Skoda’s upcoming new sedan will return to India in the form of a performance variant this year!

Skoda has officially confirmed the return of the Octavia RS to India. Speaking to Autocar India, Ashish Gupta, the brand’s new director in India, said, “The Octavia RS is something that we will definitely bring to India this year.” While no fixed launch date has been disclosed, the model is expected to hit Indian roads around the festive season.

Will Arrive as a CBU, Limited Units Expected

The Octavia RS will be introduced as a Completely Built-Up (CBU) import. This strategy mirrors what Skoda did with the previous-gen RS 245, which saw all 200 units sell out rapidly, despite its premium pricing. Powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine producing 261 bhp and 370 Nm, the same unit found in the Volkswagen Golf GTI, the Octavia RS promises high performance for Indian enthusiasts.

Given the CBU route, the price is anticipated to be from Rs. 45 lakh (ex-showroom). It will likely be positioned similarly to the Golf GTI, with limited allocations for the Indian market.

Skoda Octavia RS: Design

At first glance, the new-generation Octavia RS retains the familiar Skoda identity with its signature butterfly grille. However, it gets a refreshed look thanks to redesigned bumpers and updated LED Matrix headlights. The tail-lamps now feature dynamic welcome and goodbye animations, enhancing its premium appeal. As a performance-focused RS variant, it comes with several sporty touches — blacked-out grille and ORVMs, a lower stance, and updated rear bumper. The sedan rides on newly designed, aerodynamically efficient 18-inch alloy wheels that further amplify its athletic character.

The interior gets a major overhaul, the cabin sports an all-new layout with an RS-specific black theme, highlighted by red inserts on the dashboard and contrast red stitching on the black leatherette upholstery. Feature-wise, the 2025 Octavia RS is loaded with premium equipment — a 13-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a 10-inch digital instrument cluster, ambient lighting, high-end audio system, ventilated and heated front seats with electric adjustment, dual-zone climate control, panoramic sunroof, and wireless charging pad.

Other Skoda Models Temporarily on Hold

While the Octavia RS has received the green light, plans for other models like the Kodiaq RS, the new Superb, and the standard Octavia have been paused. Skoda had earlier considered reintroducing diesel engines and assembling some models locally, but those initiatives are currently shelved.

The Superb diesel, displayed at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo earlier this year, was one such candidate. However, as Gupta points out, several factors are causing delays.

“With talks of the FTA agreement, new policies and tariffs, the market is very uncertain. Even if I want to bring about a structure for my upcoming product portfolio, the variables are so many that every strategy is currently fraught with risks. Although we do have a plan in mind about what cars can make it to India and should make it to India, all these uncertainties do not allow us to take decisions,” he said.

Until there’s more clarity on trade agreements and import duties, Skoda appears to be prioritising low-risk, enthusiast-driven models like the Octavia RS for India.

Source: Autocar India