interested in purchasing the vehicle should consider booking early.

Important buying steps include:

Booking early to secure allocation.
Confirming final on-road price.
Checking warranty and service package details.
Confirming delivery timeline with the dealership.

Limited allocation may affect availability depending on location.

Why the Octavia RS Is Important for Indian Buyers

The Octavia RS offers a rare combination of performance, practicality, and premium features. It provides strong acceleration, modern safety systems, and everyday usability.

Unlike many performance cars, it offers four-door practicality along with sports car-level performance.This makes it suitable for buyers who want both driving excitement and daily usability.

Wrapping it up

The return of the Skoda Octavia RS marks an important addition to India’s premium performance sedan segment. It combines strong turbocharged performance, advanced safety technologies, and premium interior features.

Its limited availability and imported status make it an exclusive option. Buyers interested in performance-focused sedans should consider booking early and confirming final pricing with authorized dealerships. The Octavia RS remains one of the few vehicles in India that offers true performance sedan characteristics with practical usability.