Skoda Octavia RS vs Volkswagen Golf GTI: Price, Performance, specs, features compared
Skoda Auto India recently launched the much-anticipated Skoda Octavia RS in the Indian market. The sporty sedan is capped at only 100 fully imported units – and every single one has already been sold out. The Octavia RS finds its nearest rival in the Volkswagen Golf GTI when compared with pricing. While its body style aligns more with premium sporty sedans like the BMW M340i and Audi S5 Sportback, those German models come with significantly higher price tags and more power than the Skoda. In this article, let’s compare the Skoda Octavia RS with the VW Golf GTI.
Skoda Octavia RS vs Volkswagen Golf GTI: Engine and performanceFirst, let’s compare the engine: the Golf GTI is powered by a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine, which puts out 265 hp of power and 370Nm torque. It comes paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox, which sends power to the front wheels only. VW claims the sporty hatchback can sprint from 0-100kph in 5.9 seconds and has a top speed of 267 kph.
The Skoda Octavia RS is powered by the same engine as the Golf GTI. It gets an ‘EA888’ 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine, which puts out 265hp and 370Nm, and is paired to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic that sends power to the front wheels only. Skoda claims that the Octavia RS sprints from 0-100 kph in 6.4 seconds and can reach a top speed of 250 kph. It also comes with a sports exhaust system included as standard.
Skoda Octavia RS vs Volkswagen Golf GTI: PricesThe Skoda Octavia RS is priced at Rs 49.99 lakh (ex-showroom) and will be brought to India via the CBU route. Compared to the previous RS 245, the new Octavia RS costs Rs 14 lakh more. The Volkswagen Golf GTI is also bought to India via the CBU route and is priced at Rs 52.99 lakh (ex-showroom). The Octavia RS is priced about Rs 3 lakh lower than the VW Golf GTI.
Skoda Octavia RS vs Volkswagen Golf GTI: DimensionsThe VW Golf is a hatchback, while the Octavia RS is a sedan, so a direct comparison isn’t entirely fair. Still, let’s take a closer look at their dimensions. The VW Golf GTI measures 4289 mm in length, 1789 mm in width, 1471 mm in height, and has a 2627 mm wheelbase. It has a ground clearance of 136 mm and a boot space capacity of 380 litres. The Skoda Octavia RS measures 4709 mm in length, 1829 mm in width, 1457 mm in height, and has a 2677 mm wheelbase. It has a ground clearance of 128 mm and a boot space capacity of 600 litres.
Skoda Octavia RS vs Volkswagen Golf GTI: FeaturesThe Golf GTI features signature GTI elements, such as the classic tartan-patterned sport seats, red contrast stitching, and a flat-bottomed steering wheel with GTI badging. Other key highlights include multi-colour ambient lighting, soft-touch materials, metal-finished pedals, and a cabin that strikes a balance between modern technology and classic GTI heritage, ensuring both performance-oriented appeal and everyday comfort. Features-wise, it gets a 12.9-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, connected car tech, Chat GPT integration, connected car tech, automatic climate control, 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, ADAS features such as adaptive cruise control, lane assist, and emergency braking, Head-Up Display, VAQ Limited-Slip Differential, Drive Modes, and more.
Moving inside, the Octavia RS features a sporty all-black theme accented with red contrast stitching and sports seats with a signature RS flat-bottomed three-spoke steering wheel. It gets a 13-inch infotainment touchscreen, 10.25-inch digital driver display, 11-speaker Canton sound system, 360-degree camera, Matrix LED headlights, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, heated and powered front seats with massage function, 3-zone climate control, 10 airbags, adaptive cruise control, and more.
