Take one half Skoda Octavia RS, and mix it with one half seven-seat SUV, and what do you get? This – the wonderful Skoda Kodiaq RS.

I’ll have already given the decision away, there. It is a terrific three-row household SUV, which has simply seen its commonplace spec listing tweaked because the model provides again in some security spec gadgets that have been eliminated as a part of the semiconductor provide disaster.

All grades of Kodiaq have simply been re-gifted blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert with braking, plus there’s just a few additional goodies which I’ll element on this overview.

How does the Skoda Kodiaq fare vs its rivals?

View an in depth breakdown of the Skoda Kodiaq in opposition to equally sized automobiles.

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Kodiaq

How a lot does the Skoda Kodiaq value?

It’s Skoda’s flagship mannequin in Australia, so it’s no shock the Kodiaq RS is the costliest providing right here – from $76,890 drive-away.

Sure, it’s $1900 costlier now than final yr’s mannequin, nevertheless it missed out on the protection stuff talked about above, plus the RS now will get a Canton sound system as commonplace, in addition to auto-dimming facet mirrors and energy baby locks.

So, in case you’re contemplating spending this type of cash on a seven-seater for your loved ones, what different choices do you may have? Um… You’ve obtained heaps of alternative. For between $75,000-$80,000, you might get right into a Hyundai Palisade, Ford Everest, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Kia Sorento, Mazda CX-90, or a Nissan Pathfinder – simply to call just a few.

It’s extra possible that you just’ll be cross-shopping this in opposition to the VW Tiguan Allspace; although, and that mannequin gives heaps to love for much less money (162TSI R-Line begins from $63,090). However as with the Skoda, it’s nearing the tip of its life-cycle, and can quickly get replaced by a brand new mannequin generally known as Tayron.

Otherwise you would possibly simply need to watch for the new-gen Kodiaq, which is predicted to come back with an RS grade with 200kW!

2024 Skoda Kodiaq pricing:

• 2024 Skoda Kodiaq Model: $56,490 (+$1500)
• 2024 Skoda Kodiaq Sportline: $61,490 (+$1500)
• 2024 Skoda Kodiaq RS: $76,890 (+$1900)

What’s the Skoda Kodiaq like on the within?

The Skoda Kodiaq RS cabin has some severe wow-factor.

It will get quilted leather-based seat trim, carbon-look accents and delightful stitching highlights, in addition to ambient lighting. Whereas it doesn’t have as a lot wow-factor by way of display screen sizes as you would possibly discover in some newer rivals, it nonetheless has a fairly purposeful and enticing cabin.

On that display screen entrance, there’s a regular 9.2-inch unit in all fashions, which another producers out there have elevated to an enormous 15-inches. Look, apparently dimension isn’t all the pieces, however the media show right here is, erm, satisfactory moderately than memorable.

There aren’t any bodily buttons, knobs or dials for extra driver-friendly interactions, however the buttons on the steering wheel fortunately aren’t the haptic kind, so it’s easy sufficient to regulate most parts on the transfer.

Wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are a pleasant inclusion, plus you get wi-fi charging. Consider; although, there are solely two USB-C ports on this automotive. Second and third-row customers should convey a 12-volt adaptor or their very own battery financial institution to stay charged. 

The media display screen doubles as a show for the sat nav system, and there are additionally off-road shows for anybody who dares take their RS to the bush. The motive force information display screen gives a lot of totally different shows to select from, too.

Storage up entrance features a wi-fi charger as talked about, however the cupholder state of affairs isn’t ideally suited. The entrance ones are very small, and a bit awkwardly positioned, too.

Nonetheless, the sporty seats and good view out make for a really nice expertise for the motive force. Simply take into account that, being an SUV, the ‘command’ driving place has been prioritised, which means you may’t actually sling your seat down low.

Now, at 182cm/6’0 I’ve sufficient room up entrance, and slotting in behind my driver’s place I’ve simply sufficient house to be snug with the sliding second-row seat in its rearmost place. If I have been to want to regulate it for anybody within the very again row, it’d be an uncomfortable squeeze.

Dad and mom can relaxation assured that the three top-tether factors and two outboard ISOFIX mounts within the second row enable sufficient house for the little ones. You’ll be able to match three child-seats throughout the second-row if it’s essential.

There are some good parts to the second row, just like the built-in sunblinds, massive door pockets and map pockets on the seatbacks, directional air vents, and even flip-down sections on the headrests that act like pillows.

