Skoda Octavia RS Confirmed for India in 2025 — Diesel Plans Dropped

The performance icon returns. Skoda has officially confirmed that the Octavia RS will hit Indian roads by the 2025 festive season.

The much-loved Octavia RS is all set for a comeback, this time as a full import. Skoda India’s brand director, Ashish Gupta, confirmed that the fourth-gen Octavia RS will be launched this year as a CBU (Completely Built Unit), powered by a 265hp 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine shared with the Volkswagen Golf GTI.

What to Expect

• Powertrain: 2.0-litre turbo-petrol, 265hp
• Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive
• Price: Estimated to be over ₹50 lakh (ex-showroom)
• Launch Timeline: Festive season 2025
• Import Type: CBU with limited allocation

The previous Octavia RS 245 sold out quickly in India despite its premium pricing, and this new-gen model is expected to follow the same path. With a strong enthusiast base, the RS continues to represent Skoda’s commitment to performance-oriented models.

However, Skoda has deferred plans to bring the Superb diesel, Octavia diesel, and the Kodiaq RS to India due to ongoing uncertainties with FTA policies and global trade conditions.

For now, the brand is doubling down on its local success story — the Kylaq — which averages over 5,000 units a month. Updates for the Kushaq and Slavia are also on the way. The Octavia RS will serve as a halo product and image builder, reinforcing Skoda’s global performance DNA in the Indian market.

The Legacy of the Skoda Octavia RS: India’s Gateway to Euro Performance

The Skoda Octavia RS has built a cult-like reputation in India over the years — not just as a fast family sedan, but as an accessible entry point into European performance culture.

1st Gen RS (2004) – The Pioneer

Skoda introduced the first-gen Octavia RS in India back in the early 2000s. With its 1.8L turbocharged petrol enginemaking 150hp, it instantly caught the attention of enthusiasts who wanted a performance car with practicality. It was one of the earliest turbo-petrol cars in India and offered driving dynamics that punched far above its price point.

Octavia vRS Mk2 – Bigger, Smarter, Sharper

The second-gen RS (based on the Laura in India) brought more refinement and power. Offered in both petrol and diesel, it widened its appeal. It was more mature, but still retained its edge — and tuners loved it for its ECU remap potential.

Image Credit PistonHeads

Octavia RS 230 and 245 – The Game Changers

The third-gen RS took things to a whole new level. Launched first as the RS 230 and later as the RS 245, these models became instant icons. With up to 245hp on tap from a 2.0 TSI engine and a sharp chassis to back it up, these were true performance machines. The RS 245 was a CBU and limited to just 200 units, all of which sold out in record time. It became a rare blend of power, practicality, and prestige.

In a market obsessed with SUVs and automatics, the Octavia RS kept the spirit of the performance sedan alive.

Why It Mattered

• It democratized performance: bringing true Euro performance under ₹40-45 lakh
• It maintained a sleeper image: subtle looks, beastly performance
• It built a loyal community: tuners, enthusiasts, and collectors all still revere it
• It stood the test of time: even now, used RS models command high resale value

Now in 2025 – The RS Returns

The upcoming Octavia RS (Mk4) will carry forward this legacy — but now as a more premium CBU, with 265hp and a sharper design. It won’t be cheap, but for enthusiasts, it’ll represent something money can’t always buy: a connection to one of the most iconic performance badges to ever hit Indian roads.

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