New Skoda Kodiaq VRS 2019 Review

The Volkswagen Group has gone GTI loopy in recent years, with numerous particular-edition VW Golfs and new Polo and up! GTI models. It has even spun off SEAT’s efficiency division Cupra right into a standalone brand in its personal proper. Skoda has experienced the exact opposite, though, with bosses being targeted on building practical family cars designed to cash in on the SUV boom. Yes, there was the stalwart Octavia vRS however ever for the reason that Fabia vRS hot hatch was killed off in 2013, Skoda’s efficiency brand has appeared a little bit sorry for itself. Skoda is adamant the vRS badge hasn’t been forgotten about, although. As a clear assertion of intent the Czech brand revealed the Vision RS Concept at this year’s Paris Motor Show, and alongside it was the Kodiaq vRS. Three months on, we’ve had our first probability to try the second of these vehicles. It would appear as if Skoda has combined the vRS parts fans know and love right into a sensible SUV shape - and that’s just about what it's.

There’s a 237bhp 2.0-litre twin-turbo diesel engine and loads of go-faster bits reminiscent of extra aggressive bumpers, 20-inch alloys, twin exhausts and black trim for the grille, window surrounds and mirror caps; there’s even a brand new vRS badge too. It appears really relatively wonderful and sometimes vRS - sporting, without being over the top. But strangely, there’s no drop in journey peak over the Kodiaq ‘warm’ Sportline mannequin. Inside there’s lots of pink detailing with stitching for the leather-based and Alcantara sports activities seats (that are also electrically adjustable with memory function), steering wheel and armrests, and diamond-patterned black stitching on the door cards. There’s carbon fibre-impact trim and a 9.2-inch touchscreen, and ambient lighting with 10 colours and Skoda’s Virtual Cockpit are all thrown in too. The vRS can also be a seven-seater only - there’s no 5 seat choice like in entry-stage Kodiaqs. Press the starter button and preliminary impressions are the vRS drives in the same manner to the Kodiaq Sportline.

Both cars have 20-inch wheels with low-profile tyres and on poor surfaces there’s a slight harshness to the way in which the two vehicles deal with bumps and ridges. The vRS comes with Dynamic Chassis Control with adaptive dampers; dial it up into Sport mode and there’s more jiggle but with it comes better body control. The truth is, attack a corner and the vRS does a really spectacular job at containing its sheer dimension. The steering is correct but devoid of feel and while the vRS will get a progressive set-up, which provides additional weight the faster you go, it feels slightly synthetic. Speaking of artificial, the vRS additionally will get Dynamic Sound Boost; it’s an actuator fitted to the exhaust that provides faux noise into the cabin and only really comes into effect in Sport mode. It’s designed to make the diesel engine sound slightly fruitier but it surely fails as it creates a bizarre, drony tune that simply isn’t wanted. It sounds good on the outside, although. The twin-turbo 2.0-litre diesel is fairly punchy, with its fullest effect coming when overtaking slower traffic, because the engine’s 500Nm of torque offers it quickfire responses. It’s matched up to the usual VW Group seven-velocity DSG box and whereas it’s a bit sluggish in a Kodiaq Sportline 2.0-litre 190, here’s it’s noticeably sharper. That stated, it’s quick however never genuinely speedy, and the engine doesn’t seem overtly sporting for a sizzling SUV. The vRS should be the proper automobile with a practical interior, an SUV body and refined sporty styling. In lots of respects it's but the car’s large downside is how much Skoda is charging for it.

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