Skoda Auto India has confirmed that bookings for the new Kodiaq RS will open on June 22, 2026, bringing the brand's RS performance badge to an SUV in India. Times of India reported that the model will be imported as a completely built unit and is expected to be offered in limited numbers, similar to the Octavia RS. Navbharat Times also reported that the Kodiaq RS will become Skoda's first RS-badged 7-seater SUV for India.
For buyers, the headline is exciting: a three-row premium SUV with a stronger 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine, 4x4 capability and a more aggressive RS design package. For FuelPrice readers, the practical question is different: does a limited imported petrol performance SUV make sense once on-road price, insurance, fuel use and long-term ownership cost are added to the booking rush?
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What has been announced
The booking date is the key confirmed India update. TOI reported that bookings will begin on June 22 and that the Kodiaq RS will be brought as a CBU. The report also said the SUV is expected to be priced in the Rs 50 lakh to Rs 55 lakh ex-showroom range. For reference, the regular Kodiaq range currently starts at Rs 36.99 lakh on Skoda India's official model page, with the current lineup using a 2.0 TSI petrol engine paired with a 7-speed DSG automatic transmission.
The RS version is expected to sit clearly above the regular Kodiaq, not beside it. TOI reported output figures of 265 hp and 400 Nm from the 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine, paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox sending power to all four wheels. It also mentioned upgraded braking hardware and RS-specific design changes. Those details place the model closer to a performance niche than a mainstream family SUV upgrade.
| Point | Kodiaq RS buyer meaning | FuelPrice check |
|---|---|---|
| Booking date | Bookings open on June 22, 2026. | Confirm token, cancellation terms and allocation before paying. |
| Import route | CBU import usually means limited units and higher pricing. | Check final on-road cost, insurance and delivery timeline. |
| Powertrain | 2.0-litre turbo-petrol, DSG and 4x4 make it performance-focused. | Estimate petrol use for city traffic, highway touring and spirited driving. |
| Positioning | A seven-seat RS SUV for enthusiasts who still need family space. | Compare with regular Kodiaq, luxury SUVs and EV alternatives. |
Why limited availability matters
The Kodiaq RS is likely to attract quick attention because Skoda's RS badge has an enthusiast following in India. The precedent is strong: TOI reported last year that all 100 India-allocated Octavia RS units sold out in about 20 minutes, with bookings averaging one every 12 seconds. Navbharat Times also cited that sell-out while explaining why Skoda is extending its RS portfolio to the Kodiaq.
That history means interested buyers should not wait for a long comparison cycle if they are serious. However, scarcity should not replace calculation. A limited CBU car can involve higher upfront pricing, more expensive body or trim parts, longer replacement timelines and a narrower resale audience. None of that makes the Kodiaq RS unattractive, but it does mean the purchase should be treated differently from buying a locally produced mass-market SUV.
The fuel-cost angle buyers should not ignore
The Kodiaq RS is a petrol performance SUV, so fuel cost is part of the product experience. International testing of the Kodiaq 4x4 RS by WELT listed official consumption around 8.2 to 8.5 litres per 100 km and a test figure of 9.5 litres per 100 km. Indian conditions, driving style, traffic density, tyre choice and fuel quality can all change real-world results, so those numbers should be treated as context rather than an India mileage claim.
Still, the direction is clear. A 265 hp turbo-petrol, all-wheel-drive, three-row SUV will not behave like a small efficient petrol hatchback or an EV commuter. A buyer using it mainly for city runs should expect a different fuel bill from a buyer using it for long highway drives. Enthusiastic acceleration will also raise consumption. If petrol prices rise or if the car becomes a daily office commute vehicle, the monthly running cost can become a meaningful part of ownership.
Who should consider it
The strongest buyer case is someone who wants one vehicle for family space, long-distance comfort and performance character, and who understands the cost of a limited imported model. The Kodiaq RS should appeal to buyers who like the regular Kodiaq's practicality but want sharper styling, stronger acceleration and an RS identity that is rare in India.
The weaker buyer case is someone who is stretching the budget only because bookings may close quickly. If monthly EMI, insurance, fuel, tyres and maintenance are already at the edge of comfort, the regular Kodiaq or another premium SUV may be easier to live with. If running cost is the main concern, buyers should also compare hybrid or EV alternatives, though they will not offer the same RS character.
What to watch next
The next important update will be the official India price, final equipment list, number of units allocated, delivery timeline and whether the India-spec car gets all international performance hardware such as adaptive suspension. Buyers should also watch whether dealers ask for high token amounts and how transparent allocation is across cities.
The reader takeaway is simple: the Kodiaq RS is a strong enthusiast headline, but a smart booking decision needs more than horsepower. Check allocation, compare the regular Kodiaq's price, estimate petrol use, and understand CBU ownership support before joining the June 22 booking queue.
Sources: Times of India Kodiaq RS booking report, Navbharat Times Kodiaq RS report, Skoda India official Kodiaq page, Times of India Octavia RS demand context, WELT international Kodiaq RS fuel-consumption context.
