The Indian performance car market has just gotten a boost with the launch of the 2025 Skoda Octavia RS, priced at ₹49.99 lakh (ex-showroom). This performance-focused iteration of the Skoda Octavia is a direct competitor to the Volkswagen Golf GTI, which was launched earlier this year in limited numbers. Both cars are imported as Completely Built Units (CBUs) and are available in limited quantities, with Skoda offering only 100 units and Volkswagen offering 250 units.
The performance car segment in India is dominated by luxury auto OEMs like Mercedes-Benz, Audi, and BMW, but Skoda and Volkswagen are trying to tap into this market with more affordable options. The Skoda Octavia RS and Volkswagen Golf GTI are both priced around ₹50 lakh, which may be a matter of debate for Indian consumers who are extremely cost-sensitive.
A comparison between the two cars reveals that the Skoda Octavia RS is priced slightly lower than the Volkswagen Golf GTI, at ₹49.99 lakh versus ₹50.91 lakh. The Octavia RS also offers more boot space, with 600 liters of storage capacity compared to the Golf GTI’s 380 liters. However, the Golf GTI has a slightly faster acceleration time, going from 0 to 100 kmph in 5.9 seconds compared to the Octavia RS’s 6.4 seconds.
Both cars are powered by the same 2.0-liter turbocharged petrol engine, which produces 261 bhp of peak power and 370 Nm of maximum torque. The engine is mated to a seven-speed DCT gearbox and comes with a front-wheel drive (FWD) setup. The top speed for both models is limited to 250 kmph.
In terms of dimensions, the Skoda Octavia RS measures 4,709 mm in length, 1,829 mm in width, and 1,457 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,677 mm. The Volkswagen Golf GTI measures 4,289 mm in length, 1,789 mm in width, and 1,471 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,627 mm.
Overall, the Skoda Octavia RS and Volkswagen Golf GTI are both exciting additions to the Indian performance car market, offering a mix of power, style, and affordability. While the Golf GTI has a slightly faster acceleration time, the Octavia RS offers more boot space and a slightly lower price point.