Hi All,

 

Currently have a 2018 Octavia vRS TDi 4x4 and am considering later this year upgrading to a used Kodiaq vRS... however I am just concerned that for 32 odd thousand pound, it’s not going to be as ‘sporty’ as I may want. Does the vRS drive nice at speed on B roads and feel like it has enough power?

 

That is my concern is that I want more practicality and the ability to take it on non-paved roads etc however I also want to retail some sportiness and power!

 

Appreciate your thoughts

 

Thanks

Matt

Coming from an Octavia vRS you're likely to be disappointed if being sporty is a high priority.

 

An extra 40bhp over a regular Kodiaq and being almost identical in all other aspects aside from bigger wheels and some nice visual modifications means it's still a heavy bluff fronted 7-seater SUV.

 

Unfortunate but mostly unavoidable trade-offs needed to be able to seat 7 and the tick the latest 'must have' ride height box.

 

On the bright side you can get it in Race Blue, on the down side Skoda no longer reserve this colour for their vRS models.

Not only extra 40 bhp, but active steering, DCC, better brakes and some other stuff.

Original configuration seems ok on paper, but actually 240 horses lack a bit.

But adding 50 - 60 horses by remap turns RS into real X5 killer.

Active steering and DCC are available on non-vRS models.

For reference, I own a Golf R Estate with a stage 1 tune - around 350hp and 470Nm. 
 

In 2017 I ordered a 190PS TDI and was very happy with it, but the power was lacking once loaded up. With the RS in its stock form however I’m happy with performance in every situation. I don’t really feel the need to tune it to be honest, just hate the super short 1st gear.
 

It also handles pretty damn well for a 2 tonne SUV without needing all that fancy 48V anti rollbar stuff all the big Germans use. The normal models definitely handle softer (still fairly precise) but unless you have 20” rims the sidewalls do feel sloppy. 
 

So all in all, I reckon you’ll definitely be happy with the Kodiaq RS. 

I came from Octy Vrs diesel, Passatt 206 R line, and 7.5 Golf R, back to Kodiaq Vrs as where I live now it snows and I ski, hunt etc.

The Kodiaq Vrs when in sports mode handles actually really well around corners etc. Otherwise just use the other modes and it's a normal practical SUV. I don't have what I had power wise from the Golf in feeling fairly effortless in all situations and more responsive to the throttle, but for its size the Kodiaq actually goes pretty well. Passing is easy and for the size getting up to 160kph, it's fine.

There isn't anything price wise that matches what spec and size the Skoda has and how it goes in NZ. This is an SQ7 type of vehicle for less than a third of the price and a couple of seconds less to 100kph. Give it the matrix lights, updated ACC and it will be even better.

12 minutes ago, snala said:

There isn't anything price wise that matches what spec and size the Skoda has and how it goes in NZ. This is an SQ7 type of vehicle for less than a third of the price and a couple of seconds less to 100kph. Give it the matrix lights, updated ACC and it will be even better.

Yep. only upgrade imo is the 2020 X5 30d which got a mild power bump to 210kW 650Nm. BMW NZ have no plans to bring the 40d which is annoying as I was interested in upgrading to that.

country-dependent choice, for fuel-tax reasons. for heavy cars, diesel makes more sense in NZ. if I were in the UK, I'd get the Sportline. the interior is pretty special. i've looked into Audis costing thrice as much and thought, "i'd rather have my Skoda". the ride / handling compromise is spot-on. you get stuff as standard for which you'd have to pay extra in Audi RS models (gloss black for example). it has all the cornering prowess and speed you'd realistically need. as above, 1st and 2nd gear unnecessarily short considering the torque available. if you aren't concerned about resale, get the 5-seater

What this thread seems to suggest is the Kodiaq vRS hits the sweet spot for day-to-day driving.

 

It does make me question the obsession on sports orientated non-SUV cars to have harder and lower suspension, large wheels and low profile tyres, arguably largely wasted for highway use.

 

Price aside the Kodiaq vRS is equally likely to satisfy the OP coming out of an Octavia vRS given handling and power are high up his list?

 

 

5 hours ago, silver1011 said:

What this thread seems to suggest is the Kodiaq vRS hits the sweet spot for day-to-day driving.

 

It does make me question the obsession on sports orientated non-SUV cars to have harder and lower suspension, large wheels and low profile tyres, arguably largely wasted for highway use.

 

Price aside the Kodiaq vRS is equally likely to satisfy the OP coming out of an Octavia vRS given handling and power are high up his list?

 

 

 

I think you assumed right, sounds like it will satisfy what I’m after (of course a test drive will seal the deal or not), but I know I wont get mega power, but i just dont want it to feel slow.

 

Additional ride height and spaciousness are equally as high as performance and handling - again I’m not planning to set any lap records with this... but it would be nice to take in on a track... if I really wanted to do so and it sounds like it covers all bases fairly well. 

