The Skoda Kodiaq RS, a high‑performance SUV, arrives in India with a 261‑hp turbo 2.0‑litre engine, 20‑inch wheels and limited‑run pricing. Learn more today!
Škoda Auto has turned heads this week by unveiling the Skoda Kodiaq RS for the Indian market. The performance‑focused version of the midsize SUV celebrates both the 125‑year heritage of Škoda’s motorsport pedigree (1901‑2026) and the 50th anniversary of the iconic Rally Sport (RS) badge.
Celebrating a Legacy
To mark these milestones, Škoda is offering the Kodiaq RS as a fully imported CBU (completely built up) model, with an initial batch of just 50 units for India. This limited‑run strategy underlines the brand’s intent to position the RS as an exclusive, high‑end offering rather than a volume seller.
Exterior Design – Aggressive and Athletic
The RS variant receives a visual overhaul that immediately signals its sporty intent. Key changes include:
- Redesigned front bumper with larger air intakes and aerodynamic splitters that channel airflow for improved stability.
- Black‑gloss accents on the grille, roof rail, side mirrors, window surrounds, and C‑pillar trim, all featuring the distinctive RS logo.
- Matrix LED headlights linked by a full‑width LED strip, delivering a futuristic light signature.
- 20‑inch alloy wheels wrapped in high‑performance Hankook tires, complemented by red‑painted brake calipers for a striking rear‑view.
- Sporty rear diffuser, integrated LED tail‑light cluster and dynamic turn‑signal arrows.
Buyers can choose from four exterior colour options, each paired with the bold black‑and‑red RS styling cues.
Inside the RS Cabin
The interior follows the same theme, dominated by a deep‑black colour palette highlighted by red stitching on the dashboard, steering wheel and sport seats. Front occupants enjoy supportive, bolstered sport seats with a single‑piece head‑rest embroidered with a red RS badge. The cabin feels both premium and purposeful, echoing the SUV’s performance DNA.
Performance Under the Hood
Power comes from a refined 2.0 litre TSI turbocharged gasoline engine delivering 261 hp and a peak torque of 400 Nm. Compared with the standard Kodiaq’s 201 hp and 320 Nm, the RS adds a notable 60 hp and 80 Nm, placing it in the same league as Škoda’s Octavia RS and the Volkswagen Golf GTI.
The engine is paired with a 7‑speed dual‑clutch DSG gearbox and a permanent all‑wheel‑drive (AWD) system, propelling the SUV from 0–100 km/h in just 6.3 seconds and topping out at 231 km/h – the quickest Kodiaq ever recorded.
Driving Dynamics and Chassis
Built on Volkswagen Group’s MQB Evo platform, the RS benefits from a suite of chassis upgrades:
- Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) Plus with 15 selectable damping settings for a tailor‑made ride.
- Progressive steering system that adapts the steering ratio for sharper cornering.
- Upgraded ventilated brake discs with larger cooling slots and two‑piston calipers up front for confident stopping power.
Pricing and Availability
Early reservations in India require a refundable deposit of 300,000 INR (≈ $3,190 USD). The official selling price will be announced in the coming weeks, but due to full‑car import duties, the RS is expected to sit well above the locally assembled Kodiaq’s price range.
For comparison, the standard Kodiaq in Vietnam is offered in Premium and Sportline trims at VND 1.45‑1.48 billion (≈ $62k‑$63k USD). The RS’s premium positioning and limited availability aim to attract enthusiasts seeking a rare, track‑ready SUV rather than a mass‑market family hauler.
How the Kodiaq RS Stacks Up Globally
While the Kodiaq has struggled to gain traction in some Asian markets, the RS version could change that narrative by targeting a niche of affluent buyers who value performance, exclusivity and Škoda’s growing reputation for quality engineering. Competitors such as the Hyundai Santa Fe, Ford Everest and Toyota Fortuner dominate the mainstream segment, but the Kodiaq RS offers a distinct blend of rally‑inspired sportiness and practicality that few rivals can match.
As Škoda rolls out this limited‑edition model, all eyes will be on how Indian consumers respond to a high‑performance SUV that carries both a storied motorsport legacy and a bold, contemporary design.