Skoda Kodiaq RS Review - autoX

Skoda Kodiaq RS Review The Octavia RS (or vRS) had been our favourite sedan for go-to enthusiasts. Come 2019, and Skoda introduces the practical Kodiaq in the RS-guise. Nine minutes, twenty-nine seconds and eight-tenths is what it took for the Kodiaq RS to surpass the 20.8km long Nurburgring Nordschleife test track making it the fastest production 7-seater around the circuit. This implies that the Kodiaq RS isn’t just an aesthetically modified version of the standard Kodiaq. But how is it different? Our Skoda Kodiaq RS review further reveals‌

In the looks department, the Kodiaq RS is somewhat similar to the standard Kodiaq, at least in its overall design. In comparison though, the RS gets gloss black bits all around, 20-inch sportier wheels which definitely look sporty and somewhat reminiscent of the Octavia RS, red-painted brake callipers and RS badging on the tail gate as well as the gloss-black front grille.

Coming to the interior in our Kodiaq RS review, the layout of the dashboard remains the same, however, the RS gets an all-black interior theme compared to the dual-tone beige and black of the standard model. The equipment list remains identical as well, you get a massive touchscreen taking the centre stage, climate control, vertically stacked air-con vents, a virtual cockpit display and 360degree parking cameras.

The talking point albeit, is the sportier seats that wear the Alcantara fabric. In my opinion, the seats look dapper, and in our time filming the Skoda Kodiaq RS review, the seats offered commendable comfort in all the right places. The steering wheel now gets a flat-bottom touch and wears perforated leather with contrast red stitching. That being said, the Kodiaq RS adds a touch of sportiness while retaining the practicality of the standard model.

Under the hood, the Kodiaq RS is powered by the same 2.0-litre that we drove in the standard Kodiaq. Skoda has managed to fit this motor with twin-turbochargers. As a result, the engine now produces 236bhp and 500Nm of torque, nearly 90bhp and 160Nm more than the standard car. With all the torque hitting-up at 1,750rpm, the RS pulls cleanly and briskly even on part throttle inputs.

This certainly makes the car faster, but it still isn’t exceedingly fast as a V6 powered SUV.

The standard Kodiaq has always been our pick of the range for its tout handling. With the Kodiaq RS, Skoda has managed to take it a step further. With all the added technological wizardry, like Dynamic

chassis control and progressive steering, the RS is a great handler all-around. In my opinion, this is absolutely impressive for an SUV of this size.

The Skoda Kodiaq RS is an impressive all-rounder, the handling is great, the equipment list is long and the practicality is uncompromised. Interestingly, this is the Czech automaker’s first SUV to wear the RS insignia, and it adds the fun factor to the practicality of the Kodiaq. Well, the SUV will supposedly be appreciated by a lot of enthusiasts, the India launch is uncertain and unlikely to happen. For the full verdict and the comprehensive Skoda Kodiaq RS review, make sure you head to the autoX website.