New Skoda Kodiaq vRS gets more power and the same everyday usability

And, as the 2019 vRS holds the lap record for seven-seaters at the Nürburgring, it can even claim some kudos. We wouldn’t be surprised if the new model launched a fresh assault on the record – test cars are already lapping the Green Hell.  

Sadly (and understandably because they don’t sell), the new vRS is not a diesel like the original model, which had a hilariously throaty sound synthesiser that rumbled like a V8 under part throttle and had the torque to make the noise sound vaguely believable.

Instead, it gets the same 2.0-litre petrol as the model it directly replaces, sending out 265PS (185kW) – 20PS (15kW) more than before – and 400Nm (295lb ft) of torque to all four wheels through a seven-speed twin-clutch gearbox. The old diesel pumped out a thumping 500Nm (369lb ft) of torque ideally suited to hulking a large SUV and could return more than 45mpg doing it. 

But that said, the new petrol model is significantly quicker, getting from 0-62mph in 6.4 seconds as it rolls on to its 144mph top speed. A Dynamic Sound Boost also enhances its engine noise, but expect it to be somewhat less bombastic than the diesel smoker. Skoda has revealed fuel economy figures, but expect it to improve on the 31.7mpg claimed by the old petrol. 

Handling should also have improved thanks to the DCC Plus system’s dampers which give a wider, 15-stage range of adjustment. Skoda’s also uprated the brakes, adding ventilated discs all round and two-pot callipers at the front of seven-seater models.

In terms of styling, the Kodiaq gets the full vRS treatment with 20-inch alloy wheels, plenty of moody shiny black plastics, red-painted brake callipers and a pair of large exhaust openings – although they could be fake shrouds hiding more underwhelming pipes underneath, it is hard to tell from the pics. Paint options include one solid and seven metallics, including the new Bronx Gold. 

Skoda has also lavished the vRS with a healthy standard equipment list, including the company’s clever anti-dazzle Matrix LED headlights, keyless entry and an uprated Canton stereo. 

From there, you get two models to choose from. With the vRS Lounge specification you get a Microsuede (Alcantara-like) interior with electrically adjustable front seats and ambient lighting. Upgrading to vRS Suite swaps the Microsuede for leather-look upholstery and adds a ventilation function to the front seats. Heated rear seats are optional on both specification lines. 

Of course, the vRS gets all the features of the new Kodiaq, including good things like its new infotainment (with physical buttons that make it easy to use on the move) and bad points like the questionable new styling with a bags-under-the-eyes front end and strange floating D pillars that are lost in the vast expanse of car surrounding them. It’s not an ugly car, nor is it as conventionally handsome as the old model.

Sadly, as with the basic car, a price hike is likely on the cards for the vRS, but expect it to start at less than £45,000 when Skoda confirms the sum.