The aim is to reach a wider audience by involving such iconic musicians
The Czech carmaker has announced a massive collaboration with the sitar legend Rishab Rikhiram Sharma for the Octavia RS. Note that the deliveries are slated to commence on November 6, 2025. I had already reported that all 100 units of the performance sedan have been spoken for. That is a validation of just how in-demand the special vehicle is, despite its hefty price tag. Rishab is the last disciple of Pandit Ravi Shankar. He has sold out areas across the globe, including the USA, the Middle East, Europe, the UK and India.
The video posted by Skoda encapsulates the reimagined iteration of Rishab’s 2021 Classic “Chanakya’ from the nine-track project Navaras. In the official video, he is seen immersed in his sitar while wearing the Skoda Octavia RS racing attire with the performance sedan burning rubber on a race track. On this occasion, Rishab said, “Whether it’s performing on stage or racing on the track, both pursuits demand unwavering concentration and a profound connection to your craft. Mastery comes from immersing yourself fully in the moment, allowing precision and passion to fuel your performance. In capturing this synergy for the newly introduced, high-performing Škoda Octavia RS, I have attempted to portray the exhilarating balance between serenity and speed in my first-ever performance on a racing track.”
New Skoda Octavia RS Launched in India – All You Need To Know!
Updated on 17.10.2025 – The new Skoda Octavia RS has finally been launched in our market with a price tag of Rs 49.99 lakh, ex-showroom. It holds a unique appeal and appreciation in the Indian automobile market. The Czech carmaker has allotted only 100 units for our market, which have already been sold out. This is a validation to its popularity and loyalty. Driving aficionados love to possess this fire-breathing monster. Also, its exclusivity is a huge attraction for a whole bunch of potential customers. Here is everything you need to know about it.
New Skoda Octavia RS – Exterior Styling
The performance sedan carries a more modern and sporty appearance, while keeping the iconic and familiar DNA intact. In terms of the exterior styling, it carries on the trademark sharp cut creases on the body panels, contoured bonnet, sleek full LED Matrix headlamps and a massive bumper at the front. On the sides, we get to experience the colossal 19-inch Elias anthracite alloy wheels with low-profile tyres (225/40 R19). At the rear, the sedan boasts LED taillamps with dynamic indicators, glossy black styling cues, Skoda lettering on the boot compartment and an integrated boot spoiler. The dimensions of the sensuous sedan are:
| Dimensions (in mm.) | New Skoda Octavia RS |
| Length | 4,709 |
| Width | 1,829 |
| Height | 1,457 |
| Wheelbase | 2,677 |
New Skoda Octavia RS – Interior and Features
On the inside, there are the latest amenities like a free-standing 12.9-inch touchscreen, a digital instrument cluster, a three-spoke steering wheel with controls, an electronic parking brake, red ambient lighting, Suedia/Leather upholstery with red contrast stitching, electric adjustment for the front seats with heating and massage functions, 3-zone automatic climate control, wireless charging, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ADAS, 10 airbags, head-up display, premium Canton 675W 11-speaker sound system, metal pedals, soft-touch materials on the door panels and dashboard with contrasting stitching and much more. Clearly, the cabin is loaded with the latest amenities to the brim.
Specs
The new Skoda Octavia RS possesses a powerful 2.0-litre TSI turbo petrol mill, which will generate a whopping 265 hp and 370 Nm of peak power and torque, respectively. Performing transmission duties is a 7-speed DSG transmission, which allows a 0 to 100 km/h acceleration time of just 6.4 seconds with a top speed of 250 km/h. For the driving enthusiast in you, it gets progressive steering and an electronic VAQ limited-slip differential, with a lowered suspension setup by 15 mm. Things like RS-specific adaptive Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) can really take the driving dynamics to the next level. With ventilated disc brakes, 340 x 30 mm at the front and 310 x 22 mm at the rear, drivers will have ample of stopping power. It is certainly a mighty capable vehicle.
| Specs | Skoda Octavia RS |
| Engine | 2.0L Turbo Petrol |
| Power | 265 hp |
| Torque | 370 Nm |
| Transmission | 7-DSG |
| Acc. (0-100 km/h) | 5.95 seconds |
Editor’s Note
Yatharth Chauhan, Managing Editor
As someone who’s closely observed the evolution of performance cars in India, the Octavia RS has always held a cult status among enthusiasts – and this new iteration only strengthens that legacy. With blistering performance, cutting-edge features, and limited availability, Skoda has smartly positioned it as a true driver’s car with an exclusive badge value. At nearly Rs 50 lakh, it’s certainly not cheap, but for purists who value driving dynamics over badges, this is as close to Euro-spec excitement as it gets in our market. It’s a car that speaks directly to the enthusiast, not the crowd.
Also Read: India-Bound Skoda Octavia RS Reviewed by Famous Foreign Reviewer
