The Skoda Octavia RS 245 is more expensive than the previous RS 230 by almost Rs 12 lakh.
The Skoda Octavia RS (or vRS) needs no introduction. Capable of going from 0-100 mph in 6.6 seconds and with a top speed pegged at 250km/h, the sports-sedan has been launched in an improved RS 245 format at the ongoing Auto Expo 2020. Ex-showroom price stands at Rs 36 lakh and only 200 units of Skoda Octavia RS are allocated for India.
Skoda Auto India is working on a detailed launch strategy for 2020 and this year gets off to a grand start. The performance-spec Octavia RS 245 returns about 242 bhp and 370 Nm peak torque, with all the hard work done by a 2.0-litre TSI engine paired to 7-speed DSG. An electronic slip differential directs power to the front wheels. A 6-speed manual is available in certain foreign markets. On the other hand, the previous Octavia RS 230 packs 15bhp and 20Nm less. The former avatar of the sports sedan also came with a 6-speed DSG unit.
With limited availability being the order of the day, there is no doubt that folks who yearn for such specifics would have to make a quick decision. Previous experience portends that the cars would be booked out real quick. While the sedan is launched at the 2020 Auto Expo, its showcase will be more of an opportunity to use the platform to let visitors marvel at the car.
It’s hugely possible that all 200 units would be sold out in a matter of days. From the looks of it, vRS 245 doesn’t feel too different from the earlier RS 230. However, the latter was sold as a locally-assembled product while the new RS 245 is strictly introduced a CBU (hence, the higher pricing). Other changes include lower ground clearance and larger 18-inch five-spoke alloy wheels.
| Skoda Octavia Prices | Petrol | Diesel |
|---|---|---|
| BS4 Ambition MT | – | Rs 17.99 lakh |
| BS4 Style MT | Rs 18.99 lakhs | Rs 20.8 lakhs |
| BS4 Onyx AT | Rs 20 lakhs | Rs 22 lakhs |
| BS4 Style AT | Rs 20.6 lakhs | Rs 23 lakhs |
| BS4 L&K | Rs 23.6 lakhs | Rs 23.64 lakhs |
| BS6 RS 245 | Rs 36 lakhs | – |
When it comes to the regular Skoda Octavia, there’s going to be a bit of a lull in the months to come. With BSVI emission norms mandated for vehicles sold in India from April 1, 2020, the existing Octavia offerings will not be tweaked to match the mandate.
Currently, Skoda Octavia is available in two engine formats: 1.8-litre TSi petrol and the more popular, 2.0-litre TDi diesel. While the vehicle is made unavailable for a few months, the Octavia vRS 245, for now, is the only thing that injects some joy into the lives of Octavia enthusiasts. The 2020 Skoda Octavia BSVI models will be made available closer to the end of this year, alongside the introduction of the facelifted Skoda Superb.
