If you blinked, you missed it. Skoda Auto India opened bookings for the new Kodiaq RS on June 22, and the entire first batch of 50 units was gone in just six minutes flat. For a car that hadn’t even had its price announced yet, that’s a remarkable show of confidence from buyers, and it says a lot about where the premium SUV market in India is headed in 2026.
This wasn’t some small, quiet launch either. Customers had to put down a token amount of Rs 3 lakh just to reserve their spot, and even that didn’t slow things down. So what’s driving this kind of demand for a car nobody had even driven yet? Let’s get into it.
Why Are People Rushing for the Kodiaq RS?
A lot of it comes down to the RS badge itself. Skoda has built real credibility in India with its RS-tuned cars, the Octavia RS being the obvious example, and that reputation seems to be carrying straight over to the Kodiaq. Buyers already trust what the badge stands for: sharper handling, a more aggressive look, and genuine performance rather than just sportier styling stuck onto a regular SUV.
Then there’s the practical side. The Kodiaq RS is still a proper seven-seater, so it’s not asking families to choose between performance and usability. You get a fast, capable SUV that can also do school runs and long highway trips without anyone complaining about space. That combination is rare in this segment, and it clearly resonated.
Add in a tightly limited allocation of just 50 cars, and you’ve got the classic recipe for a sellout: genuine demand plus genuine scarcity.
What’s Under the Hood
The Kodiaq RS runs on a 2.0-liter TSI turbo-petrol engine tuned to produce around 265 PS and 400 Nm of torque, a noticeable step up over the standard Kodiaq. Power goes through a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox paired with Skoda’s all-wheel-drive system, and the company claims a 0-100 kmph time of 6.3 seconds. That’s quick territory for a seven-seat SUV, and it puts the Kodiaq RS firmly in performance-SUV company rather than just being a sporty trim level.
It also gets dynamic chassis control, multiple drive modes including snow and off-road settings, and progressive steering, so the performance angle isn’t just about straight-line speed.
Cabin and Features
Step inside and the Kodiaq RS goes all-in on a sporty, premium feel. Think of an all-black cabin with red contrast stitching, a three-spoke RS steering wheel, and front sports seats with ventilation, heating, memory function, and even massage. The tech side is well covered too, with a 12.9-inch touchscreen, a 10.25-inch digital driver’s display, three-zone climate control, and a panoramic sunroof.
Safety hasn’t been left as an afterthought either. The car comes with nine airbags, a 360-degree camera system, an ADAS suite, and the usual modern conveniences like a powered tailgate and a strong Canton sound system.
How It Stacks Up Against Rivals
In India’s premium SUV space, the Kodiaq RS will likely be cross-shopped against the Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line, Toyota Fortuner Legender, Jeep Meridian, MG Gloster, and top-spec Hyundai Tucson variants. While several of these rivals lean on diesel power, the Kodiaq RS sticks with a refined turbo-petrol setup, which sets it apart for buyers who want performance without the diesel clatter.
Will Skoda Bring More Units?
Skoda hasn’t made an official announcement about a second batch yet, and pricing is also still pending, expected to land somewhere upward of Rs 50 lakh, ex-showroom, once revealed. But given how quickly the first 50 units disappeared, and before the price was even public, it’s reasonable to expect Skoda will look at expanding allocation if this level of interest holds up.
For anyone who missed out the first time around, the smart move is to stay in touch with your nearest Skoda dealership. Cancelled bookings, waitlist openings, or a fresh batch could show up sooner than expected.
The Bigger Picture
The Kodiaq RS selling out in six minutes isn’t just a one-off headline; it’s a signal. Indian buyers are increasingly willing to pay a premium for SUVs that genuinely perform, not just look the part. Combined with the recent success of the Octavia RS, it’s clear Skoda’s performance lineup has found real traction here.
Whether or not a second batch arrives, one thing is certain: the Kodiaq RS has already made its mark in the Indian market before a single unit even hit the road.
Rajababu Kushwaha is the Founder and Editor of AutoCrest. He covers the latest car news, reviews, comparisons, EV updates, and buying guides for Indian car buyers.