Nonetheless, in case you’re excited about utilizing the third-row typically, take into account that the second-row 60:40 break up format has the bigger portion on the kerb/passenger facet of the automotive. I’d need anybody who’s clambering into the again row to be doing so from the kerb facet, and to be doing it over the skinnier part which is simpler to fold and slide. Not so, right here.

However additional limiting the usability of this seven-seater is the actual fact there aren’t any baby seat choices within the again row – which you do get in rivals such because the Mazda CX-90, Hyundai Palisade and Kia Sorento.

Don’t go anticipating Palisade or Carnival ranges of it within the back-row, as a result of it’s higher thought of a five-seater with a bonus row. I say that as a result of there aren’t any third-row air vents, you continue to miss out on USB charging (there’s a 12-volt outlet), and anybody taller than about 165cm or 5’5” will battle to remain snug in there.

Let’s speak about boot house. With all seven seats up, there’s 270 litres (VDA) of baggage capability, however in case you run it as a five-seater there’s 630L (VDA) to play with when the seats are slid again and 765L in the event that they’re within the ahead place.

There are just a few good added extras within the boot space, too, together with tie down factors, netting to maintain issues safe, a picnic rug, and below the boot ground there’s a space-saver spare wheel and an area to maintain your cargo blind in case you’re operating it as a three-row SUV. Neat.

What’s below the bonnet?

The massive information when the facelifted Kodiaq RS launched was that it switched from diesel to petrol. However boy, hasn’t that grow to be a theme prior to now 12 months as producers transfer to ‘greenify’ their line-ups with much less poisonous ICE choices.

In consequence, the Kodiaq RS adopted the wonderful EA888 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine that can also be discovered below the bonnet of the Octavia RS.

It has the identical state of tune, with 180kW of energy and 370Nm of torque, and which means this sporty SUV will do 0-100km/h in 6.6 seconds (which is 0.1 sec sooner than the RS wagon).

The explanation it’s faster is as a result of, whereas heavier, it has all-wheel drive, the place the Octy is FWD. There’s a seven-speed dual-clutch automated transmission with paddle shifters.

Gas economic system is rated at 7.5 litres per 100km on the mixed cycle, and also you’ll must fill it up with 95 RON premium unleaded. Don’t count on to drive from Sydney to Cairns on a single tank, although – it has a 58-litre gas tank capability.

In my real-world testing throughout every week of blended driving, I noticed a return of 9.1 litres per 100km.

How does the Skoda Kodiaq drive?

The factor I like most about the way in which the Kodiaq RS drives is that it’s adaptable to totally different eventualities, and you actually discover the distinction whenever you muck round with the drive modes.

As an illustration, in essentially the most comfort-focused setting, it’s the consummate household hauler; with the adaptive dampers providing a pillowy trip (albeit with a little bit of jostle over sharp edges) and all of the controls really feel extra relaxed by way of operation – the steering, throttle and kit shifts are tame.

However then there’s Sport mode, which makes this extra like a high-riding hot-hatch. Whilst you mightn’t bask in that whenever you’ve obtained the children within the again, in case you discover a quiet highway otherwise you’re in your manner residence after work, you may have a little bit of enjoyable on this automotive.

In that mode you’ll be capable to eke out all 180kW and 370Nm, and there’s a little bit of a soundtrack to it whenever you do this. Yep, it has some augmented noise pumped via the audio system, and whereas that gained’t be to all tastes it additionally has the occasional DSG flatulence.

The transmission shifts are extra decisive on this mode, and it actually does hook up nicely whenever you plant your foot.

This setting makes for a extra assertive trip attribute, and there’s a extremely direct really feel to the steering, particularly whenever you’re linking up corners on a twisty highway. These Continental ContiSportContact tyres are properly grippy, too.

There’s an Particular person mode too, so you may customise the settings for the dynamic chassis management dampers, the cruise management, the steering, the unreal sound generator, engine, shifts, and extra.

I had it arrange in order that it was within the Regular trip setting, however with Sport powertrain settings and Regular steering, whereas additionally turning off the noise actuator. I really like you can regulate it to your tastes. 

What all of it means is that this automotive comes throughout as an actual smartypants. It may do no matter you need or want it to do.

It does nonetheless undergo from just a few gripes, although. It’s a bit loud within the cabin, particularly over coarse-chip surfaces, and I nonetheless reckon the diesel model that got here earlier than this had a extra aggressive character as a result of it was gruffer and grumblier.

But when refinement and a drive expertise that may adapt to totally different necessities is what you’re in search of, you then’re going to be pleased with the Kodiaq RS ‘TSI’.