 

 

On 29/06/2020 at 00:57, ZacDaMan72 said:

For reference, I own a Golf R Estate with a stage 1 tune - around 350hp and 470Nm. 
 

In 2017 I ordered a 190PS TDI and was very happy with it, but the power was lacking once loaded up. With the RS in its stock form however I’m happy with performance in every situation. I don’t really feel the need to tune it to be honest, just hate the super short 1st gear.
 

It also handles pretty damn well for a 2 tonne SUV without needing all that fancy 48V anti rollbar stuff all the big Germans use. The normal models definitely handle softer (still fairly precise) but unless you have 20” rims the sidewalls do feel sloppy. 
 

So all in all, I reckon you’ll definitely be happy with the Kodiaq RS. 

 

Thanks, I agree I think from what you have said it will satisfy what I am after fairly well and is as good as it’ll get as an affordable all rounder - i.e. ground clearance/ towing capability and sportiness. 

 

My issue with the SportLine as people have mentioned is that i am worried it may feel a bit gutless, especially the petrol with less torque! If they did a petrol hybrid I may feel differently, but for now I think this will tick the box!

 

On 28/06/2020 at 19:35, linni said:

Not only extra 40 bhp, but active steering, DCC, better brakes and some other stuff.

Original configuration seems ok on paper, but actually 240 horses lack a bit.

But adding 50 - 60 horses by remap turns RS into real X5 killer.

Did you remap yours? If so what figures did you see after the map?

Thanks

@MTwedVRS

Yes I did. I haven`t done dyno to it, but it`s reliable Swedish tuning company and I have no reason to doubt about their given figures.

Should be 291 bhp and 590 Nm.

Also my butt says the figures feel correct.

36 minutes ago, linni said:

@MTwedVRS

Yes I did. I haven`t done dyno to it, but it`s reliable Swedish tuning company and I have no reason to doubt about their given figures.

Should be 291 bhp and 590 Nm.

Also my butt says the figures feel correct.

 

Brilliant, good figures tbf and I’m sure will make it much punchier. Thanks

3 hours ago, MTwedVRS said:

 

Thanks, I agree I think from what you have said it will satisfy what I am after fairly well and is as good as it’ll get as an affordable all rounder - i.e. ground clearance/ towing capability and sportiness. 

 

My issue with the SportLine as people have mentioned is that i am worried it may feel a bit gutless, especially the petrol with less torque! If they did a petrol hybrid I may feel differently, but for now I think this will tick the box!

 

Hi Matt. If it helps, like you I had a diesel Octy VRS (gen 3) only FWD, and the Kodiaq Vrs goes just as well if not better speed wise than that did and the Kodiaq with AWD I can boot it from a standing start too. The Octavia I had could struggle there being front wheel drive only. Kodiaq has progressive steering too like the Octavia Vrs does so inputs are minimal compared to the 'normal' set up. That was the main reason I bought a Passatt 206 vs the Superb version as the Skoda didn't have that steering and once had, I would never go back to normal.

After having the Passat and Golf R the 2.0 TSI motor with 280 or 310 hp is really good and would work fine in a Kodiaq Vrs too albeit probably less fuel efficient, but this diesel is good compromise and there is a noticeable difference between this and the next diesel down in performance.

 

As above I'm sure if you need extra go a tune will satisfy even more but I think you will be pleasantly surprised on your test drive if happy with how diesel Vrs's go already. 

Edited 30 June, 20205 yr by snala

7 minutes ago, snala said:

Hi Matt. If it helps, like you I had a diesel Octy VRS (gen 3) only FWD, and the Kodiaq Vrs goes just as well if not better speed wise than that did and the Kodiaq with AWD I can boot it from a standing start too. The Octavia I had could struggle there being front wheel drive only. 

As above I'm sure if you need extra go a tune will satisfy even more but I think you will be pleasantly surprised on test drive if happy with diesel Vrs's already. 

 

Thanks, reassuring to hear and makes me want one even more! I’ll get myself in for a test drive as soon as possible.

 

Another concern of mine is that there are rumours of a petrol Kodiaq vRS launching this year and I’d be seriously pee’d off if I spend 30 odd thousand on a diesel only for a 300hp petrol to come out... so that has me hesitating a little!

Yes, if you are buying new that would be hard choice to make especially as it would probably will have matrix lights and some new toys inside too. That motor would easily make the Kodiaq 0-60 under 6 secs I'd say if that's what you are after. My Passat with the 280hp was 5.5 to 100kph so......

6 hours ago, snala said:

Yes, if you are buying new that would be hard choice to make especially as it would probably will have matrix lights and some new toys inside too. That motor would easily make the Kodiaq 0-60 under 6 secs I'd say if that's what you are after. My Passat with the 280hp was 5.5 to 100kph so......

The 180kW Tarraco FR PHEV (which the RS' diesel may be replaced with) does a 7.4s 0-100... And the facelift gets revealed next year with main change just being Matrix LED.

 

If the RS does indeed get replaced with only PHEV, it'll be