Škoda Kodiaq RS. Škoda’s most powerful SUV
The Škoda Kodiaq RS is a sporty version of the mid-size Kodiaq SUV launched in 2018. The RS index shows that the manufacturer has used all of its motorsport achievements, which are quite numerous. ‘RS’ stands for ‘Rally Sport’. The first time these letters appeared on the Škoda 180 RS and 200 RS rally cars back in 1974. In 1981, the 130 RS won the European Touring Car Championship. The first production Rally Sport model was the 2000 Škoda Octavia RS.
Before releasing the Kodiaq RS, Škoda tested it at the Nürburgring’s Nordschleife. And the Czech family SUV set the speed record among 7-seater SUVs, conquering the loop in just 9:29 minutes. The first generation Kodiaq RS has been produced from 2018 to the present day, and was restyled in 2021. It is not officially delivered to Israel, unlike the “regular” Kodiaq. But it’s worth talking about it, as it is the first and very successful sports crossover of the Czech brand and the most powerful Škoda diesel vehicle.
Israeli buyers of the new Škoda Kodiaq can choose between a front-wheel drive SUV and a 4×4 version, both equipped with turbocharged engines. The front-wheel drive Kodiaq is equipped with either a 1.5-liter gasoline or 2-liter diesel engine with 150 hp. The all-wheel drive Kodiaq is also equipped with a 2-liter gasoline or diesel engine with an output of 190 hp. All engines are complemented by a 7-speed robotic gearbox.
Exterior
The new Škoda Kodiaq RS looks like a typical Škoda, that is, the vehicle is unpretentious and functional. The design is impeccable, and therefore somewhat boring. Some elements emphasize the sporty nature of the SUV, including a toothy radiator grille, a slightly lowered rear part of the roof, and 20-inch wheels.
Interior
The interior of the 2021/2022 Škoda Kodiaq RS combines sporty style and functionality typical of the Czech brand. The interior is spacious and practical. The vehicle has all the modern options and functions that currently exist. It is worth noting the Škoda Media Command 2.0 application, through which you can control the vehicle’s infotainment system via a tablet. The 5-seater SUV has a trunk with a volume of 0.6 cubic meters, whereas the 7-seater version offers a volume of 0.23 cubic meters.
Engines and chassis
The most powerful Kodiaq comes with a 2.0-liter twin-turbocharged TDI engine that develops 240 hp and accelerates the SUV to 100 km/h in 7 seconds. The maximum speed reaches 220 km/h. The engine is highly efficient, consuming 6 liters of diesel fuel per 100 km. CO2 emissions are 157 g/km. The engine has direct fuel injection, stop-start system and braking energy recovery. And it even has a special device that improves the natural sound of the exhaust system, making it sound more powerful. The engines are accompanied by a 7-speed DSG.
The new Škoda Kodiaq RS is an all-wheel drive SUV. The dampers are adjustable according to the driver’s preferences and the terrain. But that doesn’t make it an off-roader. The most powerful Kodiaq is still the hero of city streets and intercity spaces with normal roads.
Safety
As for safety, the sporty Kodiaq has seven airbags, an autonomous braking system with a pedestrian motion sensor, as well as a secondary collision braking system. Naturally, the vehicle received the highest 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating.
