The performance sedan continues to pull loyal customers regardless of the price tag
The new Skoda Octavia RS has already sold out within 20 minutes, even before the official launch. I must mention here that only 100 units were allotted for the Indian market. Over the years, the craze and appeal of the Octavia RS have sustained. First launched back in 2004 as the first-generation Octavia RS, the performance sedan has always stimulated driving enthusiasts in our country. Even after 21 years, the demand for the legendary sedan is immense. This gives us an opportunity to discuss some critical aspects of why it is so popular.
What Makes It So Popular?
- Limited Quantity – This time around, there were only 100 units dedicated for our market. However, it has always been the case that we get the fire-breathing sedan in limited numbers. Also, with a massive increase in the disposable income, particularly among the rising middle class of the country, gone are the times when hefty price tags were beyond the reach of most people. Even though the exact prices of the new Skoda Octavia RS are unknown, we can safely assume that they will hover around the Rs 50 lakh mark.
- Legacy – Secondly, the legacy associated with the Octavia RS moniker is still special. In fact, it remains one of the most eminent products from the Czech car marque not just in India, but across many international markets. Ever since the Gen-1 model, the Indian consumers have lapped up the vehicle as their go-to performance sedan. Currently, it draws power from a peppy 2.0-litre TSI turbo petrol unit that produces a colossal 265 hp and 370 Nm of maximum power and torque, respectively. The familiar 7-speed DSG automatic transmission propels the sedan from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.4 seconds with a top speed of 250 km/h.
- Lack of Rivals – In all honesty, there is no direct competitor to the Octavia RS at the price point of around Rs 50 lakh. Sure, one could consider the entry-level German luxury cars or the recently launched MG Cyberster as somewhat close, but these are completely different propositions altogether. As a raw, powerful sedan focused only on hardcore performance, there isn’t anyone close.
- Practicality – At the end of the day, the Skoda Octavia RS is a sedan, which means that it relishes the inherent traits of this body type. This includes a massive boot compartment, a spacious cabin and a premium interior. In fact, in an already dead D-segment, the regular 4th-generation Octavia continues to sell in decent numbers each month. This proves that there are dedicated buyers for this specific model.
- Increasing Trust in Skoda – Finally, the India 2.0 strategy of VW and Skoda has paid off incredibly. With heavy localization, the cost of ownership of Skoda and VW cars has gone down drastically. The high maintenance cost was the biggest reason people avoided Skoda cars in the past. But all that has now changed. The availability of affordable spare parts and the increase in the number of touchpoints across the nation have done the automaker a world of good. I am sure that this will get even better with each passing month.
Yatharth Chauhan, Managing Editor
As someone who owns the latest Octavia and has personally experienced how affordable Skoda’s ownership has become, I’m not at all surprised to see the RS sell out in minutes. The Octavia RS has always been a cult favourite for enthusiasts who crave everyday practicality without compromising on performance. With limited numbers, strong legacy, and no real rivals in its price band, it was bound to create this kind of frenzy. What’s different this time is that Skoda’s improved aftersales and lower running costs have made it a far more convincing buy than ever before.
Also Read: Skoda Octavia RS is HOT, But Why Not a Slavia RS?
