What's The Big News?
Indian petrolheads, hold onto your wallets. A heavily camouflaged test mule of what is unmistakably the new Skoda Kodiaq RS was recently spotted doing runs on the congested streets of Mumbai. We've seen Skoda's legendary Rally Sport badge on the Octavia before, and it created an absolute cult following. This is the first time the Czech carmaker is bringing that high-performance RS magic to a full-sized SUV in our market.
For those of us who love fast cars but have families to ferry around, this is massive news. The standard Kodiaq is already a stellar package, offering premium ride quality and European solidness. Slapping an RS badge on it means we're getting a family crossover that can probably outrun many sport sedans on the bypass. It looks like Skoda is getting ready to give Indian enthusiasts exactly what they've been begging for.
The RS Treatment: What Makes It Look So Mean?
Even under the heavy wrapping, you can spot the aggressive stance of this machine. It sits lower than the standard model, giving it a much more planted look. Up front, there's a revised bumper with massive air intakes designed to feed more air to the radiator and cool down those beefy brakes. Around the back, a sporty rear diffuser and dual exhaust tips make it clear that this isn't your average grocery-getter.
Step inside, and you'll likely find a cabin draped in dark Alcantara with contrasting red stitching. Skoda's RS models always nail the interior vibe. We're expecting heavily bolstered sports seats that hug you tight through fast corners, an RS-specific digital instrument cluster, and a chunky flat-bottom steering wheel. You get a proper performance machine disguised as a family hauler (yes, really).
The Heart of the Beast: Performance & Dynamics
While Skoda hasn't officially detailed the Indian spec yet, the global Kodiaq RS gets a potent 2.0-litre EVO4 TSI petrol engine. This is the same engine family that powers the Octavia RS and the Golf GTI. In its hottest tune, it is expected to push out around 245 horsepower and a massive chunk of torque. Power will be sent to all four wheels via a lightning-fast 7-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission.
Handling is where things get really interesting. The standard Kodiaq already handles better than most big SUVs in its segment. With the RS, we expect Skoda to retune the Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) system. This means stiffer dampers in Sport mode for attacking your favourite mountain pass, but still keeping a relatively comfortable setting for dealing with everyday Indian potholes.
Specs At A Glance
Feature / Parameter | Details (Expected) |
|---|---|
Engine Type | 2.0-litre TSI Turbo-Petrol |
Peak Power | Around 245 hp (TBA) |
Transmission | 7-speed DSG Automatic |
Drivetrain | All-Wheel Drive (AWD) |
0-100 km/h | Under 6.5 seconds (Estimated) |
Seating Capacity | 5 to 7 Seats |
How Does It Stack Up Against The Competition?
Look at the luxury SUV market right now. If you want something sporty and fast, your options are mostly German luxury brands like the BMW X1 or Audi Q3. But those cars don't offer the sheer road presence or the third-row practicality of a Kodiaq. The X1, for all its sporty handling, comes with much humbler engine options in India unless you stretch your budget significantly.
On the other hand, traditional three-row SUVs like the Toyota Fortuner are built on ladder-frame chassis. They are tough, sure, but they handle like boats when you throw them into a corner. The Kodiaq RS will carve its own unique niche. It'll offer the performance of a luxury sports sedan with the high ground clearance and commanding driving position of a proper SUV.
The Good And The Not-So-Good
What We Like
- Unmatched sleeper appeal—looks like a family car but goes like a rocket.
- Phenomenal MQB platform handling coupled with a fast-shifting DSG.
- Premium interiors that feel almost as premium as an Audi or a Volvo.
- AWD grip makes it incredibly stable in wet Indian monsoon conditions.
What Could Be Better
- Stiff suspension and low-profile tyres might make the ride harsh on broken roads.
- Fuel economy will likely drop to single digits if you drive it the way it begs to be driven.
- It will likely come as a limited import, making spare parts harder to source.
Price & When You Can Buy It
Skoda hasn't officially announced the launch date or the pricing yet. However, given that a testing prototype is already roaming the streets of Mumbai, a launch in early to mid-2025 seems highly probable. Since this will likely be brought in via the CBU (Completely Built Unit) route or as a limited-run CKD (Completely Knocked Down) kit, it won't be cheap.
We expect the Skoda Kodiaq RS to be priced somewhere in the ₹55 lakh to ₹65 lakh range (ex-showroom). That is a significant premium over the standard Kodiaq, but still much cheaper than any equivalent performance SUV from the luxury tier above.
Our Verdict
Here's the thing — the Kodiaq RS isn't going to be a volume seller, and Skoda knows that. It's a halo product designed for the purist who refuses to drive a boring car just because they have a family. It's for the person who wants to embarrass sportier sedans at the traffic lights while carrying weekend luggage for five. If Skoda manages to price it sensibly, they have a certified future classic on their hands.
