New Skoda Kodiaq RS Spied In Mumbai Ahead Of India Launch: Sportier Design, 265hp Engine And Premium Features Expected
The Indian premium SUV market is buzzing with excitement as the new-generation Skoda Kodiaq RS has been spotted testing completely undisguised on Mumbai roads ahead of its highly anticipated official launch.
Captured in real-world spy shots, the sighting confirms that Skoda Auto India is actively preparing to bring its legendary performance-focused “Rally Sport” badge to its flagship seven-seater SUV.
The Kodiaq RS represents the absolute pinnacle of Skoda’s SUV lineup, successfully blending aggressive styling, a potent turbo-petrol engine, and a loaded premium feature list with three-row everyday practicality.
Having been globally unveiled earlier, this high-performance variant is arriving in India as a full import, with official bookings scheduled to open on June 22, 2026.
Skoda Kodiaq RS Spotted Testing In Mumbai
The latest spy shots shared by RushLane catch the premium performance SUV driving through Mumbai’s traffic in a striking red shade completely devoid of camouflage.
Because the test vehicle features zero disguise, key visual enhancements are easily visible, showcasing aggressive new bumpers, massive alloy wheels, and a dual-exhaust setup that hints at its high-output powertrain.
This public road outing indicates that Skoda is executing final local road calibration and homologation steps, bringing the testing phase to an advanced stage just weeks before its market rollout.
Sportier Design With RS-Specific Styling
Visually, the new Skoda Kodiaq RS looks noticeably more athletic and premium than the regular Kodiaq. The front fascia boasts a redesigned, aggressive bumper with larger air intakes, complemented by a signature gloss-black grille surround and slim LED Matrix headlamps.
Moving along the sides, the SUV sheds its traditional chrome accents for a stealthier look, incorporating gloss-black window surrounds, darkened ORVM housings, sporty side skirts, and roof rails. The side profile is dominated by massive 19-inch or 20-inch dual-tone alloy wheels that house high-visibility red-painted brake calipers.
At the rear, the performance theme concludes with connected LED tail-lamps joined by a smoked trim element, red vRS badging, a roof spoiler, and a rear diffuser flanked by distinct dual exhaust outlets.
265hp Turbo-Petrol Engine Expected
Under the hood, the upcoming Skoda SUV India-spec model packs a serious punch. It is powered by a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged TSI petrol engine tuned identically to the global Octavia RS and Volkswagen Golf GTI. This powerhouse pumps out an impressive 265hp of maximum power and 400Nm of peak torque, which translates to an extra 60hp and 80Nm over the standard model.
The powertrain is paired with a slick-shifting 7-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission that channels power to all four corners via a standard all-wheel-drive (AWD) system. Skoda India Brand Director Ashish Gupta noted that this setup will make it the quickest Skoda ever sold in India. It is positioned perfectly for buyers seeking sports-car-rivaling highway performance without sacrificing seven-seat family capabilities.
Premium Cabin And Feature List
Inside, the Kodiaq RS features an immersive, all-black cockpit accented by contrasting red highlights and premium upholstery. The dashboard houses a massive 13-inch standalone touchscreen infotainment system running wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, right next to a customizable 10-inch digital driver display.
The interior is elevated by contoured sport bucket seats with integrated headrests and embroidered RS logos, a perforated leather steering wheel with paddle shifters, and stainless steel pedal covers. Comfort and entertainment are heavily covered through premium features like a 13-speaker Canton audio system with a dedicated subwoofer, a panoramic sunroof, three-zone automatic climate control, ambient lighting, and powered ventilated front seats with memory functions.
Safety And Driving Technology
Skoda has equipped the Kodiaq RS with a top-tier safety shield to compete at the absolute top of the premium space. The safety kit includes:
9 airbags as standard
Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)
Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Keep Assist
Blind Spot Monitoring and Park Assist
360-degree camera system
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Traction Control
Upgraded braking hardware with slotted front discs and twin-piston calipers
Multiple selectable drive modes with Dynamic Sound Boost to enhance the engine note inside the cabin.
Expected India Launch And Price
Unlike mass-market models, the new Skoda Kodiaq RS is being brought in as a premium Completely Built Unit (CBU). This full-import status means availability will be highly exclusive, with only 50 units allocated for the first initial batch in India.
Because of its CBU nature and heavily upgraded performance mechanicals, the Kodiaq RS price India figures are expected to land between Rs 50 lakh and Rs 55 lakh (ex-showroom), positioning it above the locally assembled standard Kodiaq variants. Bookings open on June 22, 2026, with deliveries following closely behind.
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