2025 Skoda Octavia RS MK4.5 Review: Fast, Fun & Surprisingly Refined

Overview

The Skoda Octavia RS MK4.5 is here — and it’s already sold out. That says a lot about its cult following in India.
This facelifted RS takes everything enthusiasts love about the Octavia — clean design, big power, and everyday usability — and wraps it in sharper styling and tech-heavy sophistication.

However, there’s a catch: while it’s fast and feature-rich, the RS has become expensive. At over ₹60 lakh on-road, the question isn’t “Is it good?” — it’s “Is it still worth it?”

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Design and Exterior

The facelift brings subtle but effective upgrades. In its RS trim, the car looks properly aggressive — blacked-out grille, sporty bumpers, and crisp LED detailing. The Crystalline Matrix LED headlights are razor-sharp, complemented by headlamp washers and functional air curtains for better aero.

At 4.7 metres long, it has real presence. The RS sits 15 mm lower than the standard Octavia, with ground clearance now at 128 mm, giving it a squatted, purposeful stance.

Key details include:

• 19-inch alloy wheels (225/40 R19)
• Red brake calipers and 340 mm front discs
• Six parking sensors (front and rear)
• Active air curtains and black exterior accents
• Dynamic LED tail-lamps with sweeping indicators

The rear is clean and subtle, with a small lip spoiler and dual exhaust finishers — though the pipes are partly cosmetic. The electric tailgate reveals a massive 600-litre boot, making this one of the most practical performance cars you can buy.

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Interior and Features

Inside, the Octavia RS MK4.5 feels premium yet focused. The VRS bucket seats steal the show — one-piece sport seats with integrated headrests, extendable thigh support, and massage function.
Red contrast stitching, Alcantara inserts, and ambient lighting give the cabin genuine sporty flair.

Tech and Comfort

• 13-inch touchscreen infotainment
• 10-inch digital driver display
• Canton 12-speaker sound system
• Heads-up display (HUD)
• Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
• 3-zone climate control with rear vents
• Memory and massage driver’s seat

Skoda’s “Simply Clever” touches are everywhere: umbrella slots, hidden storage, removable bin, and a 12V boot socket.

However, there are some misses — no sunroof, no ventilated seats, and no rear wiper for India. Given the price tag, those omissions sting.

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Infotainment and Controls

The new system is sleek but overly touchscreen-dependent. The climate control, drive modes, and even seat heating are buried in menus. A small slider for volume helps, but physical buttons are sorely missed.

Voice control (via “Laura”) and a crisp interface save it from frustration, while wireless phone connectivity works smoothly. The ADAS suite adds lane keep assist, blind spot detection, and adaptive cruise — though the system can be intrusive at times.

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Powertrain and Performance

Under the hood lies the familiar EA888 2.0L TSI engine, tuned for 265 hp and 370 Nm. Power goes to the front wheels through a 7-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic and an electronic limited-slip differential.

Launch control helps it rocket from 0–100 km/h in just 5.99 seconds, quicker than Skoda’s official claim of 6.4 seconds. The top speed is 250 km/h, and it feels every bit as quick as those numbers suggest.

On-Road Feel

The DSG gearbox is lightning fast, shifts aggressively in Sport mode, and the throttle response is immediate. Torque steer is noticeable under hard acceleration, but the limited-slip diff works wonders in keeping power balanced.

The steering — progressive and precise — quickens with more lock, giving great control in tight corners.

The brakes (340 mm front, 310 mm rear) are phenomenal: powerful, consistent, and fade-free even after hard track use.

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Ride and Handling

Despite riding on 19-inch wheels, the RS rides surprisingly well. The suspension tuning strikes a rare balance between sportiness and daily comfort. Unfortunately, adaptive dampers (DCC) — available abroad — are missing in India.

Body roll is minimal, and grip levels are high, though the front end can wash out under hard cornering due to the sheer torque. Still, it feels agile and composed, with steering feedback that keeps you connected.

Noise insulation is excellent — almost too good. The cabin is so refined that some enthusiasts might miss the exhaust note and road feel that earlier RS models had.

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Performance Figures (Tested)

Metric	Value
Engine	2.0L Turbo Petrol
Power	265 hp
Torque	370 Nm
Transmission	7-Speed DSG
0–100 km/h	5.99 sec (tested)
Top Speed	250+ km/h
Weight	1,528 kg

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Practicality and Usability

The RS may be a performance car, but it’s still an Octavia at heart — roomy, refined, and practical. The rear seats are supportive but best for two adults; the middle seat is narrow due to the raised tunnel.

Storage is abundant: large door bins, center storage, cupholders, and under-floor boot space. Rear passengers get dedicated climate controls, USB-C ports, and soft-touch surfaces all around.

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Verdict

The 2025 Skoda Octavia RS MK4.5 is the perfect example of a car that balances thrill and practicality. It’s brutally quick, solidly built, and fun to drive — yet comfortable enough to live with daily.

However, at over ₹60 lakh, the pricing makes it hard to call a “value performance car.” It’s more of an indulgence for enthusiasts who missed the RS 245 and want something special — even if it’s not the best bang for the buck anymore.

Pros ✅

• Explosive acceleration and DSG sharpness
• Strong braking and steering precision
• High-quality, comfortable interior
• Massive boot and everyday usability

Cons ❌

• Expensive for a front-wheel-drive sedan
• No adaptive dampers or sunroof
• Too much reliance on touchscreen
• Muted exhaust note and insulation

Final Word:
The Octavia RS MK4.5 remains one of the most balanced performance sedans you can buy — fast, practical, and beautifully engineered. It’s a driver’s car at heart, just wrapped in more sophistication (and cost) than ever before.