Skoda's flagship RS SUV is here, but you can't buy one

Skoda Auto India has launched the Kodiaq RS at Rs 66.99 lakh, bringing its RS performance badge to an SUV for the first time. The first 50 imported units got sold out rapidly.

Skoda Auto India has launched the performance-focused Kodiaq RS at Rs 66.99 lakh (ex-showroom), bringing the RS badge to an SUV in the Indian market for the first time. Imported as a completely built unit (CBU), the flagship three-row SUV is being offered in limited numbers, with the first allocation of just 50 units selling out within six minutes after bookings opened on June 22.

Positioned above the Selection (L&K) trim, the Kodiaq RS commands a premium of Rs 20 lakh over the standard top-spec Kodiaq and is aimed at buyers looking for a blend of performance, practicality and exclusivity.

Skoda Kodiaq price (ex-showroom)

• Lounge: Rs 36.99 lakh
• Sportline: Rs 44.99 lakh
• Selection (L&K): Rs 46.99 lakh
• Kodiaq RS: Rs 66.99 lakh

Performance

Powering the Kodiaq RS is a retuned version of Skoda's 2.0-litre EA888 turbo-petrol engine. The four-cylinder unit develops 265bhp and 400Nm of torque, representing an increase of around 61hp and 80Nm over the standard Kodiaq. The engine is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, sending power to all four wheels through Skoda's all-wheel-drive system.

Skoda claims the SUV can sprint from 0-100kmph in 6.3 seconds before reaching a top speed of 231kmph, making it the quickest production Skoda ever launched in India.

The Kodiaq RS also receives mechanical upgrades over the standard SUV, including Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) adaptive dampers with 15 damping settings, progressive steering that varies its steering ratio depending on steering lock, and upgraded braking hardware featuring slotted brake discs with twin-piston front brake calipers.

Sportier styling

While retaining the familiar Kodiaq silhouette, the RS version gets several visual enhancements to differentiate it from the standard SUV. The exterior features gloss-black treatment for the grille, ORVMs, roof rails, upper window frames, D-pillar and badging, along with sportier front and rear bumpers.

The SUV rides on 20-inch alloy wheels complemented by red brake calipers, while the rear gets polished stainless-steel dual exhaust tips and a slightly larger roof spoiler. Buyers can choose from four exterior colours: Velvet Red, Magic Black, Moon White and Steel Grey.

Interior design

Inside, the Kodiaq RS adopts a sporty all-black theme with red contrast stitching across the dashboard, steering wheel and seats. The cabin also gets RS-specific sports seats with integrated headrests, RS embossing and textured metallic trim inserts.

The feature list includes a 12.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster with RS-specific graphics, a panoramic sunroof, three-zone climate control, dual wireless phone chargers, frameless auto-dimming IRVM, rear sunblinds and a 13-speaker Canton audio system with a subwoofer.

The electrically adjustable front sport seats offer ventilation, heating, massage, memory and thigh extension functions. The Kodiaq RS continues with a seven-seat layout, although the third row is best suited for occasional use.

Safety

On the safety front, the flagship SUV comes equipped with nine airbags, a 360-degree camera, and an Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) suite.

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