Skoda’s Kodiaq vRS aims to add extra punch

What is it?

Skoda’s Kodiaq remains one of the big players in the seven-seater SUV game. Spacious, comfortable and packed with equipment, the latest version is more accomplished than ever, while Skoda’s blend of physical and digital controls reflects the kind of user-focused approach that we’ve come to expect from the Czech outfit.

But what if you’d like a little extra punch from your Kodiaq? That’s where the new vRS model comes into play. Hotter than ever, it has been designed for drivers who want all the practicality but a decent level of performance, too. We’ve been testing it out.

What’s new?

As with previous iterations, the Skoda vRS recipe is to add a little extra punch to the engine without losing out on all of the things that people love about the Kodiaq. So you still get seven seats, you still have a boatload of storage solutions and you’ll still find many of Skoda’s now-iconic ‘Simply Clever’ features dotted here, there and everywhere.

But naturally, with that vRS badge on the nose, you’ll be aware that things are completely the same. We’ve got a tweaked chassis, an enhanced braking system and more power than ever before – but more on that shortly.

What’s under the bonnet?

You’ve got a little bit of Volkswagen Group magic under the bonnet of the Kodiaq vRS. The 261bhp 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine is the same that you’ll find powering the current Golf GTI, so it has more than enough pedigree to begin with. That output also represents a 20bhp uplift on the previous Kodiaq vRS and unlocks a 0-60mph time of 6.2 seconds and a top speed of 143mph. All versions get a seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox, too.

Efficiency-wise, the Kodiaq vRS doesn’t score all that well. Skoda claims up to 33.8mpg, but drive in a keener fashion and that’ll fall south sharpish.

What’s it like to drive?

The hard position that the vRS finds itself in is largely down to how refined the standard Kodiaq is in the first place. However, adding some extra performance hardly prises apart this car’s ability, and it’s a pleasant enough engine to work a little harder than you might usually. With its punchy 0-60mph time, the Kodiaq vRS certainly gets a wriggle on quickly and though it is a tall, lofty car, it still manages to hold its own through the bends. All cars get Skoda’s Dynamic Chassis Control as standard and though you can use this to firm things up, it always feels as its best in its softest and most comfortable setting.

The four-cylinder engine isn’t happy being thrashed, mind you, and is far better at maintaining a pleasant cruise. It exhaust note is largely piped-in and enhanced during this process, but at least it’s relatively exciting to listen to.

How does it look?

Skoda has never been one to blow its own trumpet styling-wise and the Kodiaq vRS is no different. However, there are some subtle changes to help differentiate it from the rest of the range. Highlights include larger wheels and a variety of gloss black elements such as the front grille, roof rails and wing mirror caps.

There’s a decent spread of colours to choose from with the vRS, too, including exclusive ‘Velvet Red Metallic’.

What’s it like inside?

The latest generation of Skoda interiors blends functionality with the latest technology and the one in the vRS is much the same. Of course, the basic architecture is all the same as that in the standard Kodiaq but that’s no bad thing. The customisable rotary dials mean changing the fan speed or volume is easy and everything has a lovely solid finish to it. The vRS does get a range of sporty elements, with vast swathes of microsuede applied here, there and everywhere.

The good news is that you still get the same great practicality in the vRS as you do in the regular Kodiaq. The vRS is only available in seven-seater form – the standard can be had with five chairs instead – but lower the rearmost seats down and you’ve got an impressive 845 litres of space to play with. Even with all seven seats in place, there’s 340 litres of room.

What’s the spec like?

All cars get 20-inch alloy wheels, for instance, alongside an upgraded Canton sound system, which performs well. The black perforated microsuede and artificial leather combination also helps to make the interior of the vRS feel a little more special.

All versions get a 13-inch central infotainment setup, paired with a 10.25-inch virtual cockpit display ahead of the driver. Both are cohesively laid out and easy to navigate, too, with simple tasks such as phone pairing or radio station-switching being pleasantly intuitive.

Verdict

The Kodiaq vRS adds a little extra drama to this practical SUV. It’s got enough punch to feel like something different, while the level of standard equipment is impressive. The good news is that you don’t lose out on any of the practicality that the regular Kodiaq has to offer.

Is it the pick of the range? Probably not. For most occasions, a ‘regular’ Kodiaq brings everything you could want, but if you like having that performance edge – but still want to bring a big family along for the ride – then the vRS could be a good fit.

Facts at a glance

Model as tested: Skoda Kodiaq vRS

Engine: 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol

Power: 261bhp

Torque: 400Nm

Max speed: 143 mph

0-60mph: 6.2 seconds

MPG: 33.8

Emissions: 190-192g/km