What is it?
This is Skoda’s first deployment of its performance vRS package on an SUV. Perhaps surprisingly given the awkward noise around diesel part-created by its owner, Skoda has chosen an oil-burner as the motive force for the vRS.
For sheer effectiveness, the choice of a twin-turbo, balancer-shaft 2.0 TDI engine is easy to understand. Its 237bhp is promisingly strong, and its 369lb ft peak torque stronger still. The TDI is coupled to a seven-speed DSG transmission that serves a fine spread of ratios to all four wheels, the rear axle engaged on demand by an electronic clutch; up to 85percent of the torque can be directed to an individual wheel.
Electronic differentials are provided for both axles, and in an effort to counter the rather unedifying sounds of a diesel, this Kodiaq has what Skoda calls Dynamic Sound Boost, which alters and adds to the exhaust note using signals from the engine management, these adjusted to suit the chosen driving mode.
There’s no missing the Kodiaq’s key vRS identifiers, outside or in. Large, big-holed, deep-sculpted two-tone 20in alloys fill this Skoda’s wheel arches to striking effect, these by far the easiest means of recognising the model. Skoda’s design department clearly decided that wheels would be the key method of telegraphing this Kodiaq’s sporting mission, chief designer Oliver Stefani reckoning that, "the Å koda Skoda Kodiaq is an SUV with a very well-balanced and expressive design. The silhouette is very dynamic, so it was not that easy to add even more sportiness when designing the Kodiaq vRS."
Nevertheless, there are alterations, including resculpted bumpers, the vRS trademark full-width reflector and more assertive exhaust pipes. LED lamps are standard, and the red-painted calipers of the upgraded brakes you’ll easily see through the gaping alloys.
Red detail highlights are a general theme, but inside you’re far more likely to notice an inviting pair of sports seats and their Alcantara upholstery. Despite the sports theme you can order the vRS with seven seats. The VW Group’s excellent infotainment system is the centrepiece of a neatly unostentatious dash featuring a configurable instrument and message centre complete with additional sat nav display. In the centre console are off-road and snow buttons for the transmission, these complementing the seven driving modes of Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport, Individual and Snow.
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A car that performs well in
A car that performs well in the showroom and has weaknesses that don't really show up on a short test drive. I'm pretty clued in but the last time I bought a car (used) the test drive on smooth roads didn't reveal a clonk in the front suspension. A worn shock absorber which I twigged after I bought it - not too expensive but annoying. Different story if you spend a lot on a new car and find out you really don't like the ride.
Instead of wasting the money
Instead of wasting the money on bling, fancy wheels and Red calipers, sound effects or sporty seats - why not spend it on some adjustable dampers with comfort/sport button instead so its one thing sometimes and the other when you need it to be. It would also make it a more discreet and appealing purchase.
Autocar Sort This Out
Autocar need to get a moderator on their comment pages urgently as there are more and more scammers and rogues like "ninatorres" advertising dodgy essay writing crap when they cannot even string a sentence together! Not to mention "christeena" who again can barely speak English but seems to want you click on a link that will no doubt relieve you of your bank account details. Or "bradleyrees" telling you how to translate. Badly. then there is "financemart" who one assumes is simply a fraudster. They include links in their posts presumably to phishing sites. Sort this out Autocar - by allowing these thieves and fraudsters on your site with impunity you are complicit in their dishonesty and treating your readers with contempt. Get these idiots off your site.
spqr wrote:
Or just embed Disqus like everyone else, which is miles better probably comes with auto spam removers...