Skoda Octavia RS Launching This Month!

After skipping a generation, we will finally get our hands on an 'affordable' performance sedan. Skoda has confirmed that the Octavia RS will be launching this month in India. The bookings for the sedan have begun for a token amount of Rs 1 lakh. The good news doesn't just end there. The Octavia RS will be a CKD unit and have very competitive pricing. We are expecting it to be priced around the Rs 28 lakh mark, which is not too far from the standard Octavia’s top variant. We will most likely get the 2.0-litre TSI and skip the 2.0-litre diesel.

Though these engines are picked from Skoda’s standard range of engines, things are stepped up a notch though. The TSI motor has been tuned to develop 230PS of power (up from 180PS) while the TDI motor develops 184PS (up from 150PS). Chances of us getting the diesel model are bleak, but we are more than happy with the 2.0-litre TSI. Also, it has been confirmed that there will be no RS245 for the Indian market (sob-sob).

The power from the TSI is ample enough to put a huge grin on your face and propel you past most of the entry level luxury sedans in the country. Don't trust me, listen to this: the petrol-powered sedan gets to triple digit speeds in 6.7 seconds and has a top speed of 250kmph. This is when it is paired with a DSG automatic transmission.

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Internationally, the petrol and diesel come with a choice of a 6-speed manual or DSG automatic. Also, there is a 4x4 diesel variant mated to a 6-speed DSG in the international market, but it sadly will stay there and won't come here. It also gets an electric limited slip differential which can transfer more power to the outer wheels while cornering.

Inside, Skoda hasn’t skimped on features and rather made a fully loaded Octavia, which is all the car you will ever need. In the VRS, additional features include sports seats with the RS insignia and an option to dress the interiors in Alcantara leather. Also, the RS could get a host of additional sensors and a front radar which support features like lane assist, blind spot monitor, rear traffic alert and front assist.

Outside, the front wheel-drive sedan will wear the same clothes as the standard Octavia, distinguishing itself with the help of a few accessories like dual stainless steel exhaust tips, new rear bumper and diffuser, a boot-mounted spoiler, sporty alloys and of course, the vRS badge on the grille and boot.

The wait is almost over and we are just days away from getting our hands on the Skoda Octavia RS for a detailed review. Till then, have a look at our Skoda Octavia first drive review for all the details about the sedan.