Skoda Kodiaq RS sketched

The Skoda Kodiaq RS will be revealed at the 2018 Paris motor show in early in October and although it won't look quite as dramatic as these first official sketches, it's our first look at the car's overall design.

The big, chunky performance SUV has already claimed the seven-seat vehicle lap record around the Nurburgring with a 9:29.84 time, and Skoda is hoping its flagship SUV will elevate the Czech brand's status in the eyes of prospective buyers.

Powered by a 2.0-litre twin-turbo diesel that makes its way into the Volkswagen Tiguan, the new Skoda Kodiaq RS should pump out 177kW and 500Nm of torque.

If it's anything like the Tiguan, it will sprint to 100km/h in 6.5 seconds. Top speed for the wild-looking but family-friendly transport? It could be close to an eye-watering 230km/h.

The first SUV to bear Skoda's RS initials, the Czech brand says the new model will feature gloss-black highlights to "accentuate the dynamic appearance of the new, top-of-the-range SUV".

The window frames, wing mirrors and roof rails are also finished in gloss-black to contrast with a new metallic Race Blue paint job.

Other highlights include "sporty contours" and a wide, 3D-effect radiator grille, a bold twin-outlet exhaust system and 20-inch Xtreme alloy wheels.

Hidden behind the big wheels are upgraded brakes with red callipers and an adaptive damping system dubbed Dynamic Chassis Control with four different modes.

Skoda Australia is keen to offer a halo model for its SUV range in Australia, but its general manager of corporate communications Paul Pottinger said the 'hot-climate' designation of our market may rule it out for release here, or potentially see its power output reduced.

"As a business we're making representations to get the hot-climate designation changed. It's something we're talking the factory [in Germany] about," he said.