IT CAN’T HAVE BEEN easy, but Škoda Australia has worked closely with the factory to change market ratings for Australian conditions and as a result can confirm that the Kodiaq RS, the Nürburgring record-setting high performance SUV will be available for order by the end of 2019.
The arrival of Škoda’s most exciting performance model yet is the result of countless hours of work by Škoda’s Australian technical team, who collaborated with the factory in the Czech Republic to reset the market’s technical category for Australia. Previously designated as a ‘hot and dusty’ climate, Australia has now been reclassified as ‘moderately hot country’, making the Kodiaq RS a reality.
“Since its launch, we have been working tirelessly to bring the Kodiaq RS to our shores,” an obviously delighted Škoda Australia Director Michael Irmer says.
“The project to bring the high-performance bi-turbo diesel-powered Kodiaq RS has seen collaboration between Australian and Czech technical teams sharing data and know-how. It is because of their shared passion for the Škoda brand, and this exciting car, that we can finally offer an RS-spec SUV.”
The first Škoda SUV to bear the RS name, the Kodiaq RS is powered by a potent 176kW/500Nm 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel engine capable of 0-100km/h in seven seconds. In 2018, German race driver and Nürburgring 24 Hours winner, Sabine Schmidt, lapped the world famous Nordschleife in the Kodiaq RS, setting a new seven-seat SUV record of 9m 29.84sec (something she clearly would have enjoyed more than lapping the iconic circuit in a Ford Thames van for an episode of UK Top Gear).
Key highlights of the sporty model are unique 20-inch ‘Xtreme’ alloy wheels accented by red brake callipers, blacked-out mirrors, roof rails and grille with RS badging, premium leather interior with RS logo stitched in the front seat headrests, and ŠKODA’s high definition digital cockpit.
Pricing and full specification will be available closer to local launch.
Once we have tested and assessed the new Skoda Kodiaq RS, seniordriveraus will bring you a comprehensive review, including everything the over-50 driver needs to know.