Yippee! Skoda Octavia RS245 Is Coming Back In Its Latest Avatar

• Skoda Octavia RS245 is coming back to India!
• This time It will have a plug-in hybrid heart.
• Pairs a 1.4-litre TSI engine and an e-motor to develop 245PS.
• Does nought to 100kmph in 7.3 seconds. 
• Full import means it’s expected to cost nearly Rs 40 lakh. 

Skoda fanboys, raise up your glasses! The performance-oriented Octy RS has been confirmed for launch in India in its latest avatar. It’s basically the performance version of the already capable and competent Octavia. Like before, it’s expected to come as a fully imported model and that means a hefty price tag. However, there are some big differences.

Until now, the Octavia RS series was available with pure petrol power that plastered a smile on your face. With this one, there’s a big change. For the first time ever in India, the Octy RS will be offered with a plug-in hybrid powertrain. So, it uses a smaller 150PS 1.4-litre TSI turbo-petrol engine, teamed with a 115PS electric motor, to develop a combined output of 245PS. 

Yes sure, the hybrid Octy puts out the same power figure as the standard petrol-only model. But its nought to 100kmph time of 7.3 seconds is 0.7 second slower than the RS245. Blame its heavier powertrain which gets a 13kWh battery pack for that. 

What is good though is the fact that plug-in hybrids can be very fuel-efficient, especially in town if you drive with a light foot. Plus, Skoda says you can do around 60km on electric power alone. So, keep a light foot and you might be able to do your daily commutes without having to use a drop of petrol. Plus, this being an RS, it gets a stiffer suspension set up and a quicker steering rack for more handling poise.

Obviously, it also gets plentiful sportier cosmetic design touches, which you can read about here in our unveiling story. Plus, it would be fully imported, and combined with a plug-in hybrid powertrain, the Octy RS245 hybrid is expected to be even more expensive than the outgoing model, which cost a whopping Rs 36 lakh (ex-showroom). 

At these prices, the Octy is now a rival to more premium models such as the BMW 330i and Audi A4.