► Range-topping Skoda Kodiaq vRS driven
► 261bhp, 295lb ft, four-wheel drive and LOTS of space
► Still too family friendly, perhaps
The Skoda Kodiaq vRS is back with scant evidence of surprise and – quite frankly – driving delight. As per vRS norm, this second-generation model is the performance flagship of the Skoda Kodiaq range, but limited to the same power output as high-spec in-house alternatives from Volkswagen and Cupra that don’t get any particularly special badging.
And while 261bhp isn’t to be sniffed at, in a seven-seater SUV this big and a world now filled with electric motors that’s hardly a heart-stopping headline amount of power.
At a glance:
Pros: Well-judged visual upgrades throughout, unflappable engine, poised and competent, masses of passenger and luggage space
Cons: Never exciting to drive, thus not much different to cooking Kodiaqs
What’s new?
Compared with the last Kodiaq vRS, the mk2 gets a modest 20bhp bump from 241bhp to 261bhp – but sticks to the tried and tested 2.0-litre TSI turbo petrol formula. Four-wheel drive is standard, alongside Dynamic Chassis Control adaptive suspension, a host of adjustable driving modes and an artificial engine sound generator that does a passable impression of a V8 in the cabin. This is fun for about 15 minutes, then becomes annoying even at its milder setting; we switched it off.
Bespoke bumpers and 20-inch alloys just about make it possible to tell the difference between this and a Kodiaq Sportline, while the two-piston performance front brake calipers don’t exactly sound like they’ll inspire a lot of confidence. However, the interior makeover looks smart and the contoured front seats are supportive and comfortable over longer distances.
The most important thing about all of this is that the Kodiaq’s fundamental function as an outstanding family wagon is basically undiminished. There’s no punishing ride to put off passengers great or small, and no garish looks to embarrass the kids at the school gates. Just a subtle hint of extra potency over and above a vast well of practical competency.
What are the specs?
The four-cylinder turbo doesn’t employ mild-hybrid or any other form of overtly eco tech. But it does enjoy 295lb ft and will get this near 2.0-tonne bus 0-62mph in 6.4sec. A reliably repeatable figure, thanks to the seven-speed DSG and the 4×4 system.
Top speed is 143mph, with WLTP fuel economy of 33mpg and CO2 emissions of 190-192g/km, depending on final fitted kit. It can actually be pretty efficient on a cruisy motorway trip but will dip to mid-20s and below if you give it some stick.
Of course, what you really want to know is the size of the boot. In five-seater mode, there’s a massive 845 litres of space in the back – and you still get 340 litres with all seven backrests in the upright position. Flatten everything aft of the driver and there’s 2,035 litres of furniture-wrangling paradise to play with. And yes, you can get adults in the third row, albeit not necessarily that comfortably. Depends how bendy they are.
It’ll tow 2.5-tonnes, too. Which is more than any other Kodiaq.
How does it drive?
Well, it’s not exactly greased lightning. But it’s not slow and it resolutely refuses to quit like a barge when presented with a set of corners. Even on the softest suspension setting the body control remains poised and at its most aggressive there’s still enough suppleness to keep your dental work intact. Grip is tenacious when challenged – you can even muck about with the 4×4 settings if you must – and the Kodiaq vRS remains sure-footed at all times.
What it doesn’t quite conjure up is genuine driver involvement or excitement. The steering is quite quick for a vehicle of this type, and it keeps itself well planted. But there’s not a lot of feel and the overall set-up is generally rather inert. For the record, this is probably the correct call, Skoda. Not many people really need a seven-seater family SUV that will set fire to the hedgerows as it passes. Comfort trumps throwing shapes here, and we’re not arguing.
If the vRS stumbles, however, it’s in failing to distance itself enough from the rest of the range. Your humble scribe has spent the last six months driving a 190bhp 4×4 diesel Kodiaq in decidedly unracy SE L trim, and with the optional DCC fitted there’s really not much to separate the vRS’s performance from that of the TDI. Yes, the 261bhp petrol engine is a little punchier – it’s an unflappable and relentless affair, in fact, that’s very difficult to catch out – but it’s not a glaring chasm of a difference and the diesel gets a lot more mpg.
What about the interior?
The vRS interior involves your archetypal red stitching and black microsuede covering every conceivable surface. Nothing offensive, all very nicely done – and well put together. The front seats, as already mentioned, are excellent.
This is all on top of the excellence that is the standard Kodiaq cabin. From the generous passenger space to the intelligently implemented tech, Skoda pretty much leads the way in this area of the market. Safety systems are easily disabled, the infotainment makes sense and the trio of Smart Dials are the very epitome of modernity with ergonomic good sense. Absolutely no complaints.
Before you buy (trims and rivals)
There aren’t many other non-premium seven-seater SUVs with sporty pretensions, though as remarked you can get the same powertrain in a few other five-seater VW Group models, including the Volkswagen Tiguan and the Cupra Terramar.
Even so, and despite the slightly eye-watering £52,595 price tag – before options – Skoda has still delivered plenty of value for money thanks to an extensive standard equipment list. But then, we’d say the same thing about every version of the Kodiaq.
Verdict
The Kodiaq vRS is very likeable, and we’ve a lot of time for the 261bhp 2.0-litre. But the upgrades – such as they are – feel far from essential here. If you like the look and the badge, then go for it. Just remember you’d be getting every bit as impressive a family car if you went for one of the lesser models. Carry on.