What do you get?

Kodiaq Model highlights:

• 19-inch alloy wheels
• 9.2-inch touchscreen infotainment
• Wi-fi Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
• Satellite tv for pc navigation
• 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit digital instrument cluster
• Energy-folding, heated mirrors
• Adaptive cruise management
• Twin-zone local weather management
• Keyless entry and begin
• Energy tailgate
• Automated headlights and wipers
• Door edge protectors
• Leather-based-trimmed sport steering wheel
• Leather-based upholstery
• Privateness glass, rear window solar blinds
• LED headlights
• LED daytime operating lights
• Fog lights entrance
• LED rear fog lights
• Silver roof rails, chrome entrance grille
• Pill holders on entrance seat backs
• Ambient lighting

Kodiaq Sportline provides:

• 20-inch alloy wheels
• Steering wheel paddles
• Alcantara/leather-based sports activities seats with silver stitching
• Matrix LED headlights
• Sportline design bundle with black exterior trim highlights
• Auto-dimming exterior mirrors
• Energy-adjustable driver’s seat
• Drive mode choice
• Progressive steering 

Kodiaq RS brings:

• 20-inch aero-design alloy wheels (with detachable covers)
• Crimson brake calipers
• Leather-based-trimmed sports activities seats with RS logos
• Entrance and rear heated seats
• Ventilated entrance seats
• DAB+ digital radio
• Paddle shifters
• Carbon-style inside trim
• Panoramic sunroof
• Adaptive dampers
• Automated parking help
• Arms-free tailgate operation
• Off-road mode
• Encompass-view digicam
• Tri-zone local weather management
• 12-speaker Canton sound system

Is the Skoda Kodiaq secure?

The Kodiaq RS achieved the utmost five-star ANCAP security ranking again in 2017, and since this stuff have expiry dates these days, the ranking doesn’t apply from January 1, 2024.

It obtained an grownup occupant safety rating of 92 per cent, a toddler occupant safety rating of 77 per cent, a pedestrian safety rating of 62 per cent and a security help rating of 54 per cent.

There’s excellent news for the Kodiaq line-up extra usually, with the reintroduction of the usual security gadgets that have been absent from the spec listing not too long ago as a result of element shortages.

As such, you’ve obtained blind-spot monitoring and help, and rear cross-traffic alert with auto-braking help fitted as commonplace in all Kodiaq fashions.

Normal security gear contains:

• Autonomus Emergency Braking 
• Adaptive cruise management
• Driver consideration monitoring
• Reversing digicam
• Entrance, rear parking sensors
• Aspect help (blind-spot monitoring)
• Rear cross-traffic help (with auto braking)
• Multi-collision brake

Kodiaq RS provides:

• Encompass view digicam system
• Emergency help
  • Stops the automotive if it senses the motive force is incapacitated
• Lane-keep help with adaptive lane steerage
• Park help (semi autonomous parking)
• Visitors jam help
  • Can speed up, brake and steer for you in sluggish velocity conditions

All variations of the Kodiaq include 9 airbags – twin entrance, entrance facet, rear facet, driver’s knee and full-length curtain airbags that cowl the third-row occupants, in line with Skoda.

How a lot does the Skoda Kodiaq value to run?

Skoda now backs all of its fashions with a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee plan, which is definitely going to attraction to those that plan to hold on to their automotive for some time.

Additionally remember the guarantee cowl is transferrable, so it’ll go on to the brand new proprietor in case you promote it on earlier than that seven-year interval is up.

The identical might be mentioned for a pay as you go service pack. In the event you have been to possibility the five-year/75,000km plan ($2600) or the seven-year/105,000km plan ($3400) you wouldn’t solely save a whole bunch of {dollars} in contrast with paying as you go, however you’d additionally be capable to add that to your itemizing whenever you promote the automotive, as it may be transferred.

There’s additionally a pleasant potential roadside help final result, too – in case you service your automotive with Skoda, you’ll be eligible for as much as 9 years of roadside help cowl.

CarExpert’s Tackle the Skoda Kodiaq

Regardless of the actual fact there are dozens of three-row household SUVs on the market, there isn’t any different seven-seater fairly just like the Skoda Kodiaq RS.

It’s a enjoyable, quick and family-friendly SUV, and whereas the brand new mannequin guarantees to push the sport ahead in a lot of methods, the present model nonetheless deserves your consideration.

So get one whilst you can if that is the sort of automotive that lights your fireplace!

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