The Škoda Octavia RS uses a 2.0 litre TSI turbocharged petrol engine producing 265PS and 370 Nm of torque (identical to the Volkswagen Golf GTI), paired with a 7-speed DSG automatic and sending it to the front wheels. It features 19-inch wheels, LED Matrix headlights, a sporty suspension setup, and a 600-litre boot. 

The Škoda Octavia RS, in its first gen, was also the first-ever series production turbocharged petrol car to be sold in India. Not just that, the Octavia RS has been the only performance car that was sold in India in all of its generations. 

For buyers seeking a performance-oriented sedan with everyday usability at this price point, the next batch remains a viable option. Non-sedan competitors include the Volkswagen Golf GTI, as well as the Mini Countryman JCW All4, if the budget is stretched quite a bit. Sedan rivals are non-existent, though the Mercedes-Benz C200 offers similar power and torque at a not-too-distant price point. 

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The standard version of the SUV, for comparison, has a maximum power output of 204PS along with 320Nm of max torque. Additionally, the RS claims a naught-to-hundred time of 6.4 seconds, along with a top speed of 231kmph.

The Kodiaq RS is Škoda’s nod to city-dwellers looking for comfort as well as performance on both on-road and off-road situations. However, considering the outrageous performance on offer, it may not be as affordable as the regular Kodiaq. Ergo, with this expected price point, it puts up a respectable fight against other luxury SUVs such as the Mercedes-Benz GLA, the BMW X1, and the Audi Q3. Furthermore, if the price difference between the standard Kodiaq and the RS isn’t too high, it might stage a coup over one of its own.

The Kodiaq RS is currently available in several international markets, including Germany, UK, and select countries in the Middle East.

The post Škoda Unveils Kodiaq RS in India, scheduled to launch in June 2026 first appeared on Turbocharged.

Positioned right above the base Classic model, the new Kylaq Classic+ will bring key additions such as 16-inch alloy wheels, an electric sunroof, auto-dimming IRVM, automatic wipers, and more. Notably, unlike the entry-level Classic, the Classic+ will be offered with both manual and automatic (torque converter) gearbox options paired with Škoda’s 116.6PS 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine.

For the mid-spec Signature and Signature+ trims, Škoda is also adding a rear wiper and paddle shifters in addition to the features mentioned above. Škoda is also set to launch a Sportline variant with more performance-forward design elements by Q4 this year.

The Kylaq continues to compete with rivals like the Hyundai Venue, the Kia Sonet, the Mahindra XUV 3XO, the Kia Syros, the Tata Nexon, and the Maruti Suzuki Brezza.

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The Skoda Octavia RS has commanded immense respect from Indian enthusiasts, for over two decades now. Effectively, it is also one of the longest running nameplates in the country! Unfortunately, when Skoda launched the new generation Octavia in India in 2021, the Czech car maker did not follow it up with the RS version, breaking a tradition. Skoda has just made amends though, by launching the RS version of the facelifted Octavia that is on sale abroad. Interestingly, while the new Octavia RS you see on these pages is the most powerful Octavia yet, it’s also the most expensive one as it retails at ₹50 lakh ex-showroom! But what’s even more noteworthy is that all 100 cars allocated to India got lapped up in minutes!

That means you cannot buy the car even if you want to, and will have to wait until next year when Skoda India reopens bookings. This didn’t stop us from putting pedal to metal in the new ‘Octi’ RS though – at the Buddh International Circuit, no less. The RS is one of the most revered names in enthusiast circles after all, and also one that tuners across the nation hold in high regard. And with 265PS on tap, straight out of the showroom, this one has a lot going for it already, which meant a racetrack was the best place to experience the car. The design is typical of what we’ve known the Octavia to look like for the past few years, and it certainly looks very appealing. Needless to mention, the design is based on the regular Octavia sedan sold internationally, which received a facelift in 2024.

The headlamp design also helps you distinguish this one from the Octavia that was launched in India in 2021, as the DRL design is new and flows into the bumper to say so. Being the RS, this one also gets a blacked-out grille with an RS badge and a more aggressive bumper design. The car also sits lower by 15mm courtesy the sport suspension that comes standard, and it should be interesting how well the car can clear typical Indian speed breakers or handle broken roads. The car runs on sporty-looking 19-inch alloy wheels and from the sides, the RS also has that oh-so-gorgeous appeal that’s typical of performance sedans. The rear end accentuates that feel further, thanks to the lip spoiler and of course, the twin exhausts.

