The Skoda Kodiaq RS brings 265 PS, AWD, sporty styling and seven-seat practicality to India in a limited-run package
The Skoda Kodiaq has always been one of those SUVs that tries to do everything without making too many compromises. It is spacious, premium, comfortable and genuinely enjoyable to drive. Now, Skoda has taken the same formula and added its famous RS treatment. The result is the new Skoda Kodiaq RS, which becomes the brand’s first RS-badged SUV to officially arrive in India.
Unlike the standard Kodiaq, the RS is imported as a CBU and comes with a more powerful 2.0-litre TSI engine, all-wheel drive, adaptive suspension and a host of sporty upgrades. It is priced at Rs 66.99 lakh (ex-showroom), which is a significant premium over the regular Kodiaq. But does the extra performance justify the price? Let us take a closer look.
Skoda Kodiaq RS Review – Performance and Driving Experience
The biggest change is obviously under the bonnet. The familiar 2.0-litre, four-cylinder TSI turbo-petrol engine has been tuned to produce 265 PS and 400 Nm. That is 61 PS and 80 Nm more than the standard Kodiaq. The engine is paired with a quick-shifting 7-speed DSG automatic gearbox and an all-wheel-drive system.
There is plenty of torque available right from low revs and the engine feels responsive almost immediately. There is no obvious turbo lag and the Kodiaq RS does not feel like a large, heavy seven-seater when you put your foot down. In fact, the mid-range is particularly strong, making highway overtakes very easy. Skoda claims a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of just 6.3 seconds. That is seriously quick for a seven-seat SUV weighing around 1.9 tonnes. The all-wheel-drive system also does a good job of putting the power down without unnecessary wheelspin. With Launch Control activated, the acceleration is genuinely addictive.
The DSG gearbox complements the engine well. It is quick to respond and usually keeps the engine in the right part of the rev range. In Sport mode, it holds gears for longer and reacts more aggressively to throttle inputs. The paddle shifters are useful when you want more control, although they are not always willing to execute a high-rpm downshift. What makes the Kodiaq RS interesting is that the performance is not restricted to straight-line acceleration. Skoda has also worked on the chassis to make this big SUV more engaging around corners.
Skoda Kodiaq RS – Ride and Handling
The Kodiaq RS gets 20-inch alloy wheels, progressive steering and DCC+ adaptive suspension. The latter offers 15 levels of adjustment, allowing the driver to alter the character of the SUV depending on the road and driving conditions. There are also Comfort, Normal, Sport, Offroad, Snow and Individual modes. In Sport mode, the suspension becomes noticeably firmer and body control is impressive for a seven-seater. The Kodiaq RS changes direction eagerly and the AWD system provides plenty of grip. There is also a feeling of confidence when you start pushing the SUV harder through corners.
However, the laws of physics still apply. This is a large seven-seat SUV and you can feel its weight when driven aggressively. It is not going to feel like an Octavia RS, but considering its size and practicality, the Kodiaq RS is surprisingly engaging. The steering is light at low speeds, which makes the SUV easy to manoeuvre in the city. Progressive steering makes it more direct around corners, although enthusiasts may still want a little more weight and feedback.
Ride quality is another interesting aspect. The RS is firmer than the regular Kodiaq, particularly over sharp bumps and broken roads. The 20-inch wheels and relatively low-profile tyres are partly responsible for this. The ride is still quite compliant at higher speeds, but the third-row passengers are likely to feel the rougher surfaces more than those in the first two rows.
Skoda Kodiaq RS – Exterior Design
The Kodiaq RS does not scream for attention. Instead, it gets a relatively subtle makeover that will mostly be appreciated by those who know what they are looking at. The biggest visual changes include sportier bumpers, blacked-out exterior elements, RS badging, dual exhausts and larger 20-inch alloy wheels. The grille, ORVMs, roof rails and other exterior details get a glossy black finish. It is available in Velvet Red, Magic Black, Moon White and Steel Grey.
I particularly like the fact that Skoda has resisted going overboard with the styling. The Kodiaq RS looks sporty without losing the mature character of the standard SUV. However, in darker colours, it can be difficult to distinguish it from the regular Kodiaq Sportline unless you notice the larger wheels and RS-specific details.
Skoda Kodiaq RS – Interior, Space and Features
The cabin continues to be one of the strongest aspects of the Kodiaq. The RS gets an all-black interior with red stitching, RS embossing and sporty front seats. The seats offer excellent support and come with ventilation, heating and extensive adjustment. The dashboard gets a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a large 12.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also available. One of the nicest details is the use of physical rotary controllers for the climate-control functions, which makes everyday operation much easier.
The second row is spacious and can comfortably accommodate three adults. It also gets reclining and sliding functionality, rear sunblinds, a separate climate-control zone and clever storage solutions. Skoda’s Simply Clever approach continues to be visible throughout the cabin. The third row, however, is not quite as impressive. Access is not particularly easy and the space is best suited to children or smaller adults. With all three rows in use, the Kodiaq RS still offers 281 litres of boot space. Fold the third row and this increases to a massive 786 litres.
Skoda Kodiaq RS – Features and Safety
The Kodiaq RS comes loaded with equipment. Highlights include Matrix LED headlights, a panoramic sunroof, 360-degree camera, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, blind-spot warning, emergency braking, nine airbags, electronic stability control and ISOFIX mounts. The Matrix LED headlights work particularly well and the welcome and goodbye lighting signatures add a premium touch. The only disappointment is that the 360-degree camera could have offered better image quality.
Skoda Kodiaq RS Price in India
The Skoda Kodiaq RS is priced at Rs 66.99 lakh (ex-showroom). It is offered in India as a single, fully loaded variant and is imported as a CBU. The price is almost Rs 20 lakh higher than the top-spec Kodiaq Selection L&K, which makes the RS a difficult value proposition. The initial Indian allocation was limited to just 50 units, and all of them were booked within minutes of bookings opening. This makes the Kodiaq RS as much an enthusiast purchase as it is a premium family SUV.
Skoda Kodiaq RS Specifications
| Specification | Skoda Kodiaq RS |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0-litre TSI Turbo Petrol |
| Power | 265 PS |
| Torque | 400 Nm |
| Transmission | 7-speed DSG |
| Drivetrain | AWD |
| 0-100 km/h | 6.3 seconds (claimed) |
| Seating Capacity | 7 |
| Boot Space | 281 litres / 786 litres |
| Fuel Tank | 58 litres |
| Price | Rs 66.99 lakh |
Skoda Kodiaq RS Review – Verdict
The Skoda Kodiaq RS is an interesting SUV because it does not force you to choose between performance and practicality. It gives you the performance of a much smaller enthusiast-oriented car while retaining the space, comfort and usability expected from a seven-seater. The 265 PS engine is the biggest highlight, but the DCC+ suspension, progressive steering and AWD system make the RS much more than just a more powerful Kodiaq. At the same time, the premium cabin, large boot and impressive equipment list make it perfectly usable as a family SUV.
The biggest problem is its price. At Rs 66.99 lakh ex-showroom, the Kodiaq RS costs a lot more than the standard Kodiaq. The performance is certainly better, but whether it is Rs 20 lakh better is a question only an enthusiast can answer. For someone looking for a practical seven-seater, the regular Kodiaq makes far more financial sense. But if you want a premium family SUV that can also put a smile on your face every time you find an empty stretch of road, the Kodiaq RS is a very compelling package. It may not be the fastest or most aggressive performance SUV in India, but it could well be one of the most complete ones.
Also Read: New Honda ZR-V vs Skoda Kodiaq vs VW Tiguan Detailed Comparison
