Skoda Auto India is preparing to expand its performance portfolio with the introduction of the Kodiaq RS by June 2026. This move marks the debut of the ‘RS’ badge on a Skoda SUV in the Indian market, utilizing the second-generation iteration of the three-row vehicle as its foundation.
Performance and Mechanical Upgrades
The core of the Kodiaq RS is an uprated 2.0-litre TSI turbocharged petrol engine, shared with the Octavia RS. This unit produces 265hp and 400Nm of peak torque, representing a significant increase of 60hp and 80Nm over the standard Kodiaq. Power is distributed to all four wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) and an AWD system. Key performance metrics and hardware include:
- Acceleration: 0-100kph sprint in 6.3 seconds
- Top Speed: 231kph
- Braking: Slotted brake discs with two-pot calipers on the front axle
- Chassis: Standard adaptive dampers (India-spec equipment levels to be confirmed)
Kodiaq vs Kodiaq RS Comparision
| Feature | Standard Kodiaq (2.0 TSI) | Kodiaq RS (Performance) | Difference / Upgrade |
| Max Power | 201–204 hp | 265 hp (261 bhp) | +61 hp |
| Max Torque | 320 Nm | 400 Nm | +80 Nm |
| 0–100 km/h | ~8.0 seconds | 6.3 seconds | 1.7s Faster |
| Top Speed | ~210 km/h | 232 km/h | +22 km/h |
| Drive System | AWD (Haldex) | Advanced AWD (Optimized ECU) | Specialized Torque Distribution |
| Suspension | Standard / DCC (Opt.) | DCC Plus (Adaptive) | Standard Progressive Steering |
| Wheels | 18 or 19-inch Alloys | 20-inch ‘Elias’ Alloys | RS-exclusive design |
| Brakes | Standard Discs | Slotted Discs (Two-pot front) | Red calipers for better cooling |
| Seating | Premium Ergo Seats | RS Sports Seats | Integrated headrests & Alcantara |
| Exhaust | Standard Hidden Tips | Visible Dual Chrome Tips | Dynamic Sound Boost (Synthetic) |
Design and Interior Enhancements
The RS variant adopts a more aggressive aesthetic compared to the standard model, characterized by a de-chromed exterior. The front fascia features a gloss-black grille and a restyled bumper with wider air intakes. The profile is defined by 20-inch alloy wheels with red brake calipers, body-colored door cladding, and blacked-out finishes for the C-pillars, roof rails, and mirror caps. Inside, the cabin features an all-black theme with red contrast stitching and RS-branded sports seats with integrated headrests. The dashboard is anchored by a 13-inch infotainment screen and a digital driver’s display, while tactile rotary knobs are retained for HVAC and volume functions.
Expected Pricing and Rivals
Likely to follow the Completely Knocked Down (CKD) assembly route, the Skoda Kodiaq RS is expected to be positioned in the Rs 50 lakh to Rs 60 lakh (ex-showroom) price bracket. In the Indian market, it will serve as a performance-oriented alternative to the Volkswagen Tayron R-Line and the MG Majestor.
The ‘RS’ Legacy: A Brief History of Performance
To understand why the Kodiaq RS is a big deal, one must look at the history behind the RS (Rally Sport) badge, which represents over 50 years of Skoda’s racing DNA.
- Motorsport Origins: The badge debuted in 1974 with the 180 RS and 200 RS rally prototypes. It gained global fame with the 130 RS (the “Porsche of the East”), which dominated its class at the 1977 Monte Carlo Rally.
- The Indian Cult: In India, the “RS” name is legendary. It started with the 2004 Octavia RS, India’s first true accessible performance sedan. This was followed by the Laura vRS and the high-performance Octavia RS 230 and RS 245, the latter of which became a collector’s item, selling out almost instantly as a CBU import.
- A New Era: The 2026 Kodiaq RS is a milestone—it is the first time the RS badge is being applied to an SUV in India. It promises to blend the explosive performance of a sports car with the 7-seater practicality that Indian families demand.
| Model | Launch Year | Key Highlight |
| Octavia RS (Mk1) | 2004 | The original “sleeper” car that started the cult. |
| Laura vRS (Mk2) | 2011 | Brought balanced performance to the mid-size segment. |
| Octavia RS 245 (Mk3) | 2020 | A 245hp beast; sold out via the CBU route. |
| Kodiaq RS (Mk2) | 2026 | The first-ever RS SUV for the Indian market. |