Interiors look appealing too given the overall cabin, and the dashboard layout in particular. The dashboard gets a suede-finished central rib with red contrast stitching, along with some carbon fibre-like finishes, and interestingly, the steering wheel is a three-spoke unit unlike what we’ve seen on Skoda cars lately. One of the biggest highlights though are the sports seats – not just for their design or shape but how well they hold you in place and the adjustable underthigh support, besides the RS badging and mix of leather and suede. The instrument cluster display hasn’t really changed but you get a bigger, 13.0-inch infotainment screen now, though personally, I wish it wasn’t as large or didn’t sit as high on the dashboard. The second row is spacious as you would expect in a sedan as large, but the cabin’s overall black theme makes the RS feel smaller than it is.

Rear seat occupants also get dedicated climate control system along with a foldable arm rest that integrates cup holders which pop out, helping add to the ‘family car quotient’. As always, the boot is massive too and you get 600 litres of volume, which is very impressive. At its price, the Octavia RS also comes with all possible bells and whistles too. Both front seats are electrically adjustable and get memory and massage functions. That said, they are heated but do not get ventilation! The 13.0-inch touchscreen feels slick and easy to use in terms and also offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, but sadly it’s also where you need to access climate control settings from – we would have preferred physical buttons or even better, rotors for the same. On the features front you also get 360-degree view, Matrix LED headlamps and more, along with a 11-speaker Canton audio system, 10 airbags (including one in between the front seats) and Level 2 ADAS.

Powering the car – unsurprisingly – is the uber-popular 2.0-litre TSI engine, which is a four-cylinder, turbocharged petrol unit. For the record, this is the same engine as the Volkswagen Golf GTI and puts out 265PS and 370Nm here, sent to the front wheels via a 7-speed DSG, an engine-gearbox combination we’ve always liked for its performance and alacrity. You also get an electronic differential lock that helps you tighten your line around corners by applying the brakes on the inside wheel, while an electronic LSD sends more power to the outside wheel to help you turn faster and overall, the effect was quite pleasing around the BIC’s corners. But besides a handful of hot laps around the circuit we also got to drive the car around a slalom course and a purpose-built autocross track and the RS impressed a lot. The front end feels sharp and precise and helps you make directional changes quickly, and in that sense, the new Octavia RS is certainly very satiating to drive.

On track, the car impressed with its performance, be it in a straight line or when exiting corners, offering brisk acceleration along with a surefooted feel. Claimed 0-100kmph is a scant 6.1 seconds and while we couldn’t test it, this is easily the quickest accelerating Octavia yet, which suffices to say acceleration is going to be grin-inducing every time you step on the gas pedal. That said, I wish the exhaust note was louder, but then again, a lot of buyers are sure to go in for aftermarket units, taking care of the concern. On another note, given that we only drove the car at a racetrack it’s a little difficult to comment about the ride quality, though we expect the RS to offer the typical firm feel without unsettling occupants. This isn’t your average European sedan after all, and one that’s meant for driving pleasure, a job it does really well. But with a sticker price of `50 lakh ex-showroom, and the fact that all units are sold out, there’s little you can do right now if you want one. Wait and watch, until Skoda reopens bookings, perhaps?

The post 2025 Škoda Octavia RS First Drive Review first appeared on Turbocharged.

Škoda Auto India is planning to revive the vRS legacy, and there is no better car than the Octavia vRS to kick-start things. Soon after the Octavia launch, we can also expect to see another RS variant go on sale in India, possibly the Kodiaq RS. Škoda plans to capitalise on the current demand from enthusiasts who are keen on performance-oriented models from the Czech brand. The Octavia vRS will pave the way for other RS cars as well.

As for the Octavia vRS, the car coming to India is Czech-made, UK-spec car. It will feature the 2.0-litre TSI engine, which, by the way, is powered by gasoline; no hybrids here. This motor produces 265PS and 370Nm, making it the most powerful Škoda car on sale in India and also the most powerful Octavia vRS to date. It will come with a seven-speed DSG; however, we are unsure if the Indian-spec car will get Dynamic Chassis Control, which allows you to adjust the chassis, and as Škoda claims, makes the drive even more engaging. It is part of an optional package in the UK, but if Škoda can bring it to India, it would be much appreciated.

As for the pricing, we expect it to be in the ₹40 lakh to ₹45 lakh bracket, making it an expensive Octavia. However, we are sure enthusiasts who can afford it would make a beeline for it on October 6, 2025. Unfortunately, Škoda will only be bringing in 100 units of the Octavia vRS; however, with the love for the RS badge, Škoda might consider extending the 100-unit limit in the future.

The post Škoda to launch the Octavia vRS in October first appeared on Turbocharged.