Skoda Octavia RS Confirmed for India Launch in 2025

June 13, 2025

Performance Icon Returns as CBU; Expected Price North of ₹50 Lakh

Skoda has officially confirmed the return of the much-loved Octavia RS to India in 2025. Enthusiasts, rejoice—this sharp-handling, performance-packed sedan will hit our shores by the festive season, albeit as a fully imported CBU (Completely Built Unit).

Ashish Gupta, Skoda India’s brand director, recently stated, “The Octavia RS is something that we will definitely bring to India this year.” While no exact date has been shared, sources suggest a launch before Diwali.

What to Expect Under the Hood

Front profile of the Skoda Octavia RS

The fourth-gen Octavia RS will be powered by a 265hp, 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine, the same motor seen in the new VW Golf GTI. Mated to a DSG gearbox and front-wheel drive layout, this RS is expected to deliver driving thrills both on road and track.

At the Bharat Mobility Global Expo earlier this year, the Octavia RS made its India debut, garnering serious attention from loyal fans. Given its cult following, demand is likely to be high despite a projected ex-showroom price of over ₹50 lakh.

Other CBU Models on Hold

2025 Skoda Octavia RS in red parked by a seaside backdrop with a bridge and mountains — The all-new 2025 Skoda Octavia RS flaunting its bold design by the waterfront

While the RS gets greenlit, plans to bring in the Kodiaq RS, Superb diesel, and even the regular Octavia diesel have been paused. The delay stems from ongoing uncertainty around FTA agreements and changing global trade policies, which make pricing and planning difficult for imported models.

Focus Shifts to India-Made Models

2025 Skoda Octavia RS in red on a race track

For now, Skoda is concentrating on its local lineup, particularly the Kylaq, which has already become a sales success, averaging 5,000 units a month. Upcoming updates for the Kushaq and Slavia will help strengthen the brand’s footprint in the Indian market.

The Octavia RS may be limited in numbers, but it’ll serve as a halo model—a performance flagship that keeps petrolheads and brand loyalists engaged.

RS skoda skoda octavia

Tata Harrier EV airborne during an off-road test with snow-capped mountains in the background

Top 8 Features of Tata Harrier EV That Makes It Unique

June 5, 2025

Tata Motors has launched its most advanced EV yet — the Tata Harrier EV, and it’s more than just another electric SUV. Built on the proven Harrier platform and enhanced with futuristic tech, the Harrier EV is designed to impress not only on paper but in real-world usage. But what really makes it stand out in a fast-growing EV segment?

Here are the top 8 standout features of the Tata Harrier EV that give it an edge over rivals:

1. Segment-Leading Range — Up to 627 km

The Harrier EV comes with a 75kWh battery pack that claims up to 627 km MIDC range, the highest for any made-in-India electric SUV. Real-world range is estimated between 480–505 km, making it a practical choice for long-distance commuters and highway travellers.

2. All-Wheel Drive (AWD) Capability

tata harrier ev come with an all wheel drive option

Unlike most EVs in its price bracket, the Harrier EV offers an AWD variant with dual motors producing 313 PS and 504 Nm. This gives it not just better grip on tricky terrain but also a significant performance boost, making it a rare EV with genuine off-road potential.

3. 14.5-Inch Samsung QLED Infotainment System

interior of the tata harrier ev — 14.5-inch QLED touchscreen by Samsung

The Harrier EV features a 14.5-inch QLED touchscreen by Samsung — a first-in-segment. It delivers vibrant visuals, faster response times, and an ultra-premium user interface, elevating the in-cabin experience beyond the ordinary.

4. 540° Surround Camera with Off-Road Overlay

A revolutionary 540° camera system offers a bird’s-eye view and underbody projection with off-road overlays. This feature is a huge help in tight parking spots or rugged terrains — perfect for adventure lovers and city drivers alike.

5. Level 2 ADAS with India-Specific Tuning

Tata's advanced driver assistance system with lane keep assist — Lane keep assist of the Tata Harrier EV

Tata’s advanced driver assistance system is tuned specifically for Indian conditions. It includes lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, blind spot warning, and real-time wheel-edge alerts — enhancing safety in crowded urban scenarios.

6. V2L & V2V (Vehicle-to-Load & Vehicle-to-Vehicle) Capabilities

The Harrier EV allows Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality — meaning you can power appliances like laptops, coolers, or even charge another EV using its battery through Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) transfer. Great for camping, emergencies, or power outages.

7. JBL Audio with Dolby Atmos

Entertainment lovers will appreciate the 10-speaker JBL system with Dolby Atmos, offering a surround-sound experience unlike any other EV in the segment. Whether it’s a road trip or daily commute, sound quality will never disappoint.

8. Lifetime Battery Warranty

Tata Motors offers a lifetime warranty on the high-voltage battery pack of the Harrier EV — a first-of-its-kind commitment in the Indian EV space. This eliminates one of the biggest concerns EV buyers have: long-term battery degradation and replacement cost. It speaks volumes about Tata’s confidence in its battery technology and ensures long-term peace of mind for buyers.

Final Thoughts

The Tata Harrier EV is not just about being electric — it’s about offering next-level features that rival luxury SUVs priced significantly higher. From long range, AWD, and QLED tech to battery peace-of-mind, it sets a new benchmark for Indian EVs.

If you’re in the market for a premium electric SUV that doesn’t compromise on practicality, safety, or innovation, the Harrier EV is a category-defining choice.

Front view of Rolls-Royce Spectre in purple under urban night lights

Rolls Royce Spectre Black Badge EV Priced at ₹9.5 Cr

June 24, 2025

Rolls Royce Spectre Black Badge Launched at ₹9.5 Crore in India

Rolls-Royce has launched its most powerful EV yet — the Rolls Royce Spectre Black Badge — in India at a staggering ₹9.5 crore (ex-showroom). This ultra-exclusive variant is not only ₹1.88 crore pricier than the standard Spectre but also takes the luxury and performance game several notches higher. Bookings for the Black Badge edition are now open at Rolls-Royce showrooms in Chennai and New Delhi.

Let’s break down what makes this electric masterpiece so special.

More Power, More Presence

Rolls-Royce Spectre driving at night with golden lights reflecting on body — Rolling elegance—Spectre gleams under warm urban lighting.

The Rolls Royce Spectre Black Badge boasts a dual-motor setup churning out 659hp and 1,075Nm of torque, making it the most powerful Rolls-Royce to date. That’s a bump of 74hp and 175Nm over the standard Spectre. Despite retaining the same 102kWh battery and a WLTP range of up to 530km, the Black Badge cuts down the 0–100kph time to just 4.1 seconds (from 4.5s).

Notably, Rolls Royce has fine-tuned the chassis, steering, and roll stabilisation system to accommodate the added performance, all while preserving the brand’s signature magic-carpet ride.

Distinctly Black Badge: Exterior Highlights

Rolls-Royce Spectre parked under moody lighting in an urban setting — Drama meets presence—Spectre under a dimly lit structure.

As with all Black Badge models, this Spectre exudes boldness and aggression with blacked-out elements including:

Spirit of Ecstasy hood ornament
Front grille and door handles
Badging across the body
Optional illuminated front grille and door sills in colours like Chartreuse, Forge Yellow, Tailored Purple, and Charles Blue

Rolls-Royce Spectre black alloy wheel with RR center cap — 23-inch wheels designed for style and smooth EV dynamics.

The car rides on new 23-inch forged aluminium wheels, and debuts a show-stopping Vapour Violet paint. However, you’re not limited — Rolls Royce offers 44,000 exterior colour options, with the option for a fully bespoke colour via its customisation division.

Cosmic Interior with a Futuristic Edge

Rolls-Royce Spectre interior showcasing the dashboard and rear seat with purple-black upholstery and star-lit roof — A peek into the Rolls Royce Spectre’s dual-tone luxury cabin featuring illuminated detailing and starry headliner.

Inside, the Spectre Black Badge showcases the brand’s new take on modern luxury:

Illuminated Fascia featuring over 5,500 stars embedded in the dash
Driver’s display with 5 vivid colour themes:
- Vivid Grellow
- Neon Nights
- Cyan Fire
- Ultraviolet
- Synth Wave
High-end cabin materials like carbon fibre and metal trims
Customisable seating, lighting, and dashboard designs

Rolls-Royce Spectre digital instrument cluster showing 460 km range — A high-tech dash with bespoke visuals and vibrant colour gradients.

This cabin isn’t just built to cocoon — it’s designed to dazzle.

How It Compares with the Standard Spectre

Rolls-Royce Spectre headlamp and grille in motion with light reflections — Cutting through the night—Spectre’s LED headlamps and grille shimmer.

Feature	Standard Spectre	Spectre Black Badge
Price (Ex-showroom)	₹7.62 crore	₹9.5 crore
Power	585hp / 900Nm	659hp / 1,075Nm
0–100kph Time	4.5 seconds	4.1 seconds
Wheel Size	Standard alloys	23-inch forged aluminium
Customisation	44,000+ colour options	Same + bespoke finishes
Interior Finish	Premium	Starry Fascia + Themed Displays

Booking and Availability

Rolls-Royce Spectre side view in motion with aerodynamic coupe design — The Spectre’s sweeping silhouette glides effortlessly in near silence.

Rolls-Royce has opened bookings for the Rolls Royce Spectre Black Badge at its showrooms in Chennai and New Delhi. Given the brand’s reputation and the growing appetite for ultra-luxury EVs in India, expect a niche but elite customer base to snap up allocations quickly.

Our Take

rear of the Rolls Royce Spectre Black Badge

The Rolls-Royce Spectre Black Badge is more than just a car — it’s a statement of electrified opulence, a testament to engineering mastery and artistic craftsmanship. At ₹9.5 crore, it’s among the most expensive EVs you can buy in India, but for those who demand exclusivity, performance, and endless customisation — it’s worth every rupee.

Skoda Octavia RS Confirmed for India Launch in 2025

Performance Icon Returns as CBU; Expected Price North of ₹50 Lakh

What to Expect Under the Hood

Other CBU Models on Hold

Focus Shifts to India-Made Models