ŠKODA Ireland have revealed further details of their KODIAQ RS following the first dynamic drive of the vehicle in Jerez, Spain. The KODIAQ RS is the first SUV from the brand to join the infamous ‘Rally Sport’ family and first models are set to arrive in Ireland later this month ahead of the 191 registration period.
The KODIAQ RS will be powered by a new and exclusive 2.0TDI 240hp 4×4 DSG engine and gearbox combination, making it the most powerful production diesel engine in the history of the brand. Coming with five seats as standard, a seven seat option is available for just €1,000 extra.
From the outside, the sporty RS appearance is obvious from the gloss-black elements and exterior detailing which emphasises the cars performance aspirations. The vertical slats and frame of the radiator grille, window frames and wing mirror housings, as well as roof rails all come in gloss black and exude sporty confidence.
The Xtreme 20‑inch alloy wheels come in anthracite as standard, the first time the brand has offered wheels of this size as standard on any model. The bright red brake callipers are clearly visible through the wheels and this model also comes with increased 17” brakes on all wheels, compared to the standard 16” rear brakes on other KODIAQ models.
The KODIAQ RS also debuts the new RS logo which features red detailing and will be the first SUV from ŠKODA to offer the famous metallic Race Blue finish which is synonymous with the Octavia RS.
Inside, the ŠKODA KODIAQ RS combines the new sporty cabin design with a high degree of comfort and a generous amount of space for up to seven people. The sporty flair of the interior is emphasised by the Alcantara® upholstery with contrasting red stitching, the carbon decor on the instrument panel, black roof lining and stainless steel pedals.
The door sills featuring the KODIAQ logo and the interior ten-colour LED ambient lighting also come as standard and complete the look.The freely programmable Virtual Cockpit, which is again standard, allows drivers to choose between five different display settings including a new Sports View and blends into the dashboard nicely thanks to the carbon-effect display surroundings.
The ŠKODA KODIAQ RS also offers numerous Simply Clever features that make everyday life easier, including the umbrella compartment in the front door and misfueling prevention as standard.
In terms of performance, the ŠKODA KODIAQ RS comes equipped with a 2.0TDI biturbo engine that provides a power output of 240hp and maximum torque of 500 Nm. It is the first ŠKODA model to be launched with biturbo technology. The two-stage turbocharging system consists of a high‑pressure and a low-pressure exhaust gas turbocharger.
The high‑pressure turbocharger works at low loads and low engine speeds while the low‑pressure charger is used at high speeds. The result is an SUV that accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.9 seconds (five-seater model) with a top speed of 221 km/h and even before going on sale the KODIAQ RS has broken records for the fastest seven-seater SUV around the Nürburgring back in June. This KODIAQ RS is powerful, yet extremely efficient with average fuel consumption of just 6.4 litres of diesel per 100 km.
The standard all-wheel drive system ensures the best-possible traction at all times, providing excellent driving dynamics in all conditions. A lighter and more compact fifth-generation electronically controlled multi-plate clutch distributes power variably to all four wheels within milliseconds and can send up to 85% of torque to one specific wheel.
Electronic differential locks at the front and rear also prevent individual wheels from spinning on the same axle with the spinning wheel slowed automatically and torque transferred to an alternative wheel for better traction.
The ŠKODA KODIAQ RS comes equipped with Dynamic Chassis Control as standard, which provides optimal shock absorption to suit the surface and driving style. Driving Mode Select also allows the driver to manually choose from Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Snow modes with an additional option for individual customisation which correspondingly adjusts settings for the dampers and can activate an off-road mode as required.
“No other competitor combines functionality, dynamism and performance in a 7-seat package like the KODIAQ RS”
Standard equipment also includes the new Dynamic Sound Boost which is used for the first time by ŠKODA. Dynamic Sound Boost is a system that modulates the sound of the car by using a dedicated control unit to read signals such as the engine speed, torque, gear selection and speed.
It calculates these signals by using complex algorithms while a sound actuator, which is positioned close to the exhaust tailpipe, produces a synthetic sound to match, creating an emotive and sporty sound.
The driver has the ability to generate different sounds depending on the driving mode selected or alternatively customise their preferences manually. The KODIAQ RS also includes progressive steering to ensure the sporty performance and dynamic capabilities are justified, this steering configuration has been developed specifically for the KODIAQ RS.
With this setup, the steering angle remains small, allowing the driver to control the car perfectly without having to move their hands on the steering wheel even at higher speeds. In contrast, for larger steering angles such as when turning at low speeds, the steering forces are considerably reduced, making the car easier to manoeuvre.
Speaking today, Cathal Kealey PR manager with ŠKODA commented “No other competitor combines functionality, dynamism and performance in a 7-seat package like the KODIAQ RS. The KODIAQ RS has been an instant success since it launched in Ireland last year with demand often outstripping supply. Our customers will be delighted to hear that we will double our KODIAQ sales volume to 2,200 units next year thanks to increased production from ŠKODA AUTO. In addition to shorter lead times, the KODIAQ has also become more affordable with personal contract plans available from 2.9% APR. We expect to sell fifty KODIAQ RS models in 2019 with five enthusiasts having already ordered in advance of prices and specifications being announced”
For further information visit www.skoda.ie
