Skoda’s upcoming Kodiaq VRS field testing reveals little

The second-generation Kodiaq will soon be available in vRS version, powered by the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine found in the latest Volkswagen Golf GTI

When Skoda launched the new second-generation Kodiaq last autumn, there was one conspicuous absence from the range of petrol, diesel and hybrid SUVs: a sporty vRS model. Now, the Czech company is gearing up to fill that gap, and we’ve got a preview of the three-row SUV in prototype form.

The vRS retains the split headlights and vertical grille slats from the base Kodiaq that debuted 12 months ago, but it pairs with a deeper lower grille (partly camouflaged on this test car) and bumper sides that are more Aggressive vents to match.

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Black rocker panels have wider, flatter bottom edges, the wheels have a more dynamic design, and two rectangular exhaust tailpipe trims protrude from the lower part of the rear bumper, which are not found on other Kodiaqs.

Overall, this is a fairly stealthy package that may suit some users. Several police forces in Europe, including the UK, have chosen to run the previous vRS Kodiaqs due to their spacious size, good performance and low running costs.

The old petrol vRS was powered by a 242 hp (245 PS) version of Volkswagen’s 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine, but the new model is expected to be equipped with the 261 hp (265 PS) version found on the new Octavia vRS and both Volkswagen Golf GTI Launched earlier this year. These cars send power to the front wheels only, but the Kodiaq will share 273 lb-ft (370 Nm) of power between all four cars. Expect a 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) time in the low 6-second range.

We had wondered whether Skoda would turn the vRS into a hybrid (it had previously been offered with diesel power), but this test car only had a single charging port, which told us it was running a conventional combustion powertrain.

It’s been a year since the regular Kodiaq was launched, and the fact that this vRS runs with almost no pretense tells us that its debut must be imminent.

Image: Baldolf