Skoda Kodiaq RS 2019 Review
Czech mate launches into the performance SUV segmentWhat’s it all about?
The performance SUV hasn’t really been a mainstream mover in Australia, but the Skoda Kodiaq RS is here to change that.
Oh sure, there are BMW M and Mercedes-AMG luxury SUVs with silly amounts of power and masses of rubber gripping them to the road, but back in planet mainstream it’s all very family-oriented.
However, the Skoda Kodiaq RS could open up a new sales niche for SUV buyers who are after something sharper and wilder that doesn’t cost a fortune.
Skoda gave carsales.com.au a first taste of the RS on tight and twisting Luddenham Raceway in Sydney last week, around six months ahead of its local on sale date early next year.
Sadly, no road driving was allowed of these New Zealand-spec cars.
How much will it cost?
When it gets here the Skoda Kodiaq RS will set you back $65,990 plus on-road costs.
Based on current pricing for other Skoda models such as the Superb large passenger car, that will make the Kodiaq RS the most expensive model in the local Skoda line-up.
At the heart of the Kodiaq RS is a 176kW/500Nm version of Volkswagen’s 2.0-litre twin-turbo diesel engine. It’s the most powerful diesel in the Skoda range.
This is the first time we’ve see it in locally and it’s only coming because of a long-term Volkswagen Group Australia and Audi Australia campaign to get us reclassified as a ‘moderately hot’ country. Before that we were ‘hot weather’ and this car – and others -- were off-limits or detuned.
The engine accelerates the RS to 100km/h in seven seconds via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and an on-demand all-wheel drive system.
Top speed is 221km/h and the claimed fuel consumption average (according to the less reliable European NEDC average) is 6.4L/100km.
The handling side of things is taken care of by RS-tuned dynamic chassis control, which cycles the adaptive dampers through multiple modes, including off-road. The drive mode selector also adjusts the tune of drivetrain, transmission and so on
External giveaways that this is the RS include a specific bumper, full LED headlights, body coloured side mouldings, red brake callipers, twin chrome tailpipes, 20-inch wheels and – of course – that badging.
Inside there’s an RS-specific digital instrument panel, a multi-function sports steering wheel, sports seats with Alcantara/leather and carbon-style trim. There’s abundant red stitching and RS logos abound.
Safety equipment includes nine airbags, a bunch of driver-assist systems led by autonomous emergency braking and adaptive cruise control, a 360-degree camera and fatigue detection.
Comfort and convenience equipment includes wireless smartphone charging, a 9.2-inch touch-screen, digital radio, auto tailgate, tri-zone air-conditioning, electric parking brake, auto parking assist and front/rear heated seats.
The Kodiaq RS is also the first Skoda to use artificial sound enhancing, which it dubs Dynamic Sound Boost. The audio is more aggro sewing machine than rattler.
Like lesser Kodiaq models, the RS is a seven-seater. It also has the usual quirky Skoda features like a removable LED torch and an umbrella.
There are three options; metallic paint for $770, a $1900 panoramic sunroof and $1300 side steps.
The RS will be covered by Skoda’s five-year warranty and guaranteed future value plan. There are also two service packs -- one for $900 that covers three years and a five-year version for $1700.
Why should I buy it?
Well, if you’re into firsts then this is the first Skoda SUV to wear the RS badge – or vRS as it is known in most places apart from Australia.
Of course, the vRS badge is already in Australia thanks to the Octavia, which really is something of a sweety.
Given our very limited experience at Luddenham – a place that most definitely did not allow the Kodiaq RS to stretch out and get comfortable – we won’t yet suggest it has the same depth of sporting appeal.
Locked in most aggressive sport mode with stability control therefore reduced, the engine felt adequate rather than strong. It was stymied by a lack of top-end revs that track-work prefers. Gears can be changed manually via paddles, but it hardly seemed worth it as the engine torqued along.
Rolling on Conti rubber, the chassis balance was entertaining and adjustable. There was push up-front and a willingness to slide in the rear. Abrupt lift-off produced a willingness to drift all four wheels. Electronic diff locks helped reign things in.
Brakes were good and the progressive steering was accurate and quick enough for the tight corners. There was just a sense of height and weight impossible to eradicate from a vehicle like this. At 1913kg, 4699mm long and 1685mm high, that’s all understandable.
It would be great to take the Skoda Kodiaq RS for a long, brisk run on a typically rough and broken edged Aussie country highway and see how it copes. We wouldn’t be surprised if a touring role suited it far better than Luddenham.
When is it available in Australia?
The Skoda Kodiaq RS is available for order now and will be available for delivery late in the first quarter of 2020. So late February onwards is as soon as you can get your hands on one.
Who will it appeal to?
With seven seats and plenty of space in the first two rows for adults and towering teens, the Kodiaq RS is one for families who like to get to where they are going with speed and without – thanks to the diesel engine – sucking down shedloads of fuel.
Where does it fit?
It is a niche offering no doubt. Skoda is a niche brand to start with and diesel is hardly a massive choice among light-duty SUV fans, especially ones with a sporting penchant.
Skoda named a bunch of potential rivals – all of which the RS claimed a distinct price/value advantage over. Surprise!
They included the Volvo XC60 and XC90 D5, Jaguar F-PACE 20d, Ford Everest Titanium (hmm, yep, really stretching now) and the Land Rover Discovery Sport.
But let’s forget the diesel thing for a second and just think medium/large sport SUV and the picture changes. How about a Mazda CX-5 or CX-9 Turbo, or a Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace 162 TSI?
The former probably aren’t upmarket enough to be mentioned and the latter is in-house competition that Skoda never lists in such things.
So, what do we think?
Despite the badge, the location and the pretensions, the Skoda Kodiaq RS seems a gentle beast.
A fizzing turbo-petrol engine might change the equation, as might a lower ride height and a stiffer suspension set-up.
But that’s as a track car. It’s easy to suspect we’ll soon discover the Skoda Kodiaq RS is far more at home on public roads.
How much does the 2020 Skoda Kodiaq RS cost?
Price: $65,990 (plus on-road costs)
Available: February 2020
Engine: 2.0-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder
Output: 176kW/500Nm
Transmission: Seven-speed dual clutch
Fuel: 6.4L/100km (NEDC Combined)
CO2: 167g/km (NEDC Combined)
Safety rating: N/A
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