Skoda Kodiaq RS Bookings Start June 22 Before Market Launch

Skoda Auto India will officially open pre-bookings for the highly anticipated Kodiaq RS on June 22, 2026, ahead of its formal market launch. This performance vehicle represents the first time the iconic Rally Sport badge graces an SUV in the country. Arriving as a full Completely Built Up import, only 50 units will be available in the initial batch for Indian car enthusiasts.

Bringing the Rally Sport Legacy to India

Skoda Auto India recently teased the upcoming Kodiaq RS after showcasing it at the Kushaq facelift event. Brand Director Ashish Gupta noted the RS badge carries a global performance legacy spanning 50 years, enjoying a loyal following in India since the original Octavia RS arrived two decades ago.

The previous Octavia RS sold out in 20 minutes last year, highlighting its cult status. The new Kodiaq RS takes this heritage into the luxury seven seater segment as the quickest Skoda model on Indian roads. It seamlessly combines interior space, track performance, and robust four wheel drive capabilities.

High Performance Specifications and Braking Hardware

The mechanical updates transform the flagship family car into an absolute track monster, sharing its powertrain with icons like the global Volkswagen Golf GTI.

Upgraded Powertrain Output

Powering the vehicle is a heavily tuned 2.0 litre turbocharged petrol engine pushing out 265 horsepower and 400 Nm of peak torque. This represents a boost of 60 extra horses and 80 Nm of additional torque over the standard model. The output travels through a quick 7 speed Dual Clutch Transmission to a permanent all wheel drive system. This setup allows the large seven seater to sprint from 0 to 100 kmph in a claimed 6.3 seconds.

Enhanced Track Ready Hardware

To manage the extra performance, engineers overhauled the chassis components with high tier stopping hardware:

• Dual piston front brake calipers for immense clamping force
• Larger slotted brake rotors to dissipate heat efficiently
• Sportier front and rear bumpers to optimize air cooling
• Striking 20-inch alloy wheels and bold red brake calipers

Celebrating the Racing DNA of Skoda

Motorsport has lived at the core of the Czech brand for over a century. To showcase this engineering prowess, the company organized a special multi-car relay at the CoASTT track in Coimbatore. The complete fleet, including the Kylaq, Kushaq, Slavia, standard Kodiaq, and the limited volume Octavia RS, set an official India and Asia Book of Records. The five cars completed a high-speed circuit relay in a total combined lap time of 12 minutes and 30.97 seconds. This record run serves as the foundation for the new brand campaign emphasizing that a Skoda is always greatest on a track.

Comprehensive Comparison of Features

The table below outlines the core performance distinctions between the standard variant and the newly introduced performance model:

Conclusion

The arrival of the Skoda Kodiaq RS brings a distinct product proposition to the Indian luxury car market. By combining everyday three-row utility with pure racing dynamics, it satisfies both family needs and enthusiast desires. With only 50 units allocated for the country via the import route, this exclusive SUV will likely disappear from order books quickly.