Skoda Kodiaq RS Set to Arrive in India by June 2026

There is a special place in every Indian petrolhead’s heart for the "RS" badge. For years, the Octavia RS has been the undisputed king of affordable performance. But what happens when you grow up, have a family, and need seven seats—but still want to drive like you stole it?

Skoda India has finally answered that question. The company has confirmed that the Skoda Kodiaq RS is officially coming to our shores by June 2026. This marks a historic moment as it will be the first-ever RS-badged SUV to be sold in India.

If you thought family SUVs were boring, this one is here to change your mind. Here is everything you need to know about this performance beast.

The RS Treatment: More Than Just a Badge

The standard Kodiaq is elegant, but the RS version is downright menacing. Skoda hasn't just slapped a badge on the tailgate; they have given the SUV a complete visual overhaul to match its performance credentials.

• Aggressive Face: The chrome is gone. The front features a blacked-out grille and a redesigned bumper with significantly wider air intakes. It looks hungry for the tarmac.
• Profile: The sporty stance is enhanced by 20-inch alloy wheels that frame striking red brake calipers. You also get blacked-out window frames, mirror caps, and roof rails.
• Rear End: While the silhouette remains familiar, the subtle bumper tweaks and visible exhaust tips (if they follow the global spec) complete the look.

Inside the Cockpit: Sport Meets Luxury

Step inside, and the "beige-and-luxury" vibe of the standard model is replaced by a focused, sporty atmosphere.

• All-Black Theme: The cabin is draped in black with contrast red stitching, screaming performance.
• RS Seats: The front seats are heavily bolstered to keep you in place during hard cornering. They feature integrated headrests with RS branding.
• Tech: A massive 13-inch infotainment screen dominates the dash, paired with a sharp digital driver's display.
• Tactile Controls: Thankfully, Skoda has kept the rotary knobs for HVAC and volume, blending modern screens with old-school usability.

Power & Performance: The Heart of an Octavia RS

This is the part that matters most. Under the hood, the Kodiaq RS borrows its heart from its legendary sedan sibling, the Octavia RS.

• Engine: It packs a 2.0-litre TSI petrol engine.
• Power Output: It churns out a massive 265 hp and 400 Nm of torque.
• The Upgrade: That is a jump of 60 hp and 80 Nm over the standard Kodiaq sold in India.
• Speed: It can sprint from 0-100 kph in just 6.3 seconds. For a 7-seater SUV, that is seriously quick.
• Top Speed: It maxes out at 231 kph.

The engine is mated to a lightning-fast 7-speed DSG (dual-clutch automatic) gearbox, sending power to all four wheels via an AWD system.

Handling: Taming the Beast

Going fast in a straight line is easy; making a big SUV handle is the hard part. However, Skoda has made mechanical upgrades to ensure the Kodiaq RS dances through corners.

• Braking: The front axle gets two-pot calipers and slotted discs for better heat dissipation and stopping power.
• Suspension: Globally, the Kodiaq RS comes with DCC+ (Dynamic Chassis Control) adaptive dampers. While Skoda India hasn't confirmed this for our market yet, we sincerely hope they bring it. It allows the car to switch from a comfortable cruiser to a stiff track weapon at the touch of a button.

Comparison: Kodiaq Standard vs. Kodiaq RS

Here is a quick look at how the performance version stacks up against the regular family hauler.

Is the Kodiaq RS For You?

This SUV targets a very specific, enthusiast niche.

• Buy it if: You are a "cool dad" or "cool mom." You need the practicality of 7 seats for school runs and road trips, but you refuse to drive a boring car. You want the thrill of a hot hatch but the space of an SUV.
• Skip it if: You are purely looking for comfort and chauffeur-driven luxury. The stiffer suspension and larger wheels on the RS might make the ride slightly firmer than the standard model.

Final Thoughts

The arrival of the Kodiaq RS is a bold move by Skoda. It shows they understand that Indian buyers are evolving and are willing to pay for performance. By combining the practicality of a 7-seater with the soul of an RS, they have created a "unicorn" car for Indian roads.

With a launch slated for June 2026, expect a premium price tag, likely north of Rs 50-55 Lakh. But for that money, getting a sub-7-second family hauler seems like a bargain.

Author: Neha Mehlawat

Neha Mehlawat is an automotive journalist and industry analyst with 10+ years of experience covering cars, bikes, and mobility trends. She tracks the latest launches, technology upgrades, and policy changes in the auto sector, delivering sharp insights that help readers stay ahead in the fast-evolving world of automobiles.