Skip advert
Advertisement

The new Skoda Kodiaq vRS is a 261bhp family hauler

The Skoda Kodiaq vRS goes into 2025 with 261bhp, courtesy of the Golf GTI’s 2-litre turbocharged engine

Skoda has revealed the new Skoda Kodiaq vRS, based on the second generation of the successful seven-seat family SUV with more power, more toys, and the kind of sporty styling we’ve come to expect from vRS products.

It packs the ubiquitous EA888 2-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 261bhp and 295lb ft – a 20bhp and 23lb ft bump compared to before and matching outputs of its Cupra Terramar cousin. That’s fed to all four wheels via a seven-speed DSG transmission, allowing this potent family hauler to crack 62mph in 6.4 seconds, on the way to a 144mph top speed. And it’ll do it (or something close to that) with six other occupants on board because in the UK, the Kodiaq vRS is exclusively available as a seven-seater.

Complementing the extra power is a suite of performance-oriented equipment including Dynamic Chassis Control Plus with two-valve adaptive damping. This gives access to 15 damper settings to offer comfort and compliance or a more sporting feel. Two-piston calipers come as standard on the front axle, clamping ventilated discs. On the move you can choose between Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport and Snow driving modes, with Individual allowing customisation of the chassis, steering, powertrain and more.

Advertisement - Article continues below
Skip advert
Advertisement
Advertisement - Article continues below

The vRS brand has cultivated quite a reputation for sharp sporty styling over the years, and that continues with the new Kodiaq vRS. Black detailing front to rear is complemented by 20-inch ‘Elias’ alloy wheels as standard. The front and rear bumpers feature sharper shapes, with big angular exhausts at the rear finishing it off. The vRS gets Skoda’s most advanced LED Matrix lights too, which feature an animated welcome effect as well as cornering functions.

On the inside there’s suede and red accenting on the sports seats, door panels, armrest and dashboard to keep up the sportier feel. If you opt for the ‘vRS Suite’ design selection, you get perforated leather instead, with seat ventilation.

The hot Kodiaq also gets a sports steering wheel as standard, and if you look down, you’ll find stainless steel pedals. A 10-inch virtual cockpit and 10-inch infotainment system come as standard, though buyers can upgrade to a 13-inch screen if they tick the box for the technology package. A Canton sound system is included, too.

The new Kodiaq vRS is expected to go on sale next year. Prices are yet to be disclosed but expect a jump from the previous car’s c£46,000 cost of entry.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Maserati Levante (2016 - 2024) review – Italy's answer to the Porsche Cayenne
Maserati Levante Trofeo – front cornering
Reviews

Maserati Levante (2016 - 2024) review – Italy's answer to the Porsche Cayenne

An accomplished and appealing SUV with a breadth of capabilities, character and identity that set it apart from its rivals
21 Jan 2025
Audi RS6 GT 2025 review – has Audi made a BMW M5 CS rival?
Audi RS6 GT
Reviews

Audi RS6 GT 2025 review – has Audi made a BMW M5 CS rival?

The petrol-powered RS6 super-estate is going out in a blaze of glory with the bombastic GT, complete with 1980s racing battledress. What’s not to like…
20 Jan 2025
Land Rover Defender Octa 2025 review – a 911 GT3 off-roader
Land Rover Defender OCTA
Reviews

Land Rover Defender Octa 2025 review – a 911 GT3 off-roader

It’s the most extreme Defender yet and also the best, with a character that marks it out as both unique and unexpected thrill to drive
20 Jan 2025
Lotus Eletre 2025 review – is Hethel's 'hyper SUV' a Cayenne killer?
Lotus Eletre front
Reviews

Lotus Eletre 2025 review – is Hethel's 'hyper SUV' a Cayenne killer?

The Eletre is the most ambitious Lotus yet, tasked with selling in volumes to shore up the firm's bottom line.
8 Jan 2025
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New performance cars that depreciate the least (and most)
Porsche Taycan Turbo GT and Cayman GT4 RS
News

New performance cars that depreciate the least (and most)

What new cars depreciate the least after three years or 36,000 miles? These projections feature some predictable models and some surprises…
17 Jan 2025
Renault Sport Clio 200 Turbo – the car world's greatest misses
Renault Sport Clio 200 Turbo
Features

Renault Sport Clio 200 Turbo – the car world's greatest misses

This misguided departure from the French brand’s hot hatch heritage saw the Clio fall from grace
18 Jan 2025
Toyota GR Yaris 2025 review – the modern homologation special gets even better
Toyota GR Yaris – front
In-depth reviews

Toyota GR Yaris 2025 review – the modern homologation special gets even better

Toyota’s GR Yaris was always brilliant but has received a number of key and welcome updates. It’s even better but also, a lot more expensive.
17 Jan 2025