Škoda Auto India has expanded its performance lineup with the opening of bookings for the all-new Kodiaq RS, a high-performance luxury SUV that brings stronger performance, sharper dynamics and a more exclusive appeal to the Indian market. Limited to just 50 units, the model adds a rare and desirable offering to Škoda’s India portfolio while marking an important moment for the brand’s performance identity.
The launch also introduces Škoda’s new “Surrender” campaign, which encourages enthusiasts to give in to the Kodiaq RS experience and embrace its blend of speed, control and presence. The timing of the launch is significant as well, coming alongside two major milestones for the brand, over 50 years of the RS badge and 125 years of Škoda Auto’s motorsport heritage. Together, these milestones reinforce the performance credentials that the Kodiaq RS carries into India.
Strong Performance
At the heart of the Kodiaq RS is a 2.0 TSI engine that produces 195 kW, or 265 PS, and 400 Nm of torque. Power is sent to all four wheels through a 7-speed DSG transmission, giving the SUV quick reactions and confident traction. With a claimed 0 to 100 km/h time of just 6.3 seconds, it is the quickest Škoda ever launched in India and can reach a top speed of 231 km/h.
The engine note is also designed to feel more engaging thanks to Dynamic Sound Boost, which adds a richer and more emotional character to the driving experience. That extra layer of sound is meant to make the SUV feel more alive, especially for drivers who value performance not only in numbers but also in feel.
Driving Dynamics
Škoda has equipped the Kodiaq RS with systems that make it more responsive and adaptable in different driving conditions. Progressive Steering helps improve agility while reducing effort at lower speeds, which makes the SUV easier to handle in city traffic and tighter spaces. This is paired with the latest generation of Dynamic Chassis Control Plus, which offers 15 levels of damping adjustment.
That wide range of adjustability means the vehicle can shift from comfort-oriented settings to a much sportier character when needed. The system works together with Driving Mode Select, which offers Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport, Individual, Snow and Off-Road modes. Each mode changes the vehicle’s behavior to suit the surface and driving style, giving the driver more control and flexibility.
Bold Design
The Kodiaq RS also stands out visually with a design that reflects its sportier role. Blacked-out exterior details such as the grille frame, ORVMs, window trims, roof rails and D-pillars give it a more assertive and purposeful road presence. These touches help distinguish it from the standard SUV and reinforce its performance identity without losing the premium look that buyers in this segment expect.
Inside the cabin, Škoda has balanced sportiness with luxury. The interiors feature black leather upholstery with red stitching, a combination that gives the cabin a more dynamic and exclusive feel. It is a design choice that matches the SUV’s performance character while still keeping the atmosphere refined and premium.
Customers can choose from four exterior colors: Moon White, Magic Black, Velvet Red and Steel Grey. Each shade adds a different personality to the SUV, from understated elegance to a more dramatic and athletic look.
Exclusive Market Position
The limited booking window of only 50 units adds to the appeal of the Kodiaq RS. In a market where many premium SUVs are widely available, scarcity can be a major part of the attraction. This makes the Kodiaq RS not just a performance SUV, but also a collector-style ownership proposition for buyers who want something less common and more distinctive.
For Škoda, the launch strengthens its performance portfolio in India at a time when premium customers are increasingly looking for vehicles that combine everyday usability with excitement behind the wheel. The Kodiaq RS fits that space neatly by offering seven-seat practicality, all-wheel-drive confidence and serious performance credentials in one package.
The launch also reinforces Škoda’s long performance heritage. By connecting the Kodiaq RS to the RS badge and the company’s motorsport history, Škoda is reminding customers that this SUV is built on more than styling or marketing. It is part of a long-running performance story that now finds a new expression in India.
With bookings now open, the Kodiaq RS arrives as a focused and exclusive offering for enthusiasts who want a luxury SUV with genuine performance character. It combines strong power, advanced chassis technology, striking design and limited availability into one compelling package, making it one of the most attention-grabbing launches in Škoda’s India lineup.
