While international markets are talking about receiving the Skoda Kodiaq RS, which had its public reveal at the 2018 Paris Motor Show this month, Skoda Auto India has no immediate plans to launch the product in the country.
The reason for the Kodiaq RS giving the Indian market a miss is simply down to its cost, IAB understands. In the European market where the performance-oriented SUV is expected to come at around 40,000 GBP, the costs would further increase as Skoda would have to import the Kodiaq RS as a completely built unit (CBU) attracting the highest customs duty that could drive up the price to beyond INR 50 lakhs. For reference, the standard Kodiaq costs INR 33.8 lakhs, ex-Showroom, Mumbai.
With that kind of a price tag, the Kodiaq RS will be priced almost alongside premium SUV from sister brand Audi, the Q5. Hence, the only RS model Skoda will sell in India will be the Octavia RS, at least for the time being and until the company receives substantial requests for the sporty SUV.
The Kodiaq RS is powered by a 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel engine capable of 240 PS of and 500 Nm of peak torque. A 7 speed dual-clutch transmission and an all wheel drive system help the Kodiaq RS in posting a 7-second sprint to 100 km/h and a top speed of 220 km/h.
Also read: Skoda Superb Sportline launched in India, priced from INR 28.99 lakh
Internationally, Skoda announced it would sell the Kodiaq RS in 5 and 7 seat variants. Cosmetic changes include sporty bumpers, a gloss black grille, 20 inch Xtreme alloy wheels, Alcantara upholstery with contrast red stitching, carbon fibre detailing on the instrument panel, a flat-bottomed steering wheel, and ambient LED lighting.
