2019 Skoda Kodiaq RS review, test drive

What is it?

Now, the Kodiaq may be a record holder, but as far as lap timings go, 9min 29.84sec isn’t exactly what most automakers are jostling to beat. But what it does signify is that this Kodiaq is no slouch, which really is something of a pre-requisite if it’s wearing the vRS logo. In fact, this is Skoda’s first hot SUV and the second model in its vRS line-up after the Octavia, since the Fabia vRS was axed. So, what are the go-faster bits that separate it from the regular Kodiaq?

What's it like on the outside?

What's it like on the inside?

Skoda’s Virtual Cockpit is offered as standard, with a ‘Sport View’ that places the rev counter in the centre around the speedo. The Kodiaq is known to combine spaciousness and practicality and the RS remains unaffected in that respect; there’s seating for seven and a massive boot space with the third row folded. But this is an RS. So the real question is, how does it drive?

What's it like to drive?

Our drive through the beautiful, narrow, winding roads of the Czech countryside was brief, and for most part, took place under wet conditions. But it did allow us to get a decent feel of the SUV.

The twin-turbocharged diesel is refined and surprisingly rev-happy. There are six driving modes – Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport, Individual and Snow – to choose from, but given our limited time, and also in true RS fashion, we chose to largely stick to Sport. The Kodiaq RS builds speed briskly from standstill and gear shifts are well executed in the regular D mode. Things are smooth for the most part but there’s a slight hesitation in lower gears under hard acceleration – this can be easily overcome with some modulation of the throttle. Of course, you could choose to shift through the ratios manually via paddleshifters. Sport mode locks the engine in its mid-range and keeps it at 2,000rpm, while Comfort mode will drop revs to 1,500rpm.

For its 1,880kg kerb weight, the Kodiaq RS handled well in the wet, twisty sections, and the steering was accurate, delivering sharp turn-ins when called for. However, running on 20-inch wheels and 235/45 low-profile tyres, the ride was stiff and harsh bumps were felt in the cabin.

And then there’s the sound. The Kodiaq sounds sporty, especially in its most potent setting, and you soon realise – it’s quite nice for a diesel. Turns out, it uses a system that engages the sound enhancers fitted to the exhaust; this artificially produces a mildly throaty growl to mask the diesel clatter. Not so bad if you’re inside with the windows rolled up and sound piping in through the speakers, but if you’re outside, the combination of the engine’s diesel drone and the synthesised exhaust note can be slightly baffling.

Should I buy one?

Also see 

Click here for all Skoda models, prices, reviews, images, videos and more.

Click here for Skoda Kodiaq, prices, reviews, images, videos and more.