Skoda Creates Big Confusion At Recent Launch Event! » MotorOctane

Yesterday, dated – 20th of January 2026, Skoda unveiled the new Kushaq in India. The bookings have already commenced, while the prices will be announced in March 2026. Alongside the Kushaq facelift, Skoda also made some exciting announcements. Firstly, it has launched two new variants of the Kylaq, and secondly, it has announced two new RS models for the country. Now, one of those will be the Octavia RS. However, the other RS model has created confusion rather than excitement! Why? 
Attention Readers! Join us on the WhatsApp Community for daily auto news updates

So Much Confusion!

Alongside the Kushaq facelift, Skoda confirmed that it will bring back the Octavia RS in India. The brand had earlier launched 100 units of the Octavia RS in October 2025, which were sold out in just 20 minutes after the bookings were opened. Its popularity has certainly forced Skoda to reintroduce the Octavia RS for India. Now that was an exciting announcement from Skoda. However, with the Octavia RS, Skoda also announced that it will be launching the popular Kodiaq RS! Yes, the Kodiaq RS will be finally launched in India by June 2026. But instead of making everyone excited, the news has probably put everyone in confusion!

Also Read – Rs 10 Lakh Skoda VRS Confirmed?

The reason for the confusion is none other than the upcoming Volkswagen Tayron! For starters, the Tayron is a similar product to the Kodiaq RS, which shares a similar platform, engine option and features. In fact, the Tayron can be said to be the 7-seater version of the 5-seater VW Tiguan R Line. The Tayron will be launching in the first half of 2026, and buyers will be confused whether to buy the Tayron or the Kodiaq RS! So, which factors should you consider before buying one of these?

Also Read: New Toyota Ebella Is India’s Safest Toyota SUV?

Skoda Kodiaq RS Launch – Performance 

Now, which SUV should you buy purely depends on what kind of performance you want. Well, if you want your SUV to be quicker than most of the SUVs out on the road, the Kodiaq RS should be your pick. The Kodiaq RS will likely come with a 2.0-litre TSI engine producing 265bhp & 400Nm. It is the same engine that powers other Skoda RS models, including the Octavia RS.

On the other hand, as mentioned above, the Tayron shares the powertrain with the Kodiaq. However, it is not the same as the Kodiaq RS! In 2025, Skoda launched the new Kodiaq in India that comes with a 2.0-litre TSI engine producing 201bhp & 320Nm. For Tayron, we are expecting the 201bhp, 2.0-litre TSI unit. This engine offers a far more relaxed drive when compared to the unit offered in the RS model.

Also Read – Skoda Confirms The Return Of Octavia RS!

Styling 

Another factor that will probably make you confused about which SUV to buy could be the styling! The Kodiaq RS, being a sportier SUV, will have aggressive styling with limited loud colour options. For some, it may be too eye-catching to drive out on the roads. On the other hand, the Tyaron will be a subtle, family-friendly SUV. Just like the regular Kodiaq, the Tayron will have a more sophisticated appeal.

Also Read – New Skoda SUV Revealed!

Skoda Kodiaq RS Launch – Pricing 

However, the most important factor will be pricing. For starters, the Kodiaq RS will be launched in India via CBU routes, and Skoda is expected to bring the SUV in limited numbers. That said, the pricing is expected to be anywhere between Rs 65 lakh & Rs 70 lakh (on-road, Mumbai).

On the other hand, the VW Tayron, similar to the regular Kodiaq, will be launched via CKD routes. Which means that it will be assembled in India and will be an affordable option. The prices of which are expected to be between Rs 48 lakh & Rs 56 lakh (on-road, Mumbai). So, if pricing is your concern, the Tayron will be the only option. However, if you have no budget concern and are willing to pay an extra amount for pure performance, the Kodiaq RS is your easy pick!

Also Read – New Toyota Ebella Is Finally Here!