Skoda India has officially confirmed that the high-performance Octavia RS will make its return to the Indian market this year. Speaking to Autocar India, Ashish Gupta, the newly appointed Brand Director, revealed that the Octavia RS is indeed on the cards for 2025, with an expected launch around the festive season.
What to Expect:
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Fully imported (CBU) unit
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2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine producing 265hp
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Likely price: Over ₹50 lakh (ex-showroom)
The fourth-gen Octavia RS, which debuted at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo earlier this year, will be brought in as a Completely Built-Up (CBU) unit. This means limited availability and a premium price tag, similar to the Volkswagen Golf GTI, which shares the same 265hp, 2.0-litre TSI motor.
This launch will mark the return of the Octavia RS nameplate in India, a model that has developed a cult following over the years. In fact, the 200-unit run of the previous RS 245 was sold out quickly despite its high price, showcasing the strong demand from enthusiasts.
Other Models on Hold
While the RS is confirmed, other potential launches like the Kodiaq RS, Superb, and standard Octavia have been paused. Skoda had considered bringing these models back—possibly with diesel engines—but shifting global trade policies and uncertainties around Free Trade Agreements (FTA) have delayed those plans. Gupta noted that the volatile policy landscape makes long-term product planning difficult.
“We have a clear vision for what we want to offer in India, but current global uncertainties mean we have to proceed with caution,” said Gupta.
Focus on Local Line-up
Skoda’s immediate focus remains on strengthening its core local portfolio. The Kylaq compact SUV has become a major success, consistently selling around 5,000 units a month and playing a key role in improving Skoda’s market position in India. Lifecycle updates for the Kushaq and Slavia are also on the way, along with an aggressive push to expand dealer presence across the country.
Gupta emphasized the importance of consistency, stating:
“It’s more important to have a focused and stable product line than to spread ourselves too thin with too many launches.”
In March 2025, Skoda reached its highest-ever monthly sales in India—7,422 units—thanks largely to the Kylaq’s strong performance.
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