2025 Skoda Octavia RS First Drive Review - Czech Mate!

You wait ages for a bus to arrive, and then two show up at once. Those were my first thoughts when Skoda announced the arrival of the fourth-generation Octavia RS in India - right after Volkswagen launched the iconic Golf GTI. The only difference is that these two aren't buses. In fact, they're two of the best everyday performance cars in the world. And for the first time ever, both have landed in India together. Naturally, this has petrolheads across the country jumping up and down in excitement - whether they can they can afford one or not, well, it doesn't really matter.

Also Read: Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 Review - Brutally Stylish

Now, over the past few months, I've driven the Golf GTI to my heart's content, and I've concluded that it's the perfect everyday fun car for Indian enthusiasts. The Octavia RS, though, threatens to change that. It's more spacious, more practical, and a tad more affordable - while promising the same explosive performance and razor-sharp handling. But does it actually deliver? I spent a few laps at the Buddh International Circuit with it to find out.

Powering the Octy RS is the same drivetrain as the Golf GTI - a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine producing 261bhp and 370Nm, sending power to the front wheels via a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox and a trick electronic differential. Since the RS is a bigger, heavier car, it's half a second slower to 100km/h (6.4s vs 5.9s). That said, when you're gunning it down the back straight of the BIC, you'll barely notice the difference - the RS is plenty quick.

The numbers on the speedo climb rapidly as the scenery dissolves into a blur. I clocked 202km/h (GPS-verified) on the back straight before stomping on the brakes. Like the GTI, the RS's drivetrain feels perfectly tuned for maximum performance. The engine is a free-revving unit, and the DSG complements it beautifully with lightning-quick shifts.

The party trick, of course, is the handling. Like the Golf GTI, it's hard to believe this Skoda is front-wheel drive. The steering is sharp, the nose darts into corners without a sign of understeer, and the grip levels are extraordinary. Compared to the Golf, it feels a touch more stable mid-corner but slightly less pointy at turn-in - courtesy of its 50mm longer wheelbase and extra weight. Braking performance is solid, although the pedal on my particular RS went soft after two hot laps. Understandable, given that the car had already been through a lot of abuse in the sessions earlier that day - and, I can assure you, nobody was taking it easy out there!

Also Read: Mahindra XEV 9e vs Hyundai Creta EV vs Tata Harrier.ev Comparison - Circuit Breaker

The biggest highlight of the Octy RS, just like the GTI, is how accessible its performance is to everyone. It fits like a glove - intuitive, confidence-inspiring, and fast from the get-go. Want proof? Of the three laps I got, I managed a 2:35 lap time - with four people onboard - without breaking a sweat (check out the onboard video on our Instagram and YouTube). And that's the point - the Octavia RS is a more practical avatar of the Golf GTI.

You get the same thrills but with extra space for your family and luggage (600 litres vs 380 litres). It's also more feature-rich, with electric front seats, massage functions, and a 360-degree camera. I also prefer the Alcantara dashboard and sporty seats of the RS over the rather spartan interior of the GTI.

Verdict

The Golf GTI is the ultimate hot hatch, but the Octavia RS adds a dose of practicality, without diluting the fun. However, to reach a final verdict after just a brief session with the RS is a difficult task - I need more seat time with both cars. But one thing's certain: it's not going to get any easier for me to make that decision later as well. Either way, there's not going to be any loser in this contest.