Skoda Auto India today finally launched the new Skoda Kodiaq RS in the Indian market, priced at Rs 66.99 lakh (ex-showroom). The limited-run performance SUV quickly attracted strong interest from enthusiasts across the country, and all 50 units from the initial allocation have been booked. With all 50 units already sold, it remains to be seen if Skoda Auto India will allocate more units of the Kodiaq RS for the Indian market.
The new Skoda Kodiaq RS is powered by a 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder turbo gasoline engine that produces 265 hp and 400 Nm of torque. Compared to the regular Kodiaq, the RS delivers an additional 60hp and 80Nm of torque. Remarkably, the engine is tuned identically to the unit that powers the Octavia RS and Golf GTI. It is paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox, which sends power to all four wheels. Skoda will import the performance SUV as a completely built unit (CBU). Skoda claims that the Kodiaq RS will accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.3 seconds and reach a top speed of 231 km/h. The SUV is also equipped with big brakes and an adaptive suspension setup. The Kodiaq RS retains the standard model’s three-row layout and overall silhouette but adds a few RS-specific styling cues. These include a gloss-black grille, Matrix LED headlamps, a revised front bumper with larger air intakes, RS badging, blacked-out exterior elements, red brake calipers and larger alloy wheels of up to 20 inches in overseas markets.At the rear, the SUV has RS badging, a new bumper design with a black insert, connected LED tail-lamps with a smoked cut-out piece, a roof spoiler and black roof rails. International markets also get exclusive colors like Hyper Green, though India-specific paint options are yet to be announced. Inside, most of the cabin mirrors the standard Kodiaq but gets sport seats with integrated headrests, leather and suede-like upholstery, red contrast stitching and RS branding throughout the interior.The Kodiaq RS features a 12.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, 10.24-inch digital instrument cluster, 13-speaker Canton audio system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, powered tailgate, 360-degree camera, park assist, powered driver’s seat with memory function, heated front seats, ambient front seats, ambient light front seats, ambient front seats and no interior light sunroof. Safety equipment is expected to include nine airbags, ESC, ABS with EBD, traction control, electronic differential lock, brake assist, hill start assist, hill descent control, ISOFIX mounts and Level 2 ADAS.