Skoda Octavia RS Returns to India, Pre-Bookings Start October 6

Škoda Auto India has officially confirmed the comeback of its legendary performance sedan, the Octavia RS, with pre-bookings beginning on October 6, 2025 via the company’s official website. Known for its motorsport-inspired DNA, the Octavia RS enjoys a cult following in India, and its re-entry marks one of the most anticipated launches of the year. Limited to just 100 fully built units (FBUs), the RS will arrive as a niche offering for enthusiasts.

Pre-Bookings, Price, and Deliveries

Pre-bookings for the Octavia RS open on October 6, while the official price will be revealed on October 17. Deliveries are scheduled to commence from November 6, 2025.

The Octavia RS sold in India will be the UK-spec model manufactured in the Czech Republic, imported as an FBU. This raises expectations of a premium price tag, likely higher than its UK retail price of £39,965 (approx. ₹47.7 lakh).

Performance and Engineering

Globally, the Octavia RS is equipped with a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine delivering 265 bhp and 370 Nm of torque. This performance-centric DNA has long been the core of the RS badge, which stands for Rally Sport.

While Škoda has not confirmed India-specific details, enthusiasts can expect the same high-performance engineering, paired with advanced safety features and the brand’s trademark European driving dynamics.

Legacy of the Octavia RS in India

The Octavia RS first made its mark in 2004, becoming India’s first turbocharged petrol sedan. Its combination of power and premium design quickly earned it a cult status among petrolheads.

Later iterations, including the Octavia RS 230 (2017) and Octavia RS 245 (2020 Auto Expo), further boosted its appeal but were also limited imports, making them collector’s items.

The fourth-gen Octavia was discontinued in India in 2023 due to BS6.2 emission norms, even though it continued overseas with a facelift. To date, Škoda has sold over 100,000 Octavia models in India, underlining its popularity.

No Immediate Plans for Local Assembly

Ashish Gupta, Brand Director of Škoda Auto India, emphasized that while there are currently no plans for local assembly or component operations for the Octavia RS, the idea is “not off the table” for the future.

He added that the Octavia badge has been central to building Škoda’s brand in India, and the company will always evaluate the feasibility of local assembly based on market demand.

Škoda’s Wider Strategy in India

Alongside the RS launch, Škoda is aggressively expanding its footprint in tier-2 and tier-3 cities. Currently, the brand offers four models in India – Kushaq, Slavia, Kodiaq, and Kylaq – priced between ₹7.54 lakh and ₹45 lakh.

With 312 touchpoints across 177 cities and a target of 350 outlets by 2025, Škoda is tapping into new markets. Gupta revealed that:

• 75% of expansion has been in tier-3 cities.

• 90% of new outlets are in tier-2 and tier-3 markets.

• 65% of showrooms now operate outside metro areas.

Overcoming Past Challenges

Škoda’s journey in India has been marked by challenges. Despite its 2001 entry, the brand struggled to capture significant market share due to:

• India’s tax regime, favoring sub-4-meter cars.

• Limited localization, leading to higher prices.

• Focus on premium cars rather than volume drivers.

• Lack of fuel-diverse options like CNG and diesel variants.

These hurdles kept Škoda’s market share at 1-2%, far behind leaders like Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai.

The Turning Point: India 2.0 Strategy

Škoda’s fortunes changed with the India 2.0 strategy, backed by a €1 billion investment. The brand introduced the MQB-A0-IN platform, enabling higher localization and competitive pricing.

Models like the Kushaq and Slavia (2021-22) gained traction with 5-star safety ratings, while the Kylaq sub-4-meter SUV (2024) became a game-changer. Priced from ₹7.55 lakh after GST cuts, the Kylaq combines affordability with premium features, including ventilated seats and a 446-liter boot.

In August 2025, Kylaq sales hit 3,099 units, making it Škoda’s top-selling model.

Sales Growth in 2025

Škoda reported 107.7% YoY growth in India, selling 33,300 vehicles in H1 2025 – a record for the brand. This surge reflects the success of its value-driven, safety-focused strategy tailored to Indian buyers.

Conclusion

The return of the Škoda Octavia RS marks a nostalgic yet futuristic chapter for enthusiasts in India. While limited in number, it reinforces Škoda’s premium image, even as its India 2.0 strategy with cars like the Kylaq drives mainstream success. By blending performance icons with mass-market innovation, Škoda is finally striking the right balance in India’s competitive automotive landscape.