Skoda’s First 7-Seater RS Comes to India: Bookings Open June 22

Škoda Auto, which comes under Volkswagen Group, is all set to start bookings for the Skoda Kodiaq RS, a seven-seater SUV in a 2-3-2 layout, on June 22, 2026, for only 50 units in the very first batch. The manufacturer will launch the performance-focused version of the Skoda Kodiaq shortly after the start of bookings. They haven’t confirmed any date for launch; we expect that the launch will happen in late July 2026, revealing the price.

Reports suggest that it will cost ex-showroom between 55 and 60 lakh rupees, as the manufacturer is set to introduce it in the Indian market by importing it as a CBU (completely built-up unit) from the Kvasiny Plant, Czech Republic, attracting the import duty. The main rivals in India are the Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line, the BMW X3, and the Mercedes-Benz GLB.

The RS version of the Skoda Kodiaq is already available on sale in the international market, and in India, it will make its debut with the same specifications and features. The car is all set to get a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder TSI Evo turbocharged petrol internal combustion engine under the hood that is mated with a 7-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission.

The ICE delivers the maximum power of 261 hp and peak torque of 400 Nm. Compared to the discontinued Skoda Kodiaq RS, it delivers 20 hp more power. It comes with an all-wheel drive drivetrain, 6.4-second 0-to-100-km/h acceleration timing, and a 231-km/h top speed, making it the quickest sport utility vehicle from Skoda Auto on Indian roads.

Notably, the model is the first seven-seater from the brand to get an RS badge in India and the second SUV after the Skoda Octavia. The manufacturer is yet to reveal its mileage for Indian roads; we expect that with E20 petrol, its fuel efficiency on city roads may be around 8 to 10 km/l and 12 to 14 km/l for the highway. With mixed driving, it may give 10 to 12 kmpl.

Inside, it has a black interior with red contrast stitching, soft-touch materials and RS badging on both seats and steering wheel. The dashboard is equipped with a 10-inch digital instrument cluster before the driving seats which shows all the driving data and a 13-inch touchscreen infotainment system with over-the-air software update features at the centre just above the central console.

The infotainment system supports wireless connectivity via Android Auto and Apple CarPlay for video streaming and, via Bluetooth, for music. It is integrated with the 14-speaker Canton premium sound system to ensure an immersive sound experience and control driving mode, climate setup, ambient lighting, parking and driving assistant features, and suspension settings.

The RS is built on MQB Evo, which also underpins the Volkswagen Tiguan, Volkswagen Tayron and Skoda Kodiaq. The front and rear suspension are MacPherson strut and multi-link independent, respectively, with adaptive DCC Plus, which continuously adjusts damping force based on road conditions and driving style, making the driving softer and firmer, as per the modes that are comfort and sport.

Braking for front and rear wheels is managed by ventilated discs. It also features an anti-locking braking system to avoid wheel locking during sudden braking; electronic brake force distribution to distribute braking among all wheels for providing stability; electronic stability control; brake assist; an electronic parking brake; auto hold; and multi-collision braking.

It measures 4,758 mm in length, 1,864 mm in width, and 1,679 mm in height. The wheelbase is 2,791 mm, and all wheels are alloy and 20 inches in size. When all seven seats are up, it has a boot space of 380 litres; folding only the third-row seats increases the cargo space up to 845 litres; and folding both second-row and third-row seats increases the boot to 2,025 litres, which helps in carrying big luggage.