Skoda Kodiaq and Octavia RS
Skoda VisionS and Octavia RSSkoda Media

Skoda Auto India Private Limited has revealed its product launch plans till next year end. The Czech automaker will launch its first seven seater SUV, the Kodiaq, the performance spec Octavia RS and two other models by the end of 2017.

Skoda will premiere the Kodiaq SUV globally on Sept. 1. The Kodiaq is the first SUV to be extracted from the VisionS design study concept that Skoda unveiled at the 86th Geneva Motor Show in March. It will feature precise and crisp body lines and a face similar to the current generation cars of Skoda. The SUV will be offered in a choice of five engines: two TDIs and three TSIs. The most powerful petrol engine, the 2.0-litre TSI, will develop 177bhp. The SUV will be offered in six-speed manual and DSG transmissions in front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive formats. Skoda will locally assemble the Kodiaq in India.

The Octavia RS is the go faster version of the Octavia sedan. The Octavia RS will be powered by an in-line four-cylinder 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine that develops 217bhp at 4,500-6,200rpm and 350Nm of torque at 1,500-4,400rpm, mated to a six-speed DSG gearbox with Tiptronic manual gear changing. The RS version will feature an aggressive-looking front bumper with wider air dam, a darker grille with vRS badge, new alloy wheel design and rear spoiler.

The third product to be launched will be the Rapid facelift, which has been snapped many times this year in camouflage. The new Rapid will be a pure cosmetic upgrade with minor changes on the front and rear section of the sedan. The new Rapid is expected to come with carry-over engines of the current model.

Skoda India is also planning to bring special editions such as Octavia Black Edition and Rapid Monte Carlo early next year. The company is planning to invest Rs. 100 crore in India.