NEW CAR REVIEW By Ross Kiddie Skoda Kodiaq RS There’s no denying sport utility vehicles are the cars of choice for today’s buyer. Sales figures globally are heavily biased in that direction. The choice is overwhelming, especially in the mid-size sector. If family or recreational requirements facilitate the need for an SUV, but you want something just a little bit different in your purchase – something biased towards sporty – then Skoda has the car for you, the Kodiaq RS. The Kodiaq has been with us for a year or two now, and it lands here in three variants, an entry-level model at $41,990, a high-grade Sportline at $64,990, and just recently an RS model has joined the ranks. The RS sits at $72,990 and is characterised by its flashy looks, inside and out, and high power driveline. Herein lies a secret. Under the bonnet sits a 2-litre diesel engine, and while you wouldn’t ordinarily expect diesel to be the basis for performance, you have to remember that Skoda, in the past has had many sports models with diesel engines, and I can report that is a concept the company does very well, even in motorsport. In the Kodiaq, the turbocharged fourcylinder unit pumps out 176kW and a feisty 500Nm at the bottom end. The latter is the ingredient that makes the RS so special, not only is the specific output high, maximum torque is available from 1750rpm to 2500rpm, which is the area where the engine wants to constantly work. As a result, there is dynamic engine performance, mid-range boost will offer a 4.2sec overtaking time (80-120km/h), and an off-the-mark time of 7sec to make 100km/h from a standstill. Even if you aren’t in a hurry, there is a constant willingness from the engine that tantalises the driver, and if you take into account there is manufactured exhaust sound which throbs constantly, the RS is hard to drive without wanting to give it some freedom. There are several drive modes, and depending on which is activated the exhaust sound can be encouraged or left in a more subtle tone. The Kodiaq is also a pretty useful off-roader, there are modes which channel power more usefully through the four-wheel-drive platform. There is also another element which adds spice to the driveline, power is channeled through a seven-speed direct shift transmission, and this configuration is one of my favourites. DSG is more of a manual-type gearbox, although there are only two foot pedals; the beauty of this is the lack of load through the transmission, engine power is mostly unimpeded, and with quick shifts the feeling of performance is well enhanced. I took the test car through some of the tight, hilly roads close to Sheffield, and although the weather had closed in and the roads were greasy I felt at ease in the RS. Grip in the first instance is supplied by sticky Pirelli Scorpion tyres (235/45 x 20in) and they offer substantial steering feel along with direct turn-in. It has to be remembered the Kodiaq has traditional SUV handling, it sits high at almost 1.7m, and with long-travel suspension it isn’t as nimble as a sedan, however, the spring and damper rates arrest body movement well, along with the parameters that allow for high occupant comfort. You’d expect nothing less from this Czech Republic manufacturer which has drawn significant build quality direction from the Volkswagen group. Perhaps one of the most exciting aspects the RS offers is the point-to-point ability, it will lunge out of corner and blast without lag through the paddle shift system to the Page 34 Price: Skoda Kodiaq RS, $72,990 Dimensions: Length, 4699mm; width, 2087mm; height, 1685mm Configuration: Four-cylinder, four-wheel-drive, 1968cc, 176kW, 500Nm, seven-speed automatic Performance: 0-100km/h, 7sec Fuel usage: 7.7l/100km point where speed needs to be chiseled off, high grade brakes take care of that and with the grip naturally associated with four-wheel-drive the RS feels well attached to the road, it is dynamic and forceful when asked to respond. This is all from a car which has a vastly different role to play as well, it is the quintessential mid-size seven-seater that also looks after its occupants in terms of fitment and specification and safety. At $73k it needs to be well appointed, and I can report it leaves little to chance. It also has fuel economy on its side, Skoda claims a combined cycle average of 7.7-litres per 100km (36mpg). It takes a very special car to win the New Zealand Motoring Writer’s Guild Car of the Year Award and the Kodiaq took honours for 2017. Obviously, that recognition speaks for itself, the RS adds another ingredient into the equation, it certainly captured my attention with its performance, economy yet practicality all thrown in for good measure.
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