Exclusive: Skoda Kodiaq RS To Be Launched In India In 2020

Volkswagen Group, led by Skoda India, is all set to bring in a wave of new SUVs to the Indian market in the next two years. Between 2020 and 2021, the company will be launching up to 10 new SUVs, across its group brands in India, and we finally have the confirmation that the Skoda Kodiaq RS will be one among them. The powerful and sporty variant of the Czech carmaker's flagship SUV is likely to be launched in India next year, possibly post the BS6 shift happens.

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The biggest upgrade for the Kodiaq RS, over the regular Kodiaq, will be the 2.0-litre twin-turbocharged in-line 4 diesel engine with a DOHC setup and transverse in the front. The turbocharged oil burner is tuned to churn out a maximum of 236 bhp at 4000 rpm and a peak torque of 500 Nm at 1750-2500 rpm. The engine comes mated to a 7-speed DSG automatic gearbox with paddle shifter. The SUV also gets an all-wheel-drive system with automatic torque distribution.

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The Skoda Kodiaq RS will get a 2.0-litre twin-turbocharged diesel engine making 236 bhp and 500 Nm torque

Visually, the upcoming Skoda Kodiaq RS is largely similar to the regular SUV, except for certain styling bits that accentuate its sporty character. The black vertical-slat grille comes with matter effect compared to the glossy treatment on the regular Kodiaq, and of course, you also get the iconic vRS badge on the grille. The bumper design has been slightly tweaked, to create a bit of distinction. The Kodiaq RS also comes with blacked-out ORVMs and larger Xtreme 20-inch alloy wheels as standard. At the rear, the LED taillamps get black detailing and feature a reflector that spans the entire width of the vehicle, along with a chrome-tipped horizontal dual exhaust system.

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The Skoda Kodiaq RS will come with Xtreme 20-inch alloy wheels and a dual exhaust setup

The cabin at the same time gets that typical RS look with an all-black interior featuring contrast red stitching and red highlights all over. The seats are upholstered in beautiful Alcantara leather, and the sporty bucket style front seats are complemented by the leather-wrapped flat-bottom steering wheel. There is also the RS logo on the seats and the gear lever, along with metal pedal to complete the sporty look. The Kodiaq RS will also come equipped with the virtual cockpit interface.

The cabin of the Kodiaq RS comes with a flat bottom steering wheel and bucket like seats wrapped in Alcantara leather with red-stitching

Similar to the existing Octavia RS, the Skoda Kodiaq RS will come to India and a completely built unit (CBU) and will command a premium price tag. We expect the SUV to be priced around Rs. 40-45 lakh.