Czech automaker Skoda could be eyeing a range-topping Kodiaq RS to headline its burgeoning SUV range, powered by a 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel four-cylinder that chucks out 176kW and 500Nm to all four wheels.
Skoda has a lot riding on the success of its new seven-seater SUV, the Kodiaq, which arrives in Australia next year as part of a larger global rollout and that the Czech automaker hopes will becomes its most popular model before long.
Part of their strategy to achieve this is to offer the right kind variants to right markets. For the more power-hungry customers, like us Down Under, Skoda is also considering (and perhaps close to finalising) a range-topping an RS version which will sit atop the Kodiaq food chain.
The Kodiaq will initially launch locally with a 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine in either 132kW or 140kW tunes with petrol options yet to be announced, sourced from parent company Volkswagen’s range of 1.4-litre and 2.0-litre TSI motors just like the second-generation Tiguan to which it’s closely related.
Jiri Dytrych, Program Manager for the Kodiaq project within Skoda, addressed Aussie media in Spain during the SUVs international launch, indicating that the twin-turbo diesel would be an ideal fit for a more performance-oriented version while ruling out a petrol powerplant - such as the 169kW unit in the recently launched Octavia RS230 - for the same purpose due to its weaker torque profile and excessive fuel consumption when tasked to propel a heavy SUV with all-wheel drive.
A Kodiaq Sportline is due to make its premiere at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show in February, but will not feature many additions apart from visual upgrades to the SUV’s exterior and interior as well as additional standard equipment.
For more on Skoda vehicles, including pricing and specifications, check out our Showroom.
