Mumbai: Škoda Auto India has launched the all-new Kodiaq RS in India, bringing the brand’s performance-focused RS badge to its premium SUV line-up for the first time in the country. Limited to just 50 units, the entire batch was sold out within six minutes — a reminder that exclusivity, when paired with horsepower, rarely waits politely in the showroom.
The Kodiaq RS is powered by a 2.0-litre TSI petrol engine producing 195 kW, or 265 PS, and 400 Nm of torque. The engine is paired with Škoda Auto’s 7-speed DSG transmission and an all-wheel-drive system. With a 0-100 km/h time of 6.3 seconds and a top speed of 231 km/h, the Kodiaq RS becomes the quickest Škoda model on sale in India.
The launch also marks two important milestones for the Czech carmaker: more than 50 years of the RS badge and 125 years of Škoda’s motorsport legacy.
Commenting on the launch, Ashish Gupta, Brand Director, Škoda Auto India, said, “The RS badge represents an iconic performance legacy. Bringing it to our flagship 4X4, all-terrain, 7-seater SUV combines luxury, capability, and motorsport DNA in one offering. The overwhelming response, with all units sold out in minutes, reflects the strong enthusiasm among customers.”
The Kodiaq RS uses an advanced all-wheel-drive system with an electro-hydraulically controlled inter-axle multi-plate clutch. The system relies on a network of sensors to monitor driving conditions and distribute power between the front and rear axles, helping deliver traction and stability across different terrains and road conditions.
Škoda has equipped the SUV with progressive steering as standard, aimed at improving steering precision and low-speed manoeuvrability. The Kodiaq RS also gets the latest-generation Dynamic Chassis Control Plus, or DCC Plus, which allows faster shock absorber response and a wider range of damping characteristics.
The system works with Driving Mode Select, offering Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport, Individual and Snow modes, along with a dedicated Off-Road mode. These settings alter the electronic dampers and vehicle behaviour depending on the driving situation.
Visually, the Kodiaq RS carries several RS-specific design cues. These include glossy black accents on the grille frame, outside rear-view mirrors, upper window frames, roof rails and D-pillar. The SUV also gets a uniquely styled front bumper with blacked-out elements and an exclusive front grille featuring a horizontal light strip.
At the rear, the model features a full-width reflector, blacked-out Škoda lettering and model badging on the tailgate. The rear bumper and side sills are finished in body colour, while polished stainless-steel exhaust tips add a sportier finish. The redesigned RS badge appears on both the grille and tailgate.
The Kodiaq RS rides on standard 20-inch Elias alloy wheels with a polished black finish, exclusive to the RS version. It is available in four exterior colours: Moon White, Magic Black, Velvet Red and Steel Grey.
The RS badge has a long motorsport history. The Škoda 130 RS, introduced in 1975, was the first model to wear the RS badge. Based on the Škoda 110 R and developed from the 180 RS and 200 RS prototypes of 1974, the 130 RS became one of the brand’s most recognised competition cars.
Its motorsport achievements included a one-two finish at the 1977 Rallye Monte Carlo, along with victories in international rallying and the European Touring Car Championship. The RS badge entered Škoda’s road-car line-up in 2000 with the Octavia RS, which brought motorsport-inspired performance to everyday driving. The Octavia RS made its India debut in 2004 and has since built a loyal enthusiast following.
Globally, Škoda introduced the fourth-generation Octavia RS in 2025, followed by the Kodiaq RS in 2026. In India, the Kodiaq RS marks the first time both an SUV and the Kodiaq nameplate have carried the RS badge, expanding the brand’s performance identity beyond sedans and hatchbacks.
Škoda’s motorsport association dates back to 1901, when the company participated in its first motorcycle race. The brand says this pedigree continues to influence its modern portfolio, from the Kylaq sub-4m SUV and Slavia sedan to the Kushaq mid-size SUV, Kodiaq luxury 4×4 and limited-volume Octavia RS.
With the Kodiaq RS, Škoda Auto India is positioning performance not as a separate niche but as part of its premium SUV offering. The limited 50-unit allocation may already be gone, but the model gives the RS badge a new address in India — one with seven seats, all-wheel drive and just enough speed to make the family road trip sound a little more interesting.
| Model | Ex-showroom Price |
| Kodiaq RS | ₹ 66,99,000 /- |
