Skoda reveals 237bhp Kodiaq vRS

After months of teasers, Skoda has at last revealed its performance-oriented SUV — the Kodiaq vRS.

Powered by a 2.0-litre twin-turbocharged diesel engine developing 237bhp and 500Nm of torque, the SUV can cover the 0-60mph sprint in an impressive 6.8 seconds and is capable of a 136mph top speed. Power is sent to all four wheels via a seven-speed DSG gearbox.

Helping to keep that power to the ground is a trick four-wheel-drive system with ‘progressive steering’ and a Dynamic Chassis Control system.

Pointing towards that performance potential is a racier look for the Kodiaq, which benefits from more aggressive bodywork, gloss black detailing around the car and a newly-designed vRS logo. 20-inch alloy wheels complete the package, and house 17-inch brake discs.

Inside the car is a set of Alcantara-upholstered sports seats, a flat-bottomed steering wheel with contrast red stitching, a carbon-effect instrument panel and stainless-steel pedal covers — all in the name of a sportier feel.

As for tech, VW Group’s Virtual Cockpit tech features in the seven-seater with a vRS-specific display — bringing a high-tech edge to the instrument panel. Befitting of a Skoda, there’s also plenty of ‘Simply Clever’ additions, including an ice scraper in the fuel filler cap and umbrellas in the doors, while a parking ticket holder features on the A-pillar.

Despite only just being revealed in full, the Kodiaq vRS has already established itself in the record books. It became the fastest seven-seater to lap the Nurburgring earlier this year, setting a 9:24.84 lap time at the 12.9-mile circuit.

Full pricing and specifications have yet to be confirmed for the Skoda Kodiaq vRS, but expect to hear more closer to an expected early 2019 launch.