“Hello. What’s this here?” I had climbed up into the cabin of the new one.
Skoda
The Kodiaq vRS and I pushed the start button. Expecting it to ignite, it merely rumbled. Much like a genuine vintage American V8, which you can still come across nowadays.
Ford Mustang
, say. Surprise!
I pondered in my daydream, could it be that
VW Group
, loyal guardians of the Skoda brand for twenty-five years, opted to incorporate the company’s superior V8 engine, similar to those used in their athletic Audis, into
Bentleys
Into, um, a seven-seat Skoda SUV? Were car enthusiasts now calling the shots? Did somebody from corporate headquarters who liked showing off qualifications suddenly decide to add some humor? Or was this an appropriately Kafkaesque experiment performed on the usually mundane Kodiaq just for fun?
Unfortunately, not entirely accurate. The distinctive rumble is synthetically created and sounds convincing at first listen, coming from both interior and exterior speakers within the vehicle. To be honest, I found myself enjoying this simulated soundtrack. It may lack Dvorak’s finesse, yet it remains rousing nevertheless. This feature doesn’t always succeed when implemented in cars; think of it as vastly different from those annoying “injured cow” sounds emitted by electric
Abarth 500
used to create, for instance).
What stands out positively about the Kodiaq is that both its performance and appearance live up to expectations. The vehicle utilizes a 2-liter four-cylinder engine sourced directly from the Golf GTI, which naturally adds significant appeal. Although adding this engine contributes an extra 300 kilograms of weight, it doesn’t hinder the driving experience; instead, it makes the Kodiaq quite enjoyable to pilot. Coupled with the smooth operation of the automatic transmission system and the added stability provided by all-wheel-drive technology, the car becomes genuinely fun to drive—even without relying solely on auditory feedback for enjoyment.
Just like today, drivers have the flexibility to toggle among different “driving modes” based on preference, and they also have the option to customize specific features such as braking, suspension, and acceleration according to personal taste. The Kodiaq boasts ample ground clearance and includes an exclusive off-road setting designed to help maximize its capabilities for exciting excursions.
There aren’t many genuinely sporty SUVs available, and maybe that seems somewhat paradoxical. However, the Volkswagen Group/Skoda engineering team has developed something as comfortable and dynamic as anything close to a Bentley Bentayga or some of those lively Range Rovers. The vehicle comes equipped with typical fine Skoda features such as a small ticket holder mounted on the windshield, an included umbrella inside the door, and a compartment beneath the trunk for storing the cargo cover. Furthermore, when all the seats are folded flat, there’s ample room to transport large items like a wardrobe.
The spec
Skoda Kodiaq vRS
Price:
$55,430 (as tested. Prices for the range start at $36,395)
Engine capacity:
2.0-liter gasoline, 4-cylinder, 7-speed automatic transmission
Power output (PS):
265
Top speed (mph):
143
0 to 60 (seconds):
6.4
Fuel economy (mpg):
33.3
CO2 emissions (WLTP, g/km):
192
Despite being released in 2023, advancements in electronics make the cabin of the Kodiaq seem somewhat outdated when contrasted with its contemporary and cutting-edge internal competitor, the
Volkswagen Tayron
, which I had the chance to test out lately. This version features larger and more attractive touchscreen displays, and the adaptive cruise control has been relocated directly onto the steering wheel (in contrast, the Kodiaq still places it on a cumbersome stalk behind the wheel). In all other aspects, they remain nearly identical.
Nevertheless, the Skoda remains fairly modern, and it has an edge when it comes to ease of use since it uses conventional knobs and buttons for climate control and sound system adjustments. The interior trim consists of faux suede, leather accents, red stitching, with small vRS badges scattered throughout; currently, the Tayron offers a subtler design (although certain models do feature the same engine found in the Golf GTI).
The Kodiaq vRS undoubtedly boasts a bolder design with its large wheels and more assertive “facelift” – including the audio enhancements – which make it stand out prominently on the road. To avoid being overly flattering, I must say that over many years, possibly since before the era of the Iron Curtain, Skoda hasn’t created an unattractive vehicle as far as I know. This applies whether we’re talking about Rapides, Octavias, Favorits, or Roomsters.
Enyaqs
– modest masterpieces, all.
The irony lies in the fact that despite its large size, this model isn’t quite as adept at accommodating seven adults—its intended purpose—as some competing vehicles do. Actually, the farthest-back seats (similar to those in its Tayron counterpart) are really just appropriate for young children rather than teenagers or, let me add, middle-aged gentlemen who aren’t particularly tall. If you’re looking for something better suited for grown-ups, I would recommend considering models designed with older passengers in mind.
I recently tested the Mazda CX-80.
, which has a more professional approach but is slightly less enjoyable.
However, for those looking for a distinct type of SUV that adeptly combines the attributes many of us desire in our vehicles—space, functionality, and maneuverability—the Kodiaq vRS represents a significant enhancement within the automobile industry. This could potentially carve out a fresh segment. The next step? Insert a V8 engine.
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