Skoda Octavia RS

You barely get to see the Octavia these days. An RS? Even rarer. But getting to drive the latest fifth-generation Octavia RS on a Formula 1 circuit? That is a rare opportunity, and we just did that.

Apart from the 100 lucky customers, we got behind the wheel of this stunning machine on a track that stretches over 5km of pure asphalt, perfectly suited to bring out its true potential. Here is how the Octavia RS felt from behind the wheel.

Even before you start it, the Octavia RS looks every bit the performance sedan it claims to be. The aggressive front bumper, gloss black detailing, and signature RS badging cues lend it a purposeful stance. The Matrix LED headlamps look sharp, while the red brake callipers and diffuser with dual exhaust tips add a touch of athletic flair. Sitting lower, it looks planted, wide, and ready to pounce — the kind of car that quietly commands attention even in the pit lane.

Speaking of attention, the Octavia RS comes in a range of striking colours, but the Mamba Green absolutely steals the show. Under sunlight, it glows with an unmistakable sporty character that perfectly matches the RS’s bold personality. If you want your RS to stand out, this is the shade to go for.

Step inside, and it is classic RS territory — sporty yet premium. The Alcantara-upholstered sport seats offer superb lateral support, while the flat-bottom steering wheel feels lovely to hold. There is plenty of red stitching around the cabin, along with carbon-fibre-like trims that add a sense of purpose.

The digital cockpit is crisp, and the large central touchscreen is intuitive with seamless connectivity. The cabin feels modern, tech-rich, and driver-focused. It misses out on a sunroof, but we honestly did not mind that because it helps retain that cocooned, driver-centric atmosphere. Despite its performance focus, the Octavia RS remains practical, spacious, and family-friendly.

Under the bonnet sits the familiar 2.0-litre TSI turbo-petrol engine that delivers a strong and torquey punch right from the mid-range. The DSG gearbox remains one of the smoothest dual-clutch units around, swapping cogs rapidly with satisfying precision when you use the paddle shifters. The rev-matching downshifts, especially in Sport mode, make you grin every single time.

The exhaust note adds character with its sporty pops and bangs, though enthusiasts might wish it were a bit louder. Out on track, the RS feels poised and planted, devouring straights with ease and holding tight through medium-speed corners. The lowered suspension and stiffer setup bring excellent body control, though push it too hard and a hint of understeer reminds you that this is still a front-wheel-drive car. Even pushing it to 200-220kmph felt manageable on the flat track.

The steering feels precise and well-weighted, while the brakes are powerful and confidence-inspiring with minimal fade even after repeated hard stops. Switch to ESC Sport, and there is room for a little play with controlled wheelspin and a slight tail wiggle. Turn it fully off, and you will find yourself managing wheelspin right into second gear.

Besides the outright track run, we also put the Octavia RS through three more challenges — autocross, moose, and slalom tests. It performed exceptionally well and stayed commendably composed throughout. The sharp steering, strong grip, and excellent balance made each exercise feel fluid and confidence-boosting.

Sure, the Octavia RS is not a featherweight track tool, its size and weight are noticeable when pushed to the limit. But that is not what it is built for. It is a fast, comfortable, and well-rounded family car that just happens to love a bit of track action.

The fifth-generation Octavia RS might not be a stripped-out circuit weapon, but it nails the balance between everyday usability and serious performance. It is composed, quick, and incredibly rewarding to drive fast, all while keeping that unmistakable RS charm alive. For enthusiasts who crave a do-it-all performance car that feels equally at home on a racetrack and the highway, the Octavia RS remains the thinking driver’s choice.

Pictures by Kaustubh Gandhi