Skoda has shown it is willing and able to make hot RS-badged versions of its high-riding models, so after the Kodiaq RS, a report now suggests the Czech automaker is also considering applying a similar treatment to the smaller Karoq crossover. It is also believed that it will not be motivated by a diesel engine, like the larger Kodiaq RS, running a 2.0-liter turbo found in other high-performance VW group products.

AutoBild suggests the Karoq RS could have as much as 300 horsepower and 380 Nm / 280 pound-feet of torque (although the torque figure is pure guesswork right now). Power from the turbo-four will be sent to all four wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch self-shifter - no manual is believed to be offered. It’s essentially going to be very close to the Cupra Ateca, so expect a naught to 100 km/h / 62 mph sprint time of around 5.5 seconds and a top speed of 245 km/h or 152 mph.

To that end, I’ve gone ahead and pasted some RS details onto the Karoq in Sportline trim, in order to try to picture what the model may end up looking like.

For the front bumper, I went for a look closer to that of the Octavia RS, since the bumper of the Kodiaq RS (currently Skoda’s only RS-badged high-rider) to my eyes doesn’t look anywhere near as sporty as the one on the hot Octavia. In the back, it has the trademark RS tailpipes, and I’ve also slightly increased the size of the roof spoiler to further emphasize its sporty character.

Inside, the Karoq RS will not differ too much from lesser models - expect sporty RS-branded seats, the sportier steering wheel Skoda uses in all its performance models, as well as fake carbon fiber trim pieces and additional RS badging.

The source report suggests Karoq RS could be shown this year and once it goes on sale, it will be priced from somewhere under €40,000 / $45,650.

Further reading

Read our full review on the 2018 Skoda Karoq.