Skoda Kodiaq RS priced at Rs 66.99 lakh

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 Selection 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 will bring another batch of the Kodiaq RS to the country.

Skoda Kodiaq variant-wise price list

Rs 36.99 lakh-Rs 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 that 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, which alters the ratio depending on the lock, and adaptive dampers – Dynamic Chassis Control Plus or DCC Plus – 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 to the standard model, the Kodiaq RS looks sportier 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 a glossy black finish on the front grille, outside rearview mirrors (ORVMs), upper window frames, roof rails and D-pillar. Skoda is offering four colour choices with the Kodiaq RS: Velvet Red, Magic Black, Moon White and Steel Grey.

RS embossing on seats, red cross-stitching steering and dashboard

As for the interior, standout elements 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 such as a 12.9-inch touchscreen, a 10.25-inch driver’s display (but 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, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and 9 airbags.

The Skoda Kodiaq RS's nearest rival is 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.