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A Formula 1 car can brake from 200 km/h to a standstill in about 4 seconds.
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Indian car enthusiasts have always harbored a deep-seated love affair with Skoda’s performance-focused ‘RS’ brand. From the legendary Octavia vRS models that ruled Indian highways to the modern-day imports, any vehicle bearing the coveted RS badge is destined to become an instant classic. Skoda Auto India has once again proven this phenomenon with its latest performance offering: the Skoda Kodiaq RS.
In a stunning display of demand, Skoda India recently opened the order books for the first lot of the Kodiaq RS. In an unbelievable span of just six minutes, all 50 units allocated for the Indian market were completely sold out. This rapid sell-out highlights the growing appetite of Indian luxury buyers for exclusive, track-bred SUVs that do not compromise on family practicality.
When Skoda announced that it would bring the Kodiaq RS to Indian shores as a fully imported completely built unit (CBU) or semi-knocked down (SKD) performance flagship, expectations were high. However, nobody anticipated a six-minute clean sweep.
This instantaneous sell-out demonstrates the incredible brand equity Skoda enjoys in India’s niche performance segments. For buyers who wanted a blending point between a daily driver, a premium 7-seater SUV, and a track-day conqueror, the Kodiaq RS presented an irresistible proposition. This record-breaking response is expected to push Skoda India to negotiate a larger second batch of units with its global headquarters in Mladá Boleslav.
Under the hood, the Skoda Kodiaq RS ditches the standard SUV’s laidback tuning for a fire-breathing heart. It is powered by a high-state-of-tune 2.0-litre TSI turbocharged petrol engine (the famed EA888 unit found in premium Volkswagen Group performance cars).
This potent engine is paired with a lightning-fast 7-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission that channels power to all four wheels via a standard 4x4 drivetrain.
To make sure it is instantly recognizable from the standard Kodiaq, Skoda has given the Kodiaq RS an aggressive cosmetic make-over. On the outside, the SUV sheds its chrome trim in favor of a gloss black finish on the signature Skoda grille, wing mirrors, window frames, and roof rails. It rides on massive, sporty alloy wheels featuring aerodynamic inserts and bright red brake calipers peeking through the spokes.
Step inside, and you are greeted by an atmosphere dripping in motorsport heritage. The cabin features:
While Skoda Auto India has yet to officially announce the final pricing for this first batch of the Kodiaq RS, industry insiders suggest it will command a significant premium over the standard luxury trims. Expect the Skoda Kodiaq RS to be priced at approximately Rs 60 lakh (ex-showroom).
At this price point, it bridges the gap between premium mainstream SUVs (like the Toyota Fortuner Legender and Jeep Meridian) and entry-level luxury European compact SUVs (such as the BMW X1, Audi Q3, and Mercedes-Benz GLA). What makes the Kodiaq RS incredibly attractive is its packaging: it offers the performance and handling dynamics of German luxury performance vehicles but packages it with seven seats and Skoda’s legendary \"Simply Clever\" practical design.
The fact that all 50 units vanished in 360 seconds is a resounding "yes" from the Indian premium car buyer. The Skoda Kodiaq RS addresses a very specific niche: the enthusiast driver who has family responsibilities but refuses to compromise on driving thrills.
It is practical, immensely fast, looks incredibly sharp, and carries an exclusivity factor that money can rarely buy in this segment. If you missed out on this first batch, we highly recommend keeping a close eye on Skoda India's announcements, as a second lot is almost guaranteed to follow due to this unprecedented demand.
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