Skoda Auto India has announced the launch of the all-new Kodiaq RS, bringing the iconic RS badge to a seven-seat SUV for the first time in the country.
Bookings for the performance-focused SUV will open on June 22, 2026, expanding Skoda’s RS portfolio and adding a more practical dimension to the brand’s motorsport-inspired lineup.
Key highlights include:
- Bookings open on June 22, 2026
- First seven-seat Skoda RS model in India
- Skoda claims it will be the quickest Skoda on sale in India
- Only 5 units are planned
- Combines performance, luxury, and 4×4 capability
- Builds on more than 50 years of RS heritage
RS Performance Meets Family SUV Practicality
The Kodiaq RS brings Skoda’s Rally Sport philosophy to the premium SUV segment, combining high-performance credentials with the practicality of a seven-seat layout.
According to Skoda Auto India Brand Director Ashish Gupta, the Kodiaq RS will become the fastest Skoda available in the country, while also offering the versatility and all-weather capability expected from a flagship SUV.
The launch follows the strong response to the latest Octavia RS, which sold out within just 20 minutes of bookings opening in India.
Carrying Forward Skoda’s RS Legacy
The RS badge has been a key part of Skoda’s performance identity for more than five decades, tracing its roots back to the brand’s motorsport activities.
Around the world, RS models stand out for their sharper handling, stronger performance, and more engaging driving dynamics compared to their standard counterparts. With the arrival of the Kodiaq RS, that formula now extends into Skoda’s SUV range in India.
Motorsport DNA at its Core
Skoda says the Kodiaq RS is a direct reflection of the company’s racing heritage, which spans more than 125 years.
The announcement also comes shortly after Skoda’s entire India lineup, comprising the Kylaq, Kushaq, Slavia, Kodiaq, and Octavia RS, set an entry in the India and Asia Book of Records for the fastest multi-car relay by a single manufacturer at the CoASTT circuit in Coimbatore.
That achievement formed part of the brand’s “Greatest on A Track Is a Skoda On A Track” campaign, highlighting the performance potential across its model range.
What to Expect
While Skoda has not yet revealed detailed specifications for the India-spec Kodiaq RS, the SUV is expected to feature a more powerful turbo-petrol engine, sportier suspension tuning, RS-specific styling elements, and standard all-wheel drive.
Skoda Auto India is likely to share pricing and technical details as bookings open on June 22.
Also read: https://fly-wheel.com/mclaren-set-for-massive-india-price-cuts-as-uk-trade-deal-nears-implementation/
Final Take
The Kodiaq RS could fill a unique niche in India by offering genuine performance credentials alongside seven-seat practicality and all-wheel-drive capability. For enthusiasts who need family-car practicality without giving up driving enjoyment, it may prove to be one of the most interesting SUV launches of 2026.
