We finally get to
see the Skoda Kodiaq RS’ exterior completely uncensored. Russian website Autoreview has leaked some of
the official pics, and we came across them via Motor1.
There are no big surprises, really, when it comes to
the design of the new Kodiaq RS performance SUV. It’s a regular Kodiaq fitted
with an RS body kit on the outside and RS interior goodies.
The exterior features standard 20-inch “Xtreme”
alloys shod with 235/45 R20 tires, LED headlights (also standard), and gloss
black treatment for the front grille, a light strip spanning the entire width
of the rear end, as well as more aggressive bumpers. Furthermore, the standard
chrome trim of the regular Kodiaq is black on RS models.
Inside, the fast seven-seat SUV gains new sports
seats with integrated head restraints and suede upholstery, a flat-bottomed
steering wheel, and aluminum pedals. The cabin is spiced up with red stitching
on the seats, steering wheel, gearshift lever gaiter, and door panels.
Other goodies that are standard on the Kodiaq RS
include the virtual instrument cluster, which offers an additional Sport mode,
and the Dynamic Sound Boost system which will trick the passengers into
thinking the engine sounds better than it actually does.
Speaking of the engine, it’s the most powerful
production diesel unit ever fitted to a Skoda. We’re talking about the
2.0-liter TDI biturbo unit that makes 240 PS and 500 Nm of
torque. It’s linked to a seven-speed DSG double-clutch automatic transmission
and an all-wheel-drive system with rear axle coupling.
Performance specs aren’t available yet, but the VW
Tiguan Allspace equipped with the same engine covers the 0 to 100 km/h sprint in 6.7 seconds and tops out at 228 km/h). Similar numbers
should apply to the Kodiaq RS as well. Skoda will start selling the
performance SUV across Europe shortly after its Paris Auto Show debut.
