Skoda Octavia vRS Launch Confirmed For Diwali: Details
Here’s some exciting news for Skoda fans. The all-new Octavia RS, successor to the legendary Octavia vRS, is finally coming to India. We now have the official launch timeline of the model, which was first showcased at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo this year. We have learnt from sources inside the company that Skoda will launch the new Octavia RS in India, this Diwali.
The Most Powerful Octavia RS Yet
The Octavia is a legendary nameplate, and the RS form already has a high reputation among Indian enthusiasts. 200 units of the previous generation RS245 allotted for India, sold like hot cake, despite being priced steeply! The new RS is also one of the most anticipated launches of the year, and could possibly repeat its predecessor’s success.
The fourth-generation Octavia RS will be powered by a 265hp/370Nm, 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine. This is the same powerhouse that’s found on the Golf GTI and comes mated to a seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox. The car will have a 0-100 kph time of just 6.4 seconds. The Octavia RS will serve as a perfect halo car for Skoda and will help in further brand building.
Talking of the design, the Octavia RS looks almost the same as the standard car. We can, however, spot subtle changes like a blacked-out radiator grille, bigger air intakes at the front, and new wheels. The sharp-looking headlamps get projectors and LED DRLs inside.
Other key features of this design are wraparound LED taillights, lip spoiler, large wheels and stylish creases on the hood. Adding more sporty appeal to the design, the exhaust pipes come finished in Black.
The cabin design and layout are almost the same as the standard sedan. The RS has an all-Black theme inside, with attractive Red accents on the dashboard, door trims and several other places. You will also find sporty ‘RS’ badges inside.
The performance sedan will have a flat-bottom steering wheel, digital instrument cluster, free-standing touchscreen infotainment system, centre console with soft-touch buttons, and various other features.
Volkswagen Golf GTI’s Success And The New Octavia RS
India definitely has a crowd that loves to own performance cars like the Golf GTI and Octavia RS. When Volkswagen launched the first batch of the Golf GTI here, many wondered how it would manage to sell with its Rs 53 lakh price tag. The performance hatchback had strong demand from across the country.
Soon after the carmaker started accepting orders through its website, the first batch of Golf GTIs got sold out, and bookings had to be suspended. Many businessmen, public figures and celebrities added the hot-hatch to their respective garages.
The new octavia RS is likely to have a similar fate, considering its strong focus on performance ( it is in fact, as fun to drive as a Golf GTI) and the fact that it is more practical than the Golf GTI with its larger proportions, more comfortable rear seat and the roomier boot. Interestingly, both the Golf GTI and the Octavia RS are underpinned by the same modular platform- Volkswagen Group’s MQB Evo.
Expected Price
Skoda plans to bring the new Octavia RS to India via the CBU (Completely built unit) route. It will thus have premium pricing and limited allocations. We expect the ex-showroom price to be well above Rs 50 lakh. The Golf GTI, in fact, has an ex-showroom price of Rs 53 lakh. The Octavia RS could be slightly more expensive than the GTI. We’ll learn more about the possible pricing closer to the launch.