Skoda Octavia RS Track review: A hot-headed sedan with supermodel aura

A quick walk down memory lane

Over the years, Skoda Octavia gained immense popularity in the Indian market. When European cars were still a little out of reach for most Indians, Skoda quietly came onto the scene with simple promises: something solid, something premium, something different. That “something” turned out to be Octavia. It wasn't trying to be flashy or loud. The bus featured a tight build quality, a classy stance and an engine that really impressed people. Gradually, the Octavia became the car you saw in the neighborhood and immediately associated with success, not the flashy kind, but the “earned” kind.

And then Skoda did something that no one expected at that time. It decided to give this suave, executive-friendly sedan a suitably wild look. Enter the Octavia vRS, a car that looked innocent on the outside but had a mischievous smile under the hood. It transformed from a smart corporate choice to a celebratory badge of honor. For enthusiasts, it was the first time that something resembling a practical family car would make hearts skip a beat every time they drove it. This is where the story of RS in India began.

People began modifying these sedans to generate more horsepower, creating all kinds. Some sleeper builds can even rival sports cars, as shown on YouTube in 2010. However, fans were disappointed to receive the news in 2023 that the sedan was being discontinued. Enough of the history lesson, flashback to 2025, the Czech-made car got enthusiasts excited at the auto show. And recently I experienced this firsthand.

Skoda Octavia RS: looks and exterior design

Let's talk about looks first because what's a film without buildup, right? The 2025 Skoda Octavia RS comes in five great colors, which include Mamba Green, Magic Black, Candy White, Race Blue and Velvet Red. Irrespective of the shade, the Octavia RS will win your heart with its sophisticated design. There are some updates to the fascia, which make the car look sharper than before. The bumper has been updated to look bold with sharp cuts, and the LED DRLs have also been updated to a new style. There are functional air vents on each side of the bumper, which coupled with the car's new aero-styled alloys are expected to make it more aerodynamic. The grille is now larger and the nose is lower, making the Octavia look like a supermodel posing for a magazine cover.

Greed doesn't stop here. Move to the rear, and the angled taillamps, along with the blacked-out spoiler, add a ton of character to the design. “There's a beast hiding inside me, but don't let anyone know,” the super slim twin exhaust whispers. Likewise, the VRS badges on the front and rear are equally subtle and patiently wait for you to figure out what they mean. The highlight of the car's side profile is its sloping coupe-ish roofline. Smooth in contrast to the sharp cuts of the front and back. The 19-inch alloy wheels might look better without the aero spokes, but then you win some and lose some. Peeking out from behind the alloy wheels are angry red calipers mounted on both the front and rear of the car.

Skoda Octavia RS: Cabin and features

Like Volkswagen Auto Group (VAG), the Octavia RS's dashboard is a 2025 minimalist. A touchscreen infotainment, a digital driver display and a few buttons. However, it does not feel outdated in any sense. I like to call it driver-centric. The steering wheel also feels amazing to hold. Most of the adjustments on the driver's display are adjustable via buttons on the steering wheel. For everything else, there's a 13-inch touchscreen. Now, both of these screens feature modern graphics and an easy-to-use interface.

Inside the cabin there are 'just clever' things that every Skoda offers, like a bin in the driver's door, an umbrella, etc. And it has every feature one could want, from wireless charging to electronically controlled seats. The seats themselves are quite supportive and finished in suede and leatherette. There's a suede pad with red stitching on the passenger side of the dashboard, which adds texture to the all-black cabin. The center console has a toggle switch for gear selection, which doesn't live up to the RS vibe. The rear seat also offers a good amount of practically usable space for three adults. But no one would want to buy this car for that, right?

Refinement levels are more than adequate. Despite enthusiasts' disagreements, the exhaust growl is noticeably less even in Sport mode. With the amazing fit and finish of the product, there is no question of unusual cabin noise.

Skoda Octavia RS: Drive Experience

Let's get to what you really want to know: how it runs. Now, I have to be careful here not to let my enthusiasm come out and give you an unbiased review of the sedan. However, the sedan is designed to fit exactly any individual. While driving the Skoda Octavia RS around the Buddh International Circuit, I was not able to test how it would handle the challenges that a sedan usually faces in the city. But whatever I tried managed to bring a smile to my face. The technology and grunt combined make a nice package on the track.

The Octavia RS today still suits its taste of everyday practicality, combined with a generous dose of sportiness. When you press the accelerator, you are pushed back into the seat. However, this is not an aggressive push, but a linear push. The transmission reminds you that this is still an executive sedan rather than a sports car. All said and done, this linear push takes the car from 0 to 100 km/h in around 6.4 seconds.

However, the Octavia RS shines in the corners. Spin the wheel and watch the 4.7 meter sedan change direction like a bird. One of the benefits of having front-wheel drive (FWD) is the freedom to throw your vehicle into a corner while you hold the gas without the stress of oversteering. And same is the case with this sedan. What further helps its case is the XDS+ differential, which keeps it glued even when all the kinks are gone. You do experience a small amount of body roll as you change direction, which isn't a huge deal but is noticeable.

The unit I was driving had been wandering around the track since morning and started shuddering while applying brakes. Despite this, braking performance remained solid. The pedal feel was just right, and it provided enough resistance to make you feel confident under hard braking.

Skoda Octavia RS: Specifications

Skoda Octavia RS: Verdict

Unfortunately, with only 100 units allocated, it's already sold out. The Skoda Octavia is a classic hot-hatch at its core, except that it's not a hatchback. What makes it great is its practicality, as well as overall performance. The Skoda Octavia will easily find a place in an enthusiastic father's garage. And it's the kind of car that will last until the kids grow up and learn to drive. Maybe just being there will turn a kid or two into an enthusiastic person. Of course, if you can afford one.

First publication date: 07 November 2025, 19:15 PM IST