Skoda Auto India has confirmed that it will introduce the high-performance Skoda Kodiaq RS in the Indian market by June 2026. The upcoming model will become the first SUV in India to receive the RS badge, featuring sporty cosmetic upgrades and a more powerful 2.0-litre TSI engine.
Alongside unveiling the upcoming Skoda Kushaq facelift, Skoda Auto India announced its plans to launch the Skoda Kodiaq RS performance SUV by June 2026. This marks a significant milestone for the brand, as the Kodiaq RS will be the first RS-branded SUV offered in India, positioned above the standard Kodiaq.
The Skoda Kodiaq RS is powered by the same engine previously used in the Octavia RS. It features a 2.0-litre TSI petrol engine producing 265hp of power and 400Nm of torque, which is 60hp and 80Nm higher than the standard Kodiaq.
The engine is paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic (DCT) gearbox and comes with an all-wheel-drive (AWD) system. Performance figures include:
Top speed: 231kph
0–100kph acceleration: 6.3 seconds
Skoda has also upgraded the braking hardware with slotted front brake discs and two-piston calipers. Adaptive dampers are offered as standard globally, though it is yet to be confirmed whether this feature will be included in the India-spec model.
Compared to the standard model, the Kodiaq RS receives several sporty cosmetic upgrades that give it a more aggressive appearance. At the front, it gets:
A redesigned bumper
Blacked-out grille
Larger air dams
The side profile largely remains similar to the regular Kodiaq, but it adds:
Body-coloured lower door cladding
Blacked-out C-pillar
Sporty 20-inch alloy wheels with red brake calipers
Additional blacked-out elements include the roof rails, ORVM caps, and upper window frames. At the rear, the SUV retains the familiar Kodiaq design with a subtly revised bumper.
Inside the cabin, the Skoda Kodiaq RS features an all-black interior theme with red accents and contrast red stitching. Key highlights include:
Heavily bolstered sport seats with integrated headrests and RS branding
13-inch touchscreen infotainment system
Fully digital driver display
Rotary knobs for HVAC and volume controls
The interior setup is designed to reflect the performance-oriented character of the RS badge.
While the standard Skoda Kodiaq is locally assembled in India, the Kodiaq RS will be introduced as a Completely Built Unit (CBU) and is expected to be available in limited numbers.
The Skoda Kodiaq RS is likely to be priced between ₹55 lakh and ₹60 lakh (ex-showroom). Once launched, it will compete with models such as the Volkswagen Tayron R-Line and MG Majestor in the premium performance SUV segment.