Skoda’s India story began with the Octavia. When it arrived in 2001, it redefined what a “premium” sedan could mean in India, giving the Czech brand an air of understated luxury. Across four generations, the hottest version has always worn an RS badge, except, oddly, the last one. The fourth-gen Octavia, sold here between 2021 and 2023, skipped the RS entirely. The new Octy RS, launched late last year, fixes that omission, but with a twist. It is now the only Octavia variant on sale.
Built on the 2024 facelift, the RS is easy to spot. It has a blacked-out grille with the RS badge front and centre and a more aggressive bumper. Its sport suspension drops ride height by 15mm for a hunkered stance (though the resulting 128mm of ground clearance will make you wary of speed-breakers). The 19-inch wheels look striking, but lean more EV than traditional RS muscle, while a lip spoiler, twin exhausts and contrasting reflector detailing tidy up the rear.
Step inside. This is where the RS makes its strongest case. Suede, contrast stitching and a carbon-fibre set a sporty tone, while the front seats get thigh support. Less convincing are the tiny paddle shifters and stubby gear selector. Rear space is generous for six-footers, though the dark cabin theme and large front seats make it feel cosier than it is. True to Octavia tradition, practicality runs deep: 600 litres of boot space, rear seats that fold flat, and a space-saver spare tucked under the floor.
The RS is fully loaded. The seats are powered with massage and heating functions (no ventilation, unfortunately), there are digital dials, and a new 13-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and CarPlay. Burying temperature controls inside that screen, with a touch slider for volume, is a step backward. A 360-degree camera, Matrix LED headlights and an 11-speaker Canton sound system round out the package, alongside 10 airbags and auto-emergency braking. The big miss: No sunroof, a feature that every car above ₹8 lakh in India now offers.
{{/usCountry}}The RS is fully loaded. The seats are powered with massage and heating functions (no ventilation, unfortunately), there are digital dials, and a new 13-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and CarPlay. Burying temperature controls inside that screen, with a touch slider for volume, is a step backward. A 360-degree camera, Matrix LED headlights and an 11-speaker Canton sound system round out the package, alongside 10 airbags and auto-emergency braking. The big miss: No sunroof, a feature that every car above ₹8 lakh in India now offers.
{{/usCountry}}Power comes from a familiar two-litre turbo petrol, the same EA888 unit found in the VW Golf GTI, making 265hp and 370Nm through a seven-speed dual clutch gearbox. It’s a hyper-responsive engine, demanding a delicate right foot in crawling traffic. It’s properly fast too: 250kph top speed, 0 to 100kph in 6.4 seconds.
The exhaust note, while bassy, could use more drama. Handling is where the RS shines. An electronic diff lock and limited slip differential keep things tidy through corners, delivering confident, predictable fun. And despite the low-profile tyres and stiff suspension, it rides Mumbai’s potholes surprisingly well.
This is a genuinely enjoyable performance sedan that doesn’t sacrifice practicality. At ₹49.9 lakh, it’s expensive. But like the Golf GTI, it’s built for the enthusiast who knows a wolf doesn’t need to look like one to bite like one.
From HT Brunch, July 04, 2026
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