Go-fast Skodas have a cult following in India. And that lot was left heart-broken when Skoda took the Octavia RS 230 away after a short stint. To bring some joy back to their lives, the company has now introduced the even hotter Octavia RS 245. Priced at Rs 36 lakh, it arrives in India via the CBU (Completely Built Unit) route. And if you want one, don’t waste time as Skoda has allotted just 200 units to India. There’s a good reason behind that small number. Next month, Skoda will unveil the all-new Octavia RS at the Geneva International Motor Show. For that to enter production, the old one must give way.

Under the hood of the Octavia RS 245 is a 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder turbo-petrol engine which produces 241bhp/370Nm. That output is about 14bhp/20Nm more than the RS 230. A 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission harnesses the oomph and feeds it to the front wheels only. As a result, the Octavia RS 245 can hit 100kmph from nothing in 6.7 seconds and reach an electronically-pegged top speed of 250kmph. Those figures are enough to worry several other cars out there which cost twice or maybe more than Skoda’s latest offering.

With that price tag, you’d expect the Octavia RS 245 pack many creature-comforts as well. And it does. There’s a 9.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, LED-powered headlamps, taillamps and DRLs, wireless mobile charger, cruise control, electrically-adjustable seats and flat-bottomed multifunction steering wheel. In addition to those, features such as front and rear parking sensors, keyless entry, push-button start/stop, sports seats finished in Alcantara and auto-dimming ORVMs with memory function are part of the kit as well.

You have to agree that even at this price, the Octavia RS 245 is worth it. That fact especially shines through when you consider that there are no direct rivals in India. Skoda Auto will commence accepting bookings online (only) on March 1, 2020, at 12 noon. Those with their sensible hats on would probably buy a Skoda Superb. What about you?