2nd Gen Skoda Kodiaq RS Revealed

Skoda Auto has revealed the second generation of the Kodaiq RS, the sportier version of its full-size SUV. Per usual, the RS treatment on a Skoda model includes a bump in power, mechanical updates and cosmetic enhancements. 

The new Kodiaq RS gets blacked-out accents outside on things like the grille, ORVMs, D-pillar,  bumpers and doors. The grille also gets an illuminated surround as well as new RS logos. The Kodiaq RS also gets blacked-out 20-inch alloy wheels with red brake callipers. Alongside, front and rear bumpers get a more aggressive styling and the latter gets exposed dual exhaust tips. 

Inside, the Kodiaq RS gets two finishes – RS Suedia and RS Suite. The former is standard, while the latter is optional. Both get sports seats with integrated headrests and red stitching at the front. The seats, dashboard and doors get a suede-leather finish in the RS Suedia and with the RS Suite, they get a leather finish. Unlike the standard Kodiaq, the RS gets a three-spoke steering wheel with red stitching. Speaking of which, the interior is filled with red stitching and accents. 

Interestingly, the 13-inch infotainment also gets RS-specific graphics. Other features on the Kodiaq RS include a 10-inch virtual instrument cluster, powered front seats with heating and memory functions (cooling function is only available with the RS Suite interior), rear seat heating, and a Canton-tuned audio system. 

The biggest difference between the standard Kodiaq and the Kodiaq RS is under the hood. It gets a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine with 261 bhp and 400 Nm, developing 20 bhp more than the previous generation. Power is sent to all four wheels using a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. It can sprint from 0-100 kmph in 6.3 seconds and has a top speed of 231 km. The Kodiaq RS gets seven drive modes – Eco, Comfort, Sport, Individual, Snow and Off-Road. 

While the second-gen Kodiaq will come to India sometime in 2025, it remains to be seen if Skoda will make the effort of bringing the Kodiaq RS.