If you’re after a comfy seven-seater for the family, but you’re not quite ready for the pipe and slippers, the new Skoda Kodiaq vRS might be just what you need.
The Kodiaq - Skoda’s largest SUV, sitting ahead of the Karoq - was first launched four years ago, becoming something of a sales and leasing success, largely thanks to good looks and a huge cabin.
By 2018 we had an eye-catching vRS variant, powered by a twin-turbo 2.0 diesel engine with power of around 239 PS.
That vRS, however, disappeared in 2020 having been scuppered by emissions regulations, with fans lamenting the loss.
But now Skoda has revived the Kodiaq vRS, equipping it with an even more powerful new TSI petrol engine that comes with 245 PS to play with, while giving the Kodiaq a complete overhaul in general.
That new mill has been borrowed from Volkswagen Group’s EVO - think Golf GTI - and is mated to a new 7-speed DSG, which is 5.2 kg lighter than the one on the previous diesel engine.
The hot SUV comes with 20 inch alloy wheels, a sportier front bumper than the standard Kodiaq, and an interior replete with all the usual vRS-typical details, including black Suedia sports seats with contrasting red stitching and door panels upholstered in the same material
While Skoda isn’t yet going into details, they say lease customers can expect ‘even greater performance’ compared with the diesel vRS model, which means a six second 0-62mph sprint time.
Elsewhere the Kodiaq enjoys a good refresh, too.
The S, SE and SE L trims will come with aluminium-effect detail on the front and rear apron, lending the SUV more off‑road styling.
The restyled front end features a new elevated bonnet and a bold new grille to give the Kodiaq a little more road presence.
You get LED headlights as standard and, for the first time, the Kodiaq can also be equipped with full LED Matrix headlights.
There’s lots of new options for the interior, including leather massage seats, a CANTON sound system with a subwoofer in the boot and Virtual Cockpit with a 10.25-inch display.
And, as before, the entry-level variant features a 1.5 TSI with front-wheel drive and manual transmission, while more powerful variants are available with all-wheel drive and 7-speed DSG as standard.
Thomas Schäfer, Skoda Auto CEO, says:
“The Kodiaq was a real game changer for us. It was the first model of our SUV campaign and opened up a completely new, rapidly growing vehicle segment.
“Our customers and the international trade press appreciate the Kodiaq’s brand-typical qualities, just as they do with our other models: excellent value for money, ample space and comprehensive range of equipment.
“Now we have further refined the specification of our large SUV, offering even more safety and comfort with new features, such as full LED Matrix headlights and ergonomic seats.”
The updated Kodiaq will be available from July.
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