Premium Skodas And Volkswagens Launching In 2026: Kodiaq RS To Tayron Non R-Line
Skoda and Volkswagen have been focusing a lot on affordable sedans and SUVs in recent years. However, in the coming period, the two companies are gearing up to strengthen their premium car offerings in India. So here is the list of upcoming premium sedans and SUVs which will be getting added to Skoda and Volkswagen India's portfolio in the near future.
Skoda launched the Octavia RS last year in India, and at the time, the first batch of 100 units was sold out within 20 minutes. So, to fulfill the strong demand, the company is planning to launch a second batch of most likely 100 units and will be offering it with the same Rs 49.99 lakh price tag.
The Octavia RS is the performance liftback sedan from the brand, which comes powered by the enthusiast-favorite 2.0-litre TSI turbo-petrol engine. It is capable of making 265 bhp and 370 Nm and comes mated to a 7-speed DSG gearbox. This sedan can reach from 0 to 100 kmph in just 6.4 seconds. Its top speed is limited to 250 kmph.
Notable highlights include a lowered suspension, electronic differential lock, upgraded brakes (red calipers), and many others. It also gets a large 13-inch touchscreen, a 10.25-inch digital cluster, 12-speaker Canton audio, heated, ventilated, and massage seats, along with 10 airbags, ADAS Level 2, and a 360-degree camera.
Like the Skoda Octavia RS, Volkswagen is also gearing up for the launch of the second batch of its high-performance hatchback Golf GTI in India. This time around as well, the new batch is expected to get 150 allocations at a price of Rs 53 lakh, same as before. Powering the Golf GTI is the same 2.0-litre TSI turbo-petrol engine making 265 bhp and 370 Nm.
The transmission will also be the same 7-speed DSG, but being a hatchback, the 0-100 kmph time gets reduced to 5.9 seconds when compared to the Octavia RS’s 6.4 seconds. In terms of the design highlights, it will come loaded with matrix LED headlamps, an illuminated VW logo, GTI badges, dual exhausts, 18-inch alloys, and red calipers.
On the inside, it will come equipped with a 12.9-inch infotainment touchscreen, a 10.25-inch digital cluster, retro Tartan sport seats, 30-colour ambient lighting, heated and ventilated seats, along with many other creature comfort features.
Currently, Skoda Auto India does not offer any diesel-engined vehicles in India. However, it is planning to bring back the diesel motor with the Kodiaq flagship SUV. The Skoda Kodiaq diesel will come powered by the time-tested 2.0-litre TDI diesel engine.
This motor will be capable of producing 200 bhp and 400 Nm. Gearbox duties will be taken care of by a 7-speed DSG, and it will also be getting an AWD system. Most likely, it will be brought in as a CBU and will be priced in the range of Rs 40-45 lakh.
It is believed that by June 2026, Skoda Auto will be launching the Kodiaq RS in India. For those who may not be aware, it will be the more hardcore and sporty iteration of the Kodiaq, which we all know as a sophisticated SUV. It is expected to carry a price tag in the range of Rs 55 to 60 lakh.
Like the Octavia RS and the Golf GTI, it will also come powered by the same 2.0-litre TSI turbo-petrol engine, making 265 bhp and 400 Nm. It too will get the same AWD system and 7-speed DSG. The sprint from 0-100 kmph will take place in 6.3 seconds. As for the styling, it will get a blacked-out styling pack, 20-inch wheels, red brake calipers, a sporty all-black interior, and a 13-inch touchscreen.
Volkswagen has already launched the Tayron R-Line in India. However, to lure in buyers who want a slightly more subtle SUV, the company is planning to launch the Tayron non-R-Line version in India. This SUV is expected to launch in Q2 of 2026 and will be priced around Rs 40 to 45 lakh. The Tayron R-Line is priced at Rs 46.99 lakh. It will still use the same likely 2.0L TSI (EA888) engine, which makes 204 bhp and comes mated to a 7-speed DSG gearbox. The only major difference will be on the outside, where it will be slightly less sporty in terms of design.
Later this year, Skoda will be launching the latest generation of the Superb flagship sedan. However, the main highlight will be its diesel powertrain. Yes, you read that right. Skoda will be offering the Superb with the same 2.0-litre TDI diesel engine capable of making 188 bhp and 400 Nm of torque. What will be more surprising is that it will be offered with a 4X4 system, which in reality will be an AWD system. It is believed that it will be launched in the range of Rs 45 to Rs 55 lakh.