Skoda has brought the Kodiaq RS to India, and this launch feels special because it carries the RS badge on an SUV for the first time in the country. That alone makes it an important model for Skoda fans and for buyers who want a large premium SUV with a sporty edge. The starting price is Rs. 66.99 lakh ex showroom, and the first batch of 50 units was sold out quickly.

The Skoda Kodiaq RS is the sportier version of the standard Kodiaq, but it is not a small visual upgrade. Skoda has added RS styling, a more powerful engine, and a more premium feature list to make it stand apart. It is also a fully imported CBU model in India, which helps explain the high price tag.

The SUV sits at the top of Skoda’s India line up. It is made for buyers who want something practical enough for daily life, but also exciting enough to feel special on an open road. That mix is what gives the Kodiaq RS its strong appeal.

The Kodiaq RS looks familiar at first, but the details make a big difference. It gets a blacked out grille, a sportier front bumper, blacked out ORVMs, and RS badging that gives it a more aggressive look.

On the side, the SUV comes with 20 inch dual tone alloy wheels and red brake calipers, which add to the sporty feel. At the rear, the dual exhausts are one of the clearest signs that this is the performance version. The overall design is still elegant, which is good. It does not shout too much, and that makes it feel more mature. For many buyers, that balance between premium and sporty will be a big plus.

The Kodiaq RS uses a 2.0 liter turbo petrol engine paired with a 7 speed dual clutch automatic and all wheel drive. The engine makes 265 PS and 400 Nm, which is a strong figure for a large SUV like this.

That powertrain is the same basic setup found in the Octavia RS, but in the Kodiaq it has a bigger body to move. Even so, the all wheel drive system should help the SUV feel quick and stable, especially during highway driving and in wet conditions. For a buyer, this means the Kodiaq RS is not just a comfortable seven seater. It is also meant to feel fast, planted, and fun to drive. That is a rare mix in a family SUV.

Inside, the Kodiaq RS has an all black cabin with red stitching and RS details. That gives the SUV a more serious and sporty mood the moment you step in. Skoda has also given it a 12.9 inch floating touchscreen, an RS branded steering wheel, and leather sports seats with RS logos on the headrests.

Space is another strong point. The second row is roomy, and the third row adds real everyday usefulness. It may not be the most spacious three row SUV in the class, but it is practical enough for family duties and weekend trips.

Skoda has loaded the Kodiaq RS with a strong safety package. The SUV gets 9 airbags, Level 2 ADAS, ABS with EBD, traction control, electronic stability control, hill start assist, hill descent control, tyre pressure monitoring, and a 360 degree camera.

It also has all wheel disc brakes and electronic differential lock, which add confidence when you are driving a large vehicle at speed or in poor road conditions. The fact that the Kodiaq line has scored 5 stars in Euro NCAP also adds trust for buyers who care about safety.

My honest view is that the Kodiaq RS is one of the most appealing premium SUVs Skoda has brought to India in a long time. It has the right mix of style, power, comfort, and safety, and it feels well thought out for someone who wants a large SUV without giving up driving fun. If someone wants a premium three row SUV that is practical during the week and exciting on weekends, the Kodiaq RS makes a lot of sense.