Skoda Kodiaq RS India-Spec Details Revealed: Will Be On A Limited Run

Skoda is known for its driver-focused products like the Slavia 1.5-litre turbo petrol and the Octavia with the RS variants. Skoda, with the Octavia RS, saw impressive demand for the limited units made available in India. Now, Skoda is bringing the Kodiaq in its RS avatar via the CBU (Completely Built-Up) route. The Kodiaq RS will be the first RS-badged Skoda SUV in India. 

Let’s take a closer look at the Kodiaq RS performance SUV. 

Skoda Kodiaq RS: Exterior

Straight up front, the India-spec Skoda Kodiaq RS looks noticeably more aggressive than the standard Kodiaq. It gets a blacked-out grille with RS badging, revised bumpers, and several sporty styling elements that highlight its performance-focused character. While the regular Kodiaq leans more towards luxury and sophistication, the RS is aimed at buyers looking for a more driver-focused experience.

The front fascia remains largely similar to the standard Kodiaq, featuring split LED headlamps and sleek LED DRLs. However, the sculpted bonnet lines, blacked-out detailing, and sharper bumper design help the RS stand apart.

From the side, the Kodiaq RS stands out with its stylish 20-inch alloy wheels and red brake callipers, both of which add to its sporty appeal. The Kodiaq gets a blacked-out D-pillar that creates a floating roof effect. Its slim body cladding gives it an elegant look despite the sportiness.

At the rear, the Kodiaq RS continues its sporty design with redesigned bumpers, mesh-style inserts, and dual exhaust outlets. The LED taillamps are connected by a light strip, with Skoda lettering positioned between them, giving the SUV a modern and premium look. The blacked-out exterior accents and the rear design help distinguish the RS from the standard Kodiaq.

Skoda Kodiaq RS: Colours

The India-spec Skoda Kodiaq RS will be coming with 4 different paint options, which include: Moon White, Magic Black, Velvet Red and Steel Grey. 

Skoda Kodiaq RS: Interior And Features

True to its identity, the Skoda Kodiaq’s cabin carries a noticeably sportier theme compared to the standard Kodiaq. It features red accents across the dashboard, contrasting black and red elements on the steering wheel, and an RS badge on the lower spoke of the steering wheel. It gets well-bolstered RS-embossed sport seats and multi-colour ambient lighting. 

The India-spec Kodiaq RS is getting a lot of features like a 12.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, three-zone automatic climate control, 13-speaker CANTON sound system, two wireless phone chargers with ventilation, USB Type-C charging ports, multi-colour ambient lighting, ORVMS with auto-dimming, heating and memory functions. The Kodiaq RS is not short on comfort either. The front seats come equipped with ventilation, massage, and memory functions.

On the safety front, the Kodiaq RS has a similar package to the regular Kodiaq, which includes Level-2 ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System), 360-degree camera, 9 airbags, tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), hill start assist, hill descent control, electronic stability program (ESP) and driver attention & drowsiness monitor.

Skoda Kodiaq RS: Powertrain 

The most important reason why the RS variants are in major demand by the enthusiasts is what lies under the bonnet. This Kodiaq RS comes equipped with a retuned 2-litre turbo petrol engine which makes more power and torque compared to the regular variant. Here are the detailed specifications:

*DCT- dual-clutch automatic transmission

The Kodiaq RS, being a performance SUV also comes equipped with Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC), which continuously adjusts the suspension settings to balance ride comfort and handling, allowing drivers to choose between a more comfortable or sportier driving experience.

Skoda Kodiaq RS: Expected Price & Rivals

The Skoda Kodiaq RS is expected to be priced around Rs 60 lakh (ex-showroom) when it arrives in India. It is going to rival its sister company’s Volkswagen Tayron R-Line. 

ZigSays…

The Skoda Kodiaq RS is easily one of the most exciting performance SUVs to arrive in India this year. It looks sportier than the standard Kodiaq, gets a more powerful engine, and offers something that very few SUVs in this segment can match: a genuine enthusiast-focused driving experience.

For buyers who want a premium SUV and enjoy driving, the Kodiaq RS makes a strong case for itself. The fact that only 50 units have been allocated for India adds to its appeal, making it a rare and exclusive purchase. 

While it is likely to command a significant premium over the standard Kodiaq, the added performance, unique styling, and exclusivity could make it worth considering for those looking for something different from the usual luxury SUV options.

If you have been waiting for a practical SUV with a sporty character and a bit of rarity, the Kodiaq RS could be one of the most interesting choices on the market today.

Would you pick the Kodiaq RS over its rivals? Let us know in the comments below!