Skoda Kodiaq RS

• The Skoda Kodiaq RS is powered by a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, TSI petrol engine. This powertrain makes 261bhp and 400Nm of torque, which is 61bhp and 80Nm more than the standard Kodiaq.

• Transmission duties are handled by a seven-speed DSG (dual clutch) automatic unit.

• This sporty AWD SUV is claimed to sprint from zero to 100kmph in just 6.3 seconds, and it can touch a top speed of 231kmph.

• The Kodiaq RS takes you by surprise, feeling remarkably light and eager, quite atypical of the persona one would expect from a full-size family SUV.

• The power delivery remains smooth and linear. It builds pace with confidence rather than jolting the occupants.

• The Sports mode adds an audible grunt via the speakers, albeit artificial, it adds to the experience. Its mannerisms in Normal mode remain civilised.

• The seven-speed DSG executes upshifts with seamless refinement, and the paddle shifters are a bit short but well placed.

Skoda Kodiaq RS Key Specifications:

• It is based on the MQB Evo platform that underpins many models within the Volkswagen ecosystem.

• The addition of the Dynamic Chassis Control Plus adaptive suspension system uses two valves per damper, one each for compression and rebound. This suspension system offers 15 stages of adjustability.

• It stays well-balanced and relaxed in comfort mode. When switched to Sport mode, the suspension noticeably tightens, body roll drops, and it awakens a new character.

• The steering system is progressive, offering an accurate and well-weighted feel that is surprisingly sharp for an SUV of this size.

• The suspension handles Indian road imperfections with confidence, but sharp-edged potholes are felt more due to large low-profile tyres.

• The Kodiaq RS mostly carries the same silhouette and overall design as the regular Kodiaq, the mid-spec Sportline in particular.

• At the front, it gets a slightly more aggressive bumper and a blacked-out grille with an illuminated DRL line.

• Its headlights get the slit design with LED DRLs in both clusters.

• It stands out more from the sides, featuring sporty 20-inch alloy wheels with a petal-like design and red brake callipers.

• Its blacked-out D-pillar also gives it an edgy look from the sides.

• The blacked-out ORVMs have an integrated turn-signal LED DRL strip.

• At the rear, it gets a reworked rear bumper, a sleek spoiler, and sleek LED taillights.

• The vRS badging at the rear also helps communicate that this is the exclusive version.

• The mesh-design bumper and dual chrome exhaust tips also add a sporty persona to the rear of this full-size SUV.

• It can be had in four colour options, namely Velvet Red, Steel Grey, Moon White and Magic Black.

• The Kodiaq RS has a long list of features, including a panoramic sunroof, seven seats, and three-zone climate control.

• Its panoramic sunroof also comes equipped with blinds for more control over the amount of light you want to let in.

• It gets two screens on the dashboard, a large 12.9-inch infotainment display and a 10.24-inch instrument cluster with a sporty theme and layout.

• The 12.9-inch infotainment touchscreen gets wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity.

• Its front seats come equipped with ventilation, heating, electric adjustability, a massage function, thigh-support extension, and memory features.

• Other features include a 360-degree camera system and special Skoda umbrellas in the driver's door compartment.

• It features two dials to control the air conditioning, heating, and cooling of the front seats, while the centre smart dial is customisable to handle fan speed and drive modes.

• It gets a 13-speaker Canton sound system that produces genuinely impressive output after a bit of tuning.

• It gets steering-mounted controls for various functions, to limit removing the hand from the steering wheel while driving.

• The instrument cluster delivers navigation, vehicle condition, speed, trip data and other key information.

• It also features dual wireless charging and USB Type-C ports.

• It also gets rear AC vents with separate control and display for maximum rear passenger comfort and convenience.

• Its interiors get the sporty black upholstery with red accents throughout, it elegantly communicates its sporty intent.

• It gets red stitching across the seats along with RS motifs on the headrest.

• The front sport seats are also larger than the standard Kodiaq and get perforated leather upholstery.

• Other notable visual details include the RS-spec three-spoke steering wheel and two large infotainment display units.

• Its steering wheel also gets vRS badging along with perforated detailing.

• The cabin is also full of manual buttons and controls that make the cabin feel more engaging.

• The front row seats in the Kodiaq RS provide broad shoulder room and lateral support. Additional features such as ventilation and massage add to the comfort quotient.

• This seven-seater SUV measures 4761mm in length, 1864mm in width, and 2789mm in wheelbase, which is more or less the same as the regular version.

• The front seats get thigh support extenders to better cater to occupants with different body proportions.

• It offers plenty of space in the first two rows, but the third row felt a bit cramped.

• The second row seats are split into a more diverse 40:20:40 section with a headrest for the middle occupant too.

• The Skoda Kodiaq RS is a seven-seater SUV with many storage compartments throughout the cabin.

• It gets an upper and lower glovebox, cupholders, centre-console storage, and 1.5-litre bottle holders in all four doors.

• Its boot space is 281 litres, which can be extended to 786 litres by folding the third row, and 1976 litres by folding the second row.

• It comes equipped with dual gloveboxes, a traditional one and an upper unit that also gets a cooling function.

• The rear seats get a decently big armrest with three cup holders.

• It also gets Skoda's signature umbrella pockets neatly tucked in the front doors.

• The 12.9-inch infotainment touchscreen in the Kodiaq RS is one of the better units in its segment.

• It gets wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functions, and they work reliably.
• The overall interface is designed in an organised manner, and it doesn't feel overwhelming. The large screen size also adds to the experience.

• The infotainment unit can be used to tweak ADAS, 360-degree camera, vehicle settings, ambient lighting, climate control, drive modes, etc.

• The display is decently bright even under direct sunlight, ergonomic, and has options for different colour schemes and themes.

• The 13-speaker sound system by Canton also delivers a rich sound experience.

• It gets nine airbags as standard, including two at the front, two curtains, two front sides, two rear sides, and one at the centre.
• It also comes equipped with a Level-2 ADAS suite and a 360-degree camera system.

• The TSI engine feels smooth and well-insulated, with well-contained vibrations. The extra power and polish are delivered in a very refined manner.

• Road noise does filter through on rougher road surfaces, due to the large 20-inch alloys and low-profile tyres.

• The long-distance experience feels comfortable and not tiring.