The hot Skoda Kodiaq vRS will return with a new lighter and more powerful turbocharged petrol engine as part of as part of a wider mid-life facelift for the large SUV.
The performance version of the Skoda seven-seater previously used a 236bhp twin-turbo diesel engine, but the Skoda Kodiaq vRS diesel was taken off sale last year due to tightening emissions regulations.
The Skoda Kodiaq vRS will now use the VW Group’s 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, which offers a higher output of 241bhp and is more than 60kg lighter than the diesel previously used. It retains all-wheel-drive and a seven-speed DSG gearbox.
Skoda has yet to give full performance details for the new model, but taking the same-engined version of the similarly sized Seat Tarraco as an indicator, we would expect a 0-62mph time of just over 6.0secs and a top speed of 140mph.
As before, the Kodiaq vRS features a number of bespoke styling details to set it apart from standard versions of the SUV, including a revamped gloss black grille, black window frames and roof rails and a new bespoke front bumper. It also sits on revised 20in alloy wheels finished in metallic black.
The interior features red vRS stitching on the upholstery, and is offered with Skoda’s Virtual Cockpit as standard. That 10.25in digital info display features an extra Sport layout option, which gives prominence to the speedometer and rev counter.
The revisions to the vRS are part of a wider refresh for the Kodiaq, which launched in 2016 and has sold more than 600,000 units worldwide.
The revised Kodiaq vRS will go on sale in July. Pricing details have yet to be set, but a small increase over the previous version, which started from £42,870, is expected.
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What exactly is this vehicle meant to be the answer to? Expect to see them in droves sat on suburban driveways going mostly nowhere except the local supermarket, at great expense to owners and the environment alike.
I can't quite remember the exact figures but wasn't that £42870 the original price when the vRS was launched? For some reason I think when the model was dropped, the price had increased to nearer £45k which was nuts. Launching the car in Tdi only form was also pretty nuts. Seems strange having to drop it a car so soon after launch due to failing emissions, personally I think it's an excuse because to the lay person, it's not hard to see why it didn't sell.
Looks just like the previous vRS but for one small detail, those alloys. If they don't offer other options, this MY22 vRS will sell in even less numbers.
How can you trust a word of this article when the very first paragraph contains a glaring error. The Kodiaq is a medium-sized SUV, not a large one.