right from 1750rpm all the way to 4500rpm,
with a redline of 5000rpm. Skoda claims the
SUV will do 0-100 in 7 seconds flat — brilliant
for such a large car. It’s no Urus, but it is quick.
The DSG plays no small part in this, seamlessly
shifting up the gears as you get a move on
with very momentary breaks in torque. The
Kodiaq RS sounds rather nice as well. There’s
a burble at idle and it growls aggressively as
the revs climb. The sound is artificial, created
by an actuator near the tailpipe, but there’s
no denying it adds character to the way the
Kodiaq RS drives. It’s not particularly dramatic
— no crackles and pops — just a muted growl
as you give it the beans.
- Quick, handles well for a seven-seater, 'Ring lap record bragging rights - Can't buy one in India evo rating (^) ;;;34
Engine
1968cc, inline 4-cyl, twin-turbo diesel
Power
236bhp @ 4000rpm
Torque
500Nm @ 1750-2500rpm
0-100kmph
7sec (claimed)
Top speed
220kmph
Transmission
7-speed DCT
Price
`45 lakh (estimated)
Specification
There’s a burble at
idle and it growls
aggressively as
the engine's revs
climb higher
SKODA KODIAQ RS
To p : Cabin layout is familiar. Above: vRS badge
always manages to spike heart rates. Right: Large
wheels with red calipers look hot. Below: Red
reflector strip is an RS signature
The Kodiaq was always very well behaved
around corners, but this one dials it up a notch.
The steering is sharp and it turns in quick —
you almost forget you’ve got five full seats
behind you. The Kodiaq RS gets a dynamic
steering system that alters the weight, it feels
tight and direct at speed but lightens it up for
when you need more steering lock in urban
conditions.
The suspension is another highlight. The
Kodiaq RS swaps out its passive dampers for
dynamic ones. They are taut enough to keep
the Kodiaq very composed through quick
directional changes, and yet, ride quality isn’t
compromised.
The Octavia RS has been discontinued
in India at least until the next generation
car comes along, and yet, there is a huge
demand for it still. Skoda isn't bringing the
Kodiaq RS to India just yet, but they certainly
should consider it. India is an SUV-obsessed
market and a fast SUV checks all the right
boxes. Maybe it is the right RS car to keep the
enthusiasts excited about Skoda until we see
the next Octavia RS? L
Aatish Mishra (@whatesh)