SKODA Kodiaq RS

The high-performance three-row SUV segment welcomes a major disruption with the introduction of the Skoda Kodiaq RS. Combining track-inspired engineering with everyday seven-seat versatility, the flagship SUV officially marks the debut of the iconic Rally Sport badge on a Skoda SUV in India.

Brought in as a premium Completely Built Unit (CBU) import, the model redefines the upper tier of the Kodiaq range. Highlighting its intense market demand, the initial allocation of 50 units for India sold out within a mere six minutes of bookings opening, establishing it as one of the rarest and most sought-after performance SUVs on the road today.

Skoda Kodiaq RS Price in India

The Skoda Kodiaq RS is launched at a premium price point reflecting its high-performance mechanical upgrades and CBU status:

• Skoda Kodiaq RS (Ex-Showroom): Rs. 66.99 Lakh

Positioned at the absolute peak of the Kodiaq hierarchy, the RS variant carries a premium over the standard luxury-oriented Selection L&K variant (priced at Rs. 46.99 lakh ex-showroom), trading regional local assembly convenience for pure imported driving performance and exclusivity.

Engine, Performance, and Driving Dynamics

Under the hood, the Kodiaq RS relies on a heavily retuned version of the globally acclaimed ‘EA888’ 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, turbocharged TSI petrol engine. This powerhouse is optimised to unlock blistering acceleration and clinical cornering stability.

Key Performance Specifications:

• Engine Displacement: 1984 cc (2.0L Turbo Petrol)
• Maximum Power: 265 hp (261 bhp) @ 5000–6500 rpm (an increase of 61 hp over the standard model)
• Maximum Torque: 400 Nm @ 1650–4350 rpm (an increase of 80 Nm over the standard model)
• Transmission: 7-speed DSG (Dual-Clutch) Automatic with paddle shifters
• Drivetrain: Intelligent All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
• 0 to 100 kmph Sprint: 6.3 Seconds (Making it the quickest Skoda ever launched in India)
• Top Speed: 231 kmph

Advanced Mechanical Upgrades

Unlike standard full-size family SUVs that lean entirely toward comfort, the Kodiaq RS integrates specialised hardware for an engaging driving experience:

• Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC Plus): Features adaptive dampers with 15 independent stages of adjustability, allowing drivers to toggle effortlessly between supple highway cruising and stiff, track-ready handling.
• Progressive Steering: Automatically alters the steering ratio based on the steering angle, offering effortless low-speed manoeuvring and razor-sharp feedback during spirited cornering.
• Upgraded Braking System: Equipped with high-performance slotted brake discs and twin-piston front callipers painted in a signature sport red.

Exterior Design: Aggressive Styling Cues

While retaining the sophisticated silhouette of the standard premium SUV, the exterior receives comprehensive visual updates to reinforce its athletic demeanour.

• Sporty Front Fascia: A sharper front bumper layout with enlarged air intakes accompanies a striking gloss-black finish on the signature butterfly grille. This is flanked by advanced Matrix LED headlamps with integrated daytime running lights.
• Athletic Profile: The side profile ditches heavy utilitarian cladding for a sleeker look. It rides on massive 20-inch alloy wheels featuring a distinctive petal-like aerodynamic design that showcases the red brake callipers underneath.
• Blackout Accents: Modern gloss-black treatment covers the outside rearview mirrors (ORVMs), roof rails, upper window frames, and the visually extending D-pillar.
• Rear Aesthetics: The rear profile stands out with a revised bumper containing integrated mesh inserts, a prominent roof-mounted spoiler, full-width connected LED tail lights, and polished stainless-steel dual exhaust tips.

The vehicle is offered in four premium exterior colour options: Velvet Red, Magic Black, Moon White, and Steel Grey.

Premium Interior and Technology

The interior swaps out the traditional beige or brown luxury layouts for a driver-focused, motorsport-inspired cockpit wrapped in high-quality materials and a dramatic dark aesthetic.

• RS Cockpit Theme: An all-black cabin dominated by premium Suedia upholstery, contrasted sharply with red cross-stitching running along the dashboard, door panels, and three-spoke flat-bottom steering wheel.
• Front Sport Seats: Sculpted front seats with integrated headrests and embossed branding. They feature multi-way electric adjustment, heating, ventilation, massage functionality, memory settings, and manually extendable thigh support.
• Dual-Screen Layout: A large 12.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This is accompanied by a customizable 10.25-inch Virtual Cockpit driver's display featuring exclusive, sport-themed graphics.
• Comfort & Convenience: A large panoramic sunroof, three-zone automatic climate control, dual wireless smartphone charging pads, customizable smart control dials, rear passenger sunblinds, and a premium 13-speaker Canton sound system complete with an independent subwoofer.
• Practical Cabin Space: True to its roots, it remains a highly versatile 7-seater. The boot provides 281 litres of cargo space with all rows up, expanding to 786 litres with the third row folded down, and up to a massive 1,976 litres when the second row is flattened.

Safety and Driver Assistance Systems

Built on the rigid MQB Evo platform, the SUV provides robust structural defence and layers of active and passive electronic safety systems.

• Comprehensive Airbag Protection: 9 airbags come standard, including dual front, front side, rear side, curtain, and a front-centre airbag to prevent occupant collision during side impacts.
• Level 2 ADAS Suite: Includes Advanced Driver Assistance Systems such as Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, Autonomous Emergency Braking, and Blind Spot Detection.
• Visibility and Control: A comprehensive 360-degree camera system for tight parking situations, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Hill Descent Control, and a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

Final Verdict

The Skoda Kodiaq RS represents an elite crossover point in the premium automotive space. It successfully packages track-focused performance hardware like the DCC Plus suspension and a 265 hp turbo-petrol mill inside a practical, family-oriented 7-seater frame. While its premium CBU price tag of Rs. 66.99 lakh places it against luxury alternatives like the Audi Q5, BMW X3, and Volkswagen Tayron R-Line, its immense scarcity and blistering pace make it a true modern collector's item for driving enthusiasts.

Skoda Kodiaq RS FAQ:

How many variants are there for Skoda Kodiaq RS?

The Skoda Kodiaq RS is available in 1 variant - Sportline Petrol Turbo Automatic.

What are the Skoda Kodiaq RS colour options?

Skoda Kodiaq RS comes in four colour options: Magic Black, Steel Grey, Velvet Red, and Moon White.

What are the engine, performance, and specifications of Skoda Kodiaq RS?

Skoda Kodiaq RS comes in petrol engine options, comes with a 1,984 cc engine, and features an SUV body type.

Which are the major rivals of Skoda Kodiaq RS?

Skoda Kodiaq RS rivals are the Land Rover Discovery Sport, Tesla Model Y, Mercedes-Benz EQB, and MG M9 EV.

What is the Seating Capacity of Skoda Kodiaq RS?

Skoda Kodiaq RS offers a 7 person configuration.