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Skoda Kodiaq RS: Skoda has not officially launched the Kodiaq RS in India yet, but the SUV is already getting more attention than many cars that are currently on sale.
The most interesting thing is that people are not talking about it because of a bigger screen or a new sunroof. They are excited because the Kodiaq RS offers something many buyers have wanted for years — a practical family SUV that is also fun to drive.
Bookings for the Skoda Kodiaq RS will open on June 22, 2026, and the launch is expected by the end of the month. Personally, I really liked this SUV, and it was even spotted in Mumbai last night, which made the excitement around it even bigger.
The new Kodiaq RS will come with a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine that produces around 245 PS of power. For a family SUV, its performance looks quite sporty, and the acceleration is expected to be impressive.
Another big highlight is that it gets an All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system as standard, which should make driving on highways and rough roads more confident and enjoyable.
It is also one of the very few performance-oriented 7-seater SUVs expected in India, making it a unique option for buyers who want both practicality and driving excitement in one package.
The Kodiaq RS Is Arriving at the Perfect Time
A few years ago, premium SUV buyers had a simple choice.
You either bought a comfortable family SUV or you bought a performance-focused vehicle.
Now those two worlds are slowly merging.
Today’s buyers want:
- Space for seven passengers
- Premium interiors
- Long-distance comfort
- Strong performance
- Modern technology
And they want all of it in a single vehicle.
That shift in buyer expectations is one of the biggest reasons the Kodiaq RS is generating attention before launch.
Also read: Skoda Kodiaq RS India Launch: The Performance SUV That Finally Makes Family Cars Exciting Again.
This Is Skoda’s First RS SUV for India
The RS badge has always carried a special meaning for Skoda enthusiasts.
Until now, Indian buyers have mostly associated it with cars like the Octavia RS.
The Kodiaq RS will become the first Skoda SUV in India to wear the RS badge, bringing the brand’s performance identity into the SUV segment.
Also read: Tata Sierra EV Set For June 30 Reveal – Can Tata’s Most Emotional SUV Become The Next Big EV Hit?.
Why That Matters Skoda Kodiaq RS
Most performance SUVs in India sit in luxury-car territory.
The Kodiaq RS is different.
It aims to offer a performance-oriented driving experience while still functioning as a practical seven-seat family SUV.
That combination is relatively rare.
The Engine Is Getting Most of the Attention
Under the hood sits a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine producing around 265 hp and 400 Nm of torque.
Power is sent through a 7-speed DSG gearbox and an all-wheel-drive system.
But The Numbers Don’t Tell The Full Story
Many buyers focus only on horsepower figures.
The real benefit is how that power changes everyday driving.
For example:
- Easier highway overtakes
- Better performance with a full cabin
- More relaxed cruising speeds
- Greater confidence during long trips
These are things owners notice every week, not just during test drives.
The SUV Market Is Changing
One reason the Kodiaq RS feels important is that it reflects a larger trend.
For years, manufacturers competed through:
- Larger touchscreens
- Bigger sunroofs
- More connected features
Those features still matter.
But they are no longer enough.
Buyers are starting to ask different questions:
- How does the vehicle feel on a highway?
- Is it enjoyable to drive?
- Can it comfortably handle family duties?
- Will I still enjoy it after three years?
The Kodiaq RS appears designed around those questions.
What Buyers Should Actually Pay Attention To
Most automotive coverage will focus on:
- 265 hp engine
- RS styling
- Black exterior elements
- Sporty seats
Those things matter.
But the bigger question is whether the Kodiaq RS successfully balances performance and practicality.
Readers who want to explore Skoda’s official specifications, features, and upcoming Kodiaq updates can visit the official Kodiaq page for more details.
Can One SUV Replace Two Cars?
This may be the most interesting thing about the Kodiaq RS.
Many buyers today don’t want:
- A family SUV
- Plus a separate weekend car
They want one vehicle capable of doing both jobs.
The Kodiaq RS is attempting exactly that.
And if it succeeds, it may explain why performance-oriented family SUVs are becoming increasingly popular worldwide.
Expected Price and Positioning Skoda Kodiaq RS
Industry estimates suggest the Kodiaq RS could be priced around ₹55 lakh to ₹60 lakh (ex-showroom) because it is expected to arrive as a CBU import and may be offered in limited numbers.
Kodiaq RS vs Popular Premium SUVs
| SUV | Power Output | Main Strength |
| Skoda Kodiaq RS | 265 hp | Performance + Family Practicality |
| Toyota Fortuner | 204 hp | Reliability |
| MG Gloster | 215 hp | Features |
| Jeep Meridian | 170 hp | Driving Dynamics |
The comparison highlights why the Kodiaq RS is attracting so much discussion.
Its positioning is different from almost everything else in the segment.
A Bigger Story Than Just Another SUV Launch
What makes the Kodiaq RS interesting is not simply its performance.
It is what the vehicle says about the future of premium SUVs.
Buyers are no longer satisfied with choosing between practicality and excitement.
Increasingly, they expect both.
And manufacturers are finally beginning to respond.
My Take on Skoda Kodiaq RS
In my opinion, the biggest reason people are talking about the Kodiaq RS isn’t the 265 hp engine.
It’s because Skoda has identified a growing gap in the market: buyers who need a family SUV but still care about driving.
There are plenty of practical SUVs.
There are plenty of fast cars.
Very few vehicles try to combine both worlds in one package.
FAQ Skoda Kodiaq RS
When will the Skoda Kodiaq RS launch in India?
Bookings are scheduled to start on June 22, 2026, and the launch is expected by the end of June.
What engine does the Kodiaq RS use?
It uses a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine producing 265 hp and 400 Nm.