The fully-imported Skoda Kodiaq RS is priced at Rs 66.99 lakh, ex-showroom. The performance-focused RS trim carries a premium of Rs 20 lakh over the top-spec L&K trim of the standard Kodiaq, which is locally assembled in India. Notably, the 50 units allocated for the first batch of the Kodiaq RS in India were sold out in just six minutes after bookings opened on June 22. The carmaker has yet to announce whether it'll bring another batch of the Kodiaq RS to the country.
Skoda Kodiaq variant-wise price list
Rs 36.99 lakh-66.99 lakh
Skoda Kodiaq RS powertrain
Skoda claims a 0-100kph time of 6.3 seconds
In the Kodiaq RS, the 'EA888' 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine generates 265hp and 400Nm, an additional 61hp and 80Nm over the standard SUV. Transmission duties are handled by a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox, which sends drive to all four wheels. The carmaker claims a 0-100kph time of 6.3 seconds, making the Kodiaq RS "the quickest Skoda ever launched in India".
Other enhancements over the standard Kodiaq include progressive steering (it alters the ratio depending on lock) and adaptive dampers (Dynamic Chassis Control or DCC) with 15 settings, ranging from soft to firm.
Skoda Kodiaq RS exterior and interior highlights
It stands out with 20-inch alloy wheels, dual-exhaust tips
While the overall silhouette is similar, the Kodiaq RS is sportier than the standard version due to more aggressive bumpers, 'RS' badges on the front grille and tailgate, 20-inch alloy wheels, a slightly larger roof spoiler, and polished stainless-steel dual exhaust tips. It also gets glossy black finished front grille, ORVMs, upper window frames, roof rails and D-pillar. Skoda is offering 4 colour choices with the Kodiaq RS: Velvet Red, Magic Black, Moon White and Steel Grey.
RS embossing on the seats, red cross-stitching on steering and dash
As for the interior, stand out bits include red cross-stitching on the seats, steering and dash, RS embossing on the seats and a textured metal finish for the door and dashboard inlays. Features like 12.9-inch touchscreen, a 10.25-inch driver's display (with sportier layouts), a panoramic sunroof, 3-zone climate control, powered front seats with ventilation, heating, massage, thigh extender, and memory functions, a 13-speaker Canton sound system with a subwoofer and more are on offer. Its safety suite comprises a 360-degree camera, an ADAS suite and 9 airbags.
The Skoda Kodiaq RS rivals the Volkswagen Tayron R-Line seven-seater SUV. The VW offering is locally assembled in India and has a much lower Rs 46.99 lakh price tag, but it has a less powerful 2.0 TSI mill and misses out on features like DCC.
Dipan Sur
Dhruv Dhaka
Viraaj Bhatnagar
