All 50 units of the Skoda Kodiaq RS SUV vanished in under 6 minutes on India’s online portal – discover why demand is soaring. Reserve yours today!
Lightning‑fast sell‑out on Skoda’s Indian portal
On June 22, Skoda India opened its online reservation system for the brand‑new Kodiaq RS – a high‑performance, two‑row SUV built on a completely built‑up (CBU) import basis. Within less than six minutes, all 50 allocated units were snapped up, turning the model into an instant “sell‑out” sensation.
Why the frenzy?
Even though Skoda has not disclosed an official price, each buyer was required to place a refundable deposit of 300,000 Indian Rupees (about US$3,100). Industry analysts estimate the final price to hover around 6,000,000 Rupees (roughly US$63,300), positioning the Kodiaq RS among the premium large‑SUV segment.
Powertrain and performance
Under the hood sits a hand‑tuned 2.0‑litre TSI turbocharged gasoline engine that churns out 261 horsepower and 400 Nm of torque – a jump of 60 hp and 80 Nm over the standard Kodiaq. The power is delivered through a seven‑speed dual‑clutch (DSG) gearbox and permanent all‑wheel drive. The SUV accelerates from 0‑100 km/h in just 6.3 seconds and is electronically limited to a top speed of 231 km/h.
Competitive landscape in India
Once Skoda confirms the exact pricing, the Kodiaq RS will go head‑to‑head with established large‑SUV rivals such as the Toyota Fortuner, Jeep Meridian, MG Gloster and its Volkswagen Group sibling, the Tayron R‑Line. The model’s blend of European engineering, sporty dynamics, and limited‑edition exclusivity could reshape buying patterns in the segment.
Historical context – a repeat performance
Skoda’s previous high‑performance sedan, the Octavia RS, set a similar record in 2025 when its entire import batch sold out in just 20 minutes. The Kodiaq RS repeat underscores the growing appetite among Indian enthusiasts for performance‑focused SUVs.
How the Kodiaq RS fares in other markets
In Vietnam, the Kodiaq is offered in Premium and Sportline trims, priced between VND 1.45‑1.48 billion (approximately US$62,000‑63,000). Despite its premium badge, the model has struggled to capture significant market share against rivals like the Hyundai Santa Fe, Ford Everest, and Toyota Fortuner, largely due to a less aggressive pricing strategy.
What’s next for prospective buyers?
Skoda India says it will release official pricing details in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, the rapid sell‑out has already generated a waiting list, and the brand may consider additional import batches to satisfy the pent‑up demand.
For enthusiasts tracking the global SUV market, the Skoda Kodiaq RS story is a clear indicator that performance‑driven, European‑styled SUVs are resonating strongly with Indian consumers – and the momentum is only beginning.