- Skoda’s second-generation Kodiaq vRS has been spied testing on and around the Nurburgring in Germany.
- The sporty SUV could feature the 261 hp 2.0-liter turbo four from the new VW Golf GTI and Octavia vRS but paired with all-wheel drive.
- A vRS model has been absent from the Kodiaq lineup since the Mk2 version debuted last fall.
When Skoda revealed the all-new second-generation Kodiaq last fall there was one notable absentee from the lineup of petrol, diesel, and hybrid SUV options: a sporty vRS model. Now the Czech firm is getting ready to fill in that blank and we’ve caught the warmed-up three-row SUV testing in prototype form.
The vRS retains the split headlights and vertical grille slats seen on the base Kodiaq that debuted 12 months ago, but it mates them with a deeper lower grille (partially disguised on this test car) and more aggressive vents at each side of the bumper.
Related: The Skoda Kodiaq Has Grown Up, Here’s Everything You Need To Know
Black sill panels have a wider, flatter bottom edge, the wheels feature a more dynamic design and two rectangular exhaust tailpipe trims are poking from the lower section of the rear bumper that you won’t find on other Kodiaqs.
Overall though, it’s a pretty stealthy package, which will probably suit some owners just fine. Several police forces in Europe, including the UK, have chosen to run the previous vRS Kodiaqs due to their generous size, decent performance, and affordable running costs.
The old petrol vRS was powered by a 242 hp (245 PS) version of VW’s 2.0-liter, turbocharged inline-four, but the new one is expected to get the 261 hp (265 PS) version fitted to the new Octavia vRS, and the VW Golf GTI, which were both launched earlier this year. Those cars only send their power to the front wheels but the Kodiaq will share its 273 lb-ft (370 Nm) out between all four. Expect a zero to 62 mph (100 kmh) time in the low 6-second range.
We had wondered if Skoda would turn the vRS into a hybrid (it has previously been available with diesel power), but the presence of just one charging port on this test car tells us it’s running a conventional combustion powertrain.
The fact that a year has passed since the ordinary Kodiaq was unveiled and this vRS is running almost no disguise tells us that the debut must be imminent.
