Skoda Auto India today launched the new Skoda Kodiaq RS in the Indian market, priced at Rs 66.99 lakh (ex-showroom). The compact SUV has attracted a lot of interest from enthusiasts across the country, and all 50 units from the initial batch have already been booked. With all 50 units sold, it remains to be seen whether Skoda Auto India will supply additional units of the Kodiaq RS to the Indian market.
The new Skoda Kodiaq RS will be powered by a 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder turbo petrol engine that produces 265hp and 400Nm of torque. Compared to the regular Kodiaq, the RS offers 60hp and 80Nm of torque. Apparently, the engine is powered by the same unit that powers the Octavia RS and Golf GTI. It comes mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox, which sends power to all four wheels. Skoda will introduce the SUV as a completely built unit (CBU). Skoda claims the Kodiaq RS accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.3 seconds and can reach a top speed of 231 km/h. The SUV also has bigger brakes and a more stable suspension setup. The Kodiaq RS retains the same three-line design and overall silhouette but adds several RS styling cues. These include a gloss-black grille, Matrix LED headlights, a redesigned front bumper with larger air vents, RS badging, black exterior elements, red brake callipers and larger wheels up to 20 inches in foreign markets.At the rear, the SUV gets RS badging, a redesigned bumper with black inserts, joined by LED taillights with fog lights, a roof spoiler and black roof rails. International markets also get popular colors like Hyper Green, though India’s color options are not announced. Inside, the cabin mirrors the regular Kodiaq but gets sport seats with integrated headrests, leather and suede-like upholstery, contrasting red stitching and the RS badge inside.Smartly, the Kodiaq RS gets a 12.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, 10.24-inch digital instrument cluster, 13-speaker Canton audio system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, powered tailgate, 360-degree camera, park assist, power-operated driver’s seat with memory, three front-facing seats, three front locks and climate lighting. and panoramic sunroof. Safety equipment is expected to include nine airbags, ESC, ABS with EBD, traction control, electronic differential lock, brake assist, hill start assist, hill descent control, ISOFIX mounts and Level 2 ADAS.
