The performance-oriented three-row SUV faces a challenging task in India, where the Toyota Fortuner continues to dominate the segment despite a relatively basic feature list and dated packages. However, this hasn’t stopped Volkswagen Group from entering the space with the Volkswagen Tayron R-Line and now the Skoda Kodiaq RS.
The Kodiaq RS with its iconic RS badge has a massive connect with the Indian audience and was instantly loved. All Kodiaq RS units allocated in the Indian market are sold out or spoken for within just 5-6 minutes of the opening of bookings in the country. So, you can’t buy the Kodiaq RS even if you have the money to spare for this SUV (launch on July 2, when prices will be revealed). Should you wait for the second batch and is the Kodiaq RS worth your time? Here are our thoughts.
Skoda Kodiaq RS Review
The Kodiaq RS is offered in 4 color options – Steel Grey, Magic Black, Moon White and Velvet Red. We got Velvet Red and it is expected to be the halo color for the Kodiaq RS and it best represents the sporty character of this SUV.
In terms of design, compared to the standard model, Skoda has added unique touches to the Kodiaq RS to give it a sporty look. To that effect, we can see the stealth aesthetics with glossy black elements replacing chrome or silver in the grille along with the VRS badging, ORVMs, window frames, roof rails and D pillar body work. With the Kodiaq RS we get more sporty bumpers which give it a unique and aggressive look.
The most notable difference with the Kodiaq RS are its 20-inch alloy wheels shod with sporty low-profile tires as well as RS-specific red brake calipers. On the inside, we can see all-black interiors with contrasting red stitching, VRS badge on the steering wheel, red ambient lighting and sporty steel pedals. The three-row seating continues and front occupants get sport seats with fixed headrests.
comfort and convenience
Apart from being a sporty RS version, the Kodiaq RS is also a Kodiaq. Hence, it is full of practicality, comfort and convenience. The front sport seats are extremely comfortable and sporty at the same time. They’re well padded and the side bolsters add extra support for spirited driving. These front seats are electrically operated with powered lumbar support and get 3 memory settings and multiple massage modes.
Depending on climatic conditions, the front seats are heated and ventilated for added comfort. The front seats also get extendable under-thigh support, which was also helpful for my 6-foot frame. Front occupants can enjoy the plush feel of a luxury car as the materials here are soft to the touch and the door pads are lined. Even the center console area where your knee will hit is padded, which is a nice touch.
The second-row seats don’t have as much detail as the first row, which makes sense since the Kodiaq RS is a driver’s car. Gone are the soft touch materials and felt-lined pockets and under-thigh support is limited and static. Space is good for an SUV in this segment and features include sun blinds, center armrest with cup holders, coat hooks, LED reading lights, separate climate zones with AC vents, charging port, panoramic sunroof and more.
boot space
Only in the Kodiaq RS, the second-row occupant’s generous view is blocked by bulky sport seats. The second row seats can be moved forward and backward and also have some recline adjustment. The third row seats are in no way meant for adults and third row occupants do not get the benefit of AC vents and other features. 281 liters with the third row seats up (50:50), 786 liters with the third row seats down and 1,976 liters with the second row seats down (40:20:40). The second-row seats can be folded down from the boot area, which was hit or miss in the unit we sampled.
Tools and smart features
The Skoda Kodiaq RS is loaded with features and equipment. We especially liked the new cabin with the gear selector on the steering column. The steering stalls and controls seem a little busy at first. The gear selector is on the right side which requires turning the end to move between gears. On the left, we have a wiper stalk with high beam function and below it we have a dedicated stalk for cruise control. Paddle shifters and steering mounted controls are also present.
The 12.9-inch infotainment screen and 10.2-inch digital cockpit are crisp in resolution and easy to operate. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, 725W Canton audio system with 13 speakers and a subwoofer, twin wireless charging pads, digital key, blindspot monitoring, adaptive headlights, level-2 ADAS, 360-degree camera, up to 9 airbags, auto-dimming IRVMs and ORVMs, heated ORVMs with memory, parking assist, powered tailgate, acoustic front and sides Glass and more.
The intelligent dials on the center console need a special mention as they are intuitive, space-saving and intelligent. The external dials control the functions of the seat and the user needs to press them to cycle between functions such as climate, heated seat and ventilated seat and then rotate the dial to adjust that function. The center dial cycles between functions like fan speed, air circulation, volume, and even drive mode.
The Kodiaq RS is also a Skoda. Therefore, it should have many simple features and it does. We liked the inbuilt funnel for windshield fluid, a display cleaner in the center console, the parking ticket clip that I can imagine could be used to wedge the Fastag in India, the umbrella holder in the driver’s door trim, the door panel waste compartment, the retractable door edge protector and the rear parcel shelf that can be neatly stored in a dedicated space.
rs performance
The Skoda Kodiaq RS is powered by a 2.0 liter 4-cylinder EA888 turbo petrol engine capable of producing 265 bhp of maximum power and 400 Nm of peak torque, mated to a 7-speed DSG transmission and a sophisticated AWD system. Skoda claims that it accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 6.3 seconds and its top speed is around 231 km/h. We couldn’t test the full performance of the Kodiaq RS as we had it only for a limited time when it rained heavily in Pune city.
Even on wet roads, the Skoda Kodiaq RS felt properly sharp and it’s nobody’s business. We didn’t feel any aqua-planing from these tires and the Kodiaq RS gripped like a frightened cat. The traction control and ESP are well calibrated and the brakes work well even on wet roads. The engine is smooth with minimal vibration and the cabin is well insulated. The gearbox responds quickly and throttle dumps are rewarded with proper gear shifts.
This 7-speed DSG takes a while to decide which gear to engage, but it will get to the right gear. It’s also predictable, which is a big accomplishment in our opinion. The Kodiaq RS features Progressive Steering and Dynamic Chassis Control Plus. These coupled with sporty low profile 20-inch tires provide excellent corner carving experience with great chassis feedback. The steering feedback is quite direct, predictable and despite the 194 mm ground clearance and 1.9 tonne curb weight, drivers get the confidence to push it harder.
Should you wait for the next batch?
The only logical rival for the Kodiaq RS is the Volkswagen Teron R-Line, as both SUVs share the same platform, powertrains and their underlying engineering. We would have liked to see a more premium experience for those sitting in the second row. A dedicated shortcut button for the 360-degree camera would also improve day-to-day usability.
Typically, we end a review by answering whether a vehicle is worth buying or not. In the case of Kodiaq RS, this is not possible as the first allocation for India has already been sold. The real question is whether it’s worth waiting for the next batch. Based on our experience, the answer is yes. If you are looking for a premium three-row SUV that combines strong performance, engaging driving dynamics, everyday practicality and a feature-rich cabin, the Kodiaq RS is one of the most attractive options currently available in India.
