Skoda Set to Launch New Octavia RS in India This Festive Season

Exciting News for Auto Fans

Car enthusiasts have reason to celebrate as Skoda has announced the upcoming launch of the all-new Octavia RS in India. According to a recent report, the company is gearing up to introduce this performance-oriented model, following the recent debut of the Golf GTI. This indicates that manufacturers are increasingly recognizing the growing demand for high-performance vehicles in the Indian market. Although Skoda has not specified an exact launch date, it has confirmed that the Octavia RS is expected to arrive by the festive season.

Details on the Octavia RS

The Skoda Octavia RS will be imported as a Completely Built Unit (CBU) and had previously been showcased at the Bharat Mobility Expo in January. This model will be available for sale as a full import this year, but similar to the Volkswagen Golf GTI, the availability may be limited. Given Skoda's strong fan base in India, the launch is highly anticipated. The previous model, the Octavia RS 245, was well-received and sold quickly.

Pricing and Market Positioning

As a CBU, the Octavia RS is expected to be priced at a premium, potentially around Rs 50 lakh. Its market positioning will be comparable to that of the VW Golf GTI.

Future Plans for Skoda

Future Plans For The Brand

In addition to the Octavia RS, Skoda is also planning to launch the new Kodiaq RS and the Superb. There are intentions to introduce a diesel powertrain for the Superb as well. Future plans may include local assembly of the Octavia, although these initiatives are currently on hold due to Free Trade Agreement (FTA) approvals and geopolitical uncertainties.

The report indicates that the Octavia RS will serve as a halo model while Skoda focuses on locally produced vehicles like the Kushaq. Additionally, Volkswagen is working on a facelift for the Kushaq and Slavia models. To enhance its presence, Skoda is also expanding its dealership network across the country.