Performance model achieves more zest as whole line gains fresh look and more tech.

POTENTIALLY being among first right hand drive markets for the most potent version of a big hit Skoda won’t keep that variant from landing here until after its mainstream kin.

However, the wait for the Kodiaq RS (top image) will be nothing like it has been for the everyman editions (directly above) that will precede it - a matter of months, versus more than a year.

RS is an important model for Skoda New Zealand, as it achieves more volume than any other variant of this large sports utility vehicle. Kodiaq in all forms is also the biggest seller to private buyers.

The type is set to arrive next July, so around five months behind the latest generation car in its more family-minded formats.

However, RS only revealed to the world last month; Skoda head office held a big unveiling for the standard car in October, 2023.

Skoda NZ has yet to share market-specific drivetrain and specification details relevant to February’s first arrivals, but the parent has made clear the car in all forms is packing additional clever features and latest tech, a refreshed look, with more weighting toward seven seats (though a five seat format remains) - with understanding the third row is very much ‘occasional’ - and some new engine options, including plug-in hybrid petrol.

The RS specification is also out and Skoda NZ general Alex Brown feels it will meet fanbase expectation.

The flagship is sticking with the same 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine as the current edition, but it will offer 195kW and 400Nm - so, 15kW and 30Nm more than the current generation.

Even though the new car has gained additional weight, it’s faster than the predecessor, with a cited 0-100kmh time of 6.4 seconds representing as a 0.2s improvement.

The new model’s uprated power has required an update the bigger ventilated disc brakes with two-piston calipers up front, 15-mode adaptive suspension and progressive steering.

As before, the model is identified by having 20-inch alloy wheels, unique front and rear bumpers, dual stainless steel exhaust tips, RS badging and a slew of black accents.

The interior sports a black-on-black look with red contrast stitching, power-adjustable front sports seats, Skoda’s RS-badged sports steering wheel, and bespoke RS graphics across the 12.3-inch main and 10-inch driver displays.

In respect to Kodiaq's design in general, Skoda has made a lot of alterations, yet it still hasn't completely changed it to point where you’ll need to look twice to confirm its identity. 

However, there’s a new nose, with a grille inspired by that of the latest Superb, and new headlights, as well as a more sculpted body and a completely new roof design.

The wheelbase remains unchanged at 2791mm, with overall length growing by 61mm. It retains the same height and width as the current car. 

Now the second-row seats can be moved and adjusted for back angle and the amount of space for passengers in the third row benefits from a 15mm increase in headroom.

The seven-seat has 340 litres of space with all seats in use and 845 litres with the back seats stowed. Fold the middle row down and there’s 2035 litres of room.

Five-seat versions - basically, those with the PHEV - have 745 litres of capacity and 1945 litres when the back seats are down.

The drive selector has been moved from the centre console onto the steering column and becomes a twist controller (forward for Drive, back for Reverse); there are still paddles behind the steering wheel to manually change gears.

The dashboard has been adorned with a new 15-inch touchscreen that uses Skoda's latest technology. The brand promises the menus are easier to navigate, and the addition of new 'taskbar' shortcuts will make life a bit less challenging by putting useful commands in easy reach.

Internationally, the car provisions with two 2,0-litre petrol and two diesel engines (these were dropped from NZ under Clean Car but remain a top choice in Europe), with a single 1.5-litre petrol plug-in hybrid that can cover more than 100 kilometres using only its battery. 

The latest version of the optional Travel Assist package embraces Predictive Cruise Control with Adaptive Lane Assist. This will handle steering, braking and automatic starting in congested traffic at up to 60kmh.