Load Up The Skoda Kodiaq RS

THE Skoda Kodiaq RS came in handy when I had to move my CD collection to a friend’s place. Packed into a dozen boxes, the collection fit neatly into the back of the SUV, with the last row of seats laid flat.

It was easy to load and unload the boxes, and here Skoda has showcased its good sense of form and function.

Skoda keeps the interest levels high with its vehicles, balancing style, functionality and performance. But it does come with a hefty price tag, at just under *$300,000 for this top-of-the-line model.

The Kodiaq RS, the flagship SUV from this Czech brand, comes across as a solid vehicle which has grown into its role since it was first introduced in 2016. The new version continues to build on its new reputation with a design that is representative of the brand without falling into a predictable pattern.

The smallish grille in gloss black with the slim LED Matrix headlights work together to reduce the front bulk of the Kodiaq RS, without compromising on its presence. 

From the side, the design is pleasing with a gentle slope of the roofline  trimming the bulk that would otherwise be on display. 

The multi-faceted rear is shaped to give a more sculpted appearance. An illusion that works to deceive the eye. It is a big hatch, and you’d be best advised to stand clear when it’s opening.

The doors need a firm push to shut due to the in-built device that pops out to protect the door from being dinged in a tight car park.

All Aboard

Like many SUVs, the ride in this seven-seater is a bit rocky. When the two-litre engine guns to life, it settles into a throb that can be heard in the cabin. Underway, the Kodiaq RS moves off with a bit of a bobbing movement, so the end result is a bit of a gentle boat ride.

But you can drown out the sound by pumping your music through the Canton sound system. Despite hauling around all the CDs in the rear, there is no CD player in the car, so it’s about connecting with the smartphone. This it achieves quite smoothly, allowing the punchy sound system to make its presence felt.

Once you pick up pace — the 7-speed automatic transmission effortlessly works its way from 0-100kmh in a smooth 6.6 seconds — the ride is engaging. The all-wheel-drive’s handling is sharp and accurate, especially through corners, and the paddle shifters allow for flexibility in how the car responds.

The driver aids that are standard these days, are in evidence, and presumably working hard in the background.

Comfort Factors

The interior of the Kodiaq RS, with the quilted sports seats with red stitching and the model branding on show, is sporty and comfortable. The red stitching is also evident on the three-spoke multifunction sports steering wheel, which is comfortably sized even for smaller hands to grab a hold of without too much trouble.

The dashboard is uncluttered on the passenger’s side, focusing most of the attention on the instrument display. The virtual cockpit offers five visual modes to suit your mood for the day, while the infotainment touchscreen, which is smartly set into the dash, allows for pairing using a variety of options. 

In anticipation of tomorrow’s passengers who would want to be connected with their mode of transportation, Skoda, like most car brands, will be working on improving the seamless connectivity and ensuring a smooth journey. With data and information — from working files to music and videos — pulled from the cloud, there won’t be much need to haul CDs about.