The Skoda Octavia RS has for long been a cult hero among driving enthusiasts — the kind of car that sits in that rare space between everyday practicality and pure, unfiltered driving pleasure. It is not just about outright numbers or loud styling; it is also about balance, poise, and the satisfaction that comes from a machine that feels like it was built by people who care about how it drives. And now, the legend returns — sharper, quicker, and more focused than ever. We got behind the wheel at the Buddh International Circuit and on a technical handling course to find out if the new RS still has that magic, and it didn’t take long for the grin to set in.
The first thing that strikes you is just how responsive it feels. The 2.0-litre turbocharged TSI petrol engine delivers a muscular 195 kW of power and 370 Nm of torque, sent to the front wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch DSG. This is the most powerful Octavia ever built, and it shows. The throttle response is instant, the gearbox perfectly intuitive, and the RS surges forward with a kind of muscular ease that makes it effortlessly fast. On the back straight of the circuit, the car surged its way to 213 km/h before the braking zone, yet it felt planted, composed, and reassuring — the kind of confidence that makes you want to stay on the throttle just that little bit longer.
Under the hood sits a 2.0-litre turbocharged TSI engine delivering 195 kW and 370 Nm — the most powerful Octavia yet
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement
But it is not just straight-line pace that defines this car. The real magic of the RS reveals itself the moment you turn into a corner. The progressive steering is a standout — precise, quick, and brimming with feedback. You can feel exactly what the front wheels are doing, and there is a directness that connects you to the tarmac that few sedans manage. The chassis feels taut yet forgiving, while the suspension — MacPherson struts up front and a multi-link setup at the rear — striking that near-perfect balance between rigidity and compliance. What is even more impressive is that the car we drove was on standard road tyres, not sticky performance rubber, yet it managed to grip through fast sweepers with remarkable composure. Even when pushed hard, it stayed neutral, poised, and completely in control. That is the kind of chassis tuning that can only come from years of engineering refinement and motorsport know-how.
And then there is the sound. Switch to Sport mode, and the exhaust note hardens into a deeper growl — not obnoxious, but just enough to make every acceleration feel more dramatic. The RS feels alive, eager to play, but never out of its depth. The brakes, too, deserve a mention — strong, progressive, and confidence-inspiring even after repeated high-speed runs. It is the sort of car that flatters you as a driver, giving you the sense that you are part of something cohesive, engineered to make you better behind the wheel.
Yet for all its performance credentials, the Octavia RS has not forgotten its roots. This is still a car you can drive every single day. Step inside, and the cabin immediately impresses with its mix of sportiness and subtle sophistication. The seats, finished in a blend of Suedia and leatherette with red stitching, holds you firmly in place. They are not only power-adjustable and heated but also get memory and massage functions — features you would expect in a luxury saloon, not a performance sedan. The black headliner, aluminium pedals, and carbon-finish dashboard add the right amount of drama, while the three-spoke steering wheel feels superb in your hands. It is a cabin that is driver-focused but free of unnecessary theatrics, it is modern, intuitive and refreshingly honest in its design.
Inside, the RS pairs sporty intent with premium comfort — Suedia seats, red stitching, and cutting-edge tech
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement
Space, as always, remains one of the Octavia’s greatest strengths. There is plenty of legroom at the back, the seats are properly supportive, and the 600-litre boot means this is a car that can easily double as your family hauler. Fold the rear seats down, and it expands to a cavernous 1,555 litres — practical enough to make you forget that this machine can do 0–100 km/h in just 6.4 seconds. That duality — the ability to be both thrilling and sensible — is what makes the RS such an icon.
The design reflects that same philosophy. It is aggressive without being over the top, with gloss black detailing around the grille, mirrors, and badging adding a stealthy edge. The 19-inch alloys fill out the arches perfectly, while the rear spoiler and black exhaust tips lend it a purposeful stance. Choose one in Mamba Green or Race Blue and you have got yourself a car that looks every bit as fast as it feels. Yet there is a certain restraint to it — a kind of maturity that says this is a performance car for grown-ups.
Naturally, being a modern Skoda, the Octavia RS comes loaded with technology. The 32.77 cm touchscreen infotainment system is crisp and intuitive, pairing wirelessly with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 675W Canton sound system with 11 speakers and a subwoofer turns the cabin into a concert hall, and the head-up display, 360-degree cameras, and adaptive cruise control make long-distance journeys effortless. Safety, as always, is a Skoda hallmark — the RS packs it in ten airbags, lane assist, blind spot detection, and a suite of electronic stability aids that quietly keep everything in check while you enjoy the drive.
Aggressive yet restrained — the Octavia RS proves that performance and maturity can coexist beautifully
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement
But perhaps what makes this RS particularly special is that it feels like an event every time you get behind the wheel. It is one of those cars that can brighten your day before you have even left your driveway. You can sense the engineering depth in every input — the way the steering weights up through corners, the way the suspension settles mid-bend, and the way the engine surges when you floor it. It is mechanical honesty in a world that is increasingly going digital.
At around ₹60 lakh on road, it was not cheap, but it was still a deal — a genuine enthusiast’s car that delivered genuine performance and practicality in one sleek package. No surprise then that all 100 units allocated for India sold out almost instantly. The demand has been so overwhelming that one can only hope Skoda decides to bring in more. Cars like the Octavia RS do not come around often anymore — cars that make you want to take the long way home, cars that make the act of driving feel alive again.
Skoda Octavia RS
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement
The new Skoda Octavia RS is, quite simply, a masterclass in balance. It is thrilling without being tiring, fast without being fragile, and practical without being plain. It is a car that reminds you what driving joy really feels like — and in a world increasingly obsessed with automation and efficiency, that is something truly worth celebrating.
Price: 60 lakh (on road)
Motorscribes, in association with The Hindu, brings you the latest in cars and bikes. Follow them on Instagram
Published – November 08, 2025 11:10 am IST