Skoda previews the Vision RS concept and Kodiaq RS at the Paris Motor Show 2018

In a sneak preview just a day before the Paris Motor Show, Skoda Auto has revealed the Vision RS concept at the Paris exhibition centre. Skoda says that the Vision RS is a glimpse of what to expect from future RS models. Alongside the Vision RS concept, Skoda also previewed the Kodiaq RS.

This is also the first time in Skoda’s history that a plug-in hybrid is used – the Vision RS gets a 1.5-litre TSI engine which makes 147.5bhp and the electric motor which makes 100.5bhp. The electric motor is paired to a 13kWh lithium ion battery pack that takes 2.5 hours to get to full charge. Skoda says that the Vision RS has a range of 70km on a single charge. Regenerative braking is also used to recharge the battery. The interiors of the Vision RS feature a large centrally mounted infotainment screen with Alexa voice control and seat covers made of vegan materials. The Vision RS will sprint to 100kmph in 7.1 seconds.

The Vision RS gets a lot of carbon fibre elements  – the radiator grille, the front and rear spoilers, the  wing mirrors, side skirts, rear diffuser, air inlets and outlets are all made of carbon fibre. The interiors use carbon fibres made from 100 per cent recycled polyester. The steering wheel cover is made from Sensotec, a synthetic vegan fibre produced as per the EU’s Vinyl Plus Programme. The white paint job has three layers of special organic component to reflect heat and reduce interior temperature, says Skoda.

The Skoda Kodiaq RS was also previewed alongside the Vision RS. The SUV set a lap time of 9 minutes and 29.84 seconds with Sabine Schmitz behind the wheel, around the 20.832km long Nürburgring – Nordschleife circuit in Germany a few months ago. Under the bonnet of the SUV is a 2-litre twin turbo diesel engine which produces 236bhp and 500Nm. The engine is mated to a DSG and power is sent to all four wheels. It also gets a virtual cockpit and adaptive chassis. The Kodiaq RS will also be available as a 7-seater.

There is no announcement whether the Skoda Kodiaq RS will make it to our shores. Currently, the Kodiaq on sale in India with a 2-litre TDI engine retails at Rs 34.83 lakh, ex-showroom.