2020 ŠKODA Kodiaq RS Review
ŠKODA (pronounced Shko-dah), is a brand that flies under the radar of most buyers.
ŠKODA is one of Volkswagen’s brands. Along with with SEAT, Scania, Bentley, VW, Audi, Porsche, Lamborghini, and Ducati.
Kodiaq RS has an MRRP of $65,990 ($71,990 on road in NSW) with no extra for add-on packages.
It is in the same category (large SUV under $70,000) as Kia Sorento, Hyundai Santafe, Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and Subaru Outback, among others. Kodiaq outsells Holden Trailblazer (no surprise there) but at 180 last month (1054 this year) is a fair way behind Toyota Kluger, and Prado (5851 and 9411 YTD respectively).
The only options are: Metallic Paint – $779, Panoramic Sunroof – $1,900, Side Steps – $1,300.
Outside:
Outside, ŠKODA Kodiaq RS is handsome and deceptively large.
Lines are strong and solid, and generously emblazoned with VRS badges galore.
The Gear
20” wheels are in perfect proportion, and have a MOMO-esque look about them.
Doors have smart locking, and small plastic guards that flick out from inside to protect door edges. There is a brolly in the front door too, like a Rolls Royce.
The tailgate uses a kick-to-open/close function, and LED headlights have auto on, auto adaptive high beam, LED DTRLs, and are rounded off with LED tail lights around back.
How Big is Kodiaq?
ŠKODA Kodiaq RS is bigger than it looks. It is 4699mm long, 1882mm wide, and 1655 high, with a wheelbase of 2791mm.
There are 7 seats, with luggage space limited to 270L with all rows in use. That increases to 630L with the 3rd row folded down. There is a spot under the rear floor to store the luggage blind, which is where most of us will leave it
Above: This Week’s Car Review – 2020 ŠKODA Kodiaq RS 4X4 SUV
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ABOVE: 2020 ŠKODA Kodiaq RS 4X4 7 Seat SUV
Outside:
Outside, ŠKODA Kodiaq RS is handsome and deceptively large.
Lines are strong and solid, and generously emblazoned with VRS badges galore.
The Gear
20” wheels are in perfect proportion, and have a MOMO-esque look about them.
Doors have smart locking, and small plastic guards that flick out from inside to protect door edges. There is a brolly in the front door too, like a Rolls Royce.
The tailgate uses a kick-to-open/close function, and LED headlights have auto on, auto adaptive high beam, LED DTRLs, and are rounded off with LED tail lights around back.
How Big is Kodiaq?
ŠKODA Kodiaq RS is bigger than it looks. It is 4699mm long, 1882mm wide, and 1655 high, with a wheelbase of 2791mm.
There are 7 seats, with luggage space limited to 270L with all rows in use. That increases to 630L with the 3rd row folded down. There is a spot under the rear floor to store the luggage blind, which is where most of us will leave it
Inside:
Kodiaq, very well equipped.
Power front seats have a 3 position memory, are heated, and upholstered in quilted Alcantara, with RS embroidered across the backrest. Rear seats get heating, and a 3rd zone for climate control.
Driver instruments use the VW group’s brilliant Active Display. The full width LCD screen has selectable views displaying a range of information including navigation.
Canton speakers sound crisp and clear, even at full volume and would be worth optioning if they weren’t already included..
The centre stack is topped by a 9.2” LCD touch screen. The system responds fast, includes Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and DAB. Siri will only work in cell range, and although the ŠKODA has built in voice control, it needs activation by a dealer.
Overhead, a full-length sunshine roof and internal shade.
The drive:
We covered about 500km this week in twisting country roads, dirt tracks, and open highway..
Active cruise control, active blind spot monitoring, and AEB, at like a guardian, as diriver-support systems
ŠKODA Kodiaq RS won’t let you change lanes if it thinks there is someone in your blind spot either.
The 176kw/500Nm 2.0L turbo-diesel is the most powerful to date in an Australian ŠKODA. Kodiaq RS has fancy drive modes for off-roading. The rather good AWD system that flicks between two and four-wheel drive depending on the surface and grip.
There are further drive modes for road use, one of which is programmable for throttle, steering, gearbox, and suspension changes..
We had a brilliant time cavorting about the countryside.
Conclusion:
There is much to like about ŠKODA Kodiaq RS. The performance is brisk. It has the comfort of a much more expensive car, and the space of a much bigger car. No one really buys SUVs to go off-road. ŠKODA knows that, so they’ve built a car that can be used as intended, without wasting money on features drivers don’t want.
ŠKODA Kodiaq RS is excellent value, handsome, and a bloody good drive.
Price: $65,990
Engine: 2.0L 4 cyl bi-turbo Diesel
Power: 176kw/500Nm
Trans: 7 speed DSG
Econ: 6.2L/100k
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