► New Skoda Kodiaq vRS unveiled
► Power boost from 242bhp to 261bhp
► Same seven-seat usability
The new Skoda Kodiaq vRS has been revealed as the brand’s sportiest SUV to date, gaining a power boost and more aggressive styling to go with it.
Revealed as the new flagship version of Skoda’s largest SUV, the Kodiaq vRS has been revealed in what has been an exceptionally busy 12 months for the firm, following new versions of the Superb, regular Kodiaq and the recent unveil of the new compact Elroq SUV.
Here’s everything you need to know about it.
Wait, I thought the Kodiaq vRS was a diesel?
That was back in 2018 when the Kodiaq vRS was first launched, but Skoda swapped the big torquey diesel engine for petrol power when the original Kodiaq was facelifted in 2021.
The same 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine remains, but has been tweaked to produce 261bhp, 19bhp more than before, while torque has increased from 273 to 295lb ft. The result is a 6.4-second 0-62mph, two-tenths less than before, and a 144mph top speed.
It’s fundamentally the same engine as the latest Volkswagen Golf GTI – and facelifted Skoda Octavia vRS due imminently – though the Kodiaq instead uses all-wheel-drive, rather than front. All models feature a seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox, too.
Any other mechanical changes?
If you’re looking to drive your seven-seat bus quite enthusiastically, you’ll be glad to know a few other changes have been made to handle the power.
Highlights are ventilated brake discs all around, along with two-piston brake callipers at the front. Progressive steering is also included, as is the VW Group’s renowned Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) that lets you adjust the settings to your preferences – most notably the suspension.
The 2.0-litre TSI isn’t the most thrilling of engine sounds, so the Kodiaq vRS also comes with a ‘Dynamic Sound Boost’ to liven things up a bit – though mainly just through the speakers.
Presumably it looks a bit different, too?
Yes, there are no surprises on the styling front. Imagine a slightly sportier-looking Kodiaq and the vRS is just that, with lots of hints taken from the all-show-but-no-go Sportline model.
There are redesigned bumpers, along with the usual vRS full-width deflector across the rear. You’ll also spot some exhaust tips – real, incredibly – and 20-inch alloy wheels with red brake callipers.
Black styling accents are aplenty, with a gloss black grille, door mirrors, roof rails and window frames – fans of chrome, look away.
Moving inside, the vRS features electric sports seats trimmed in microsuede and artificial leather, along with a sports steering wheel and many red accents throughout – the trademark colour of a vRS.
Anything else I get for my money?
Given any Kodiaq is pretty well-equipped, it’s no surprise that the range-topping vRS model is quite lavishly kitted-out.
Standard features include seven seats – it might sound a given but on lesser Kodiaqs you have to pay if you want three rows – as well as Matrix LED headlights and keyless entry. A large 13-inch touchscreen is standard too, as is a large 10-inch digital instrument cluster.
Prices for the Kodiaq vRS are likely to start from around £50,000 when sales start in early 2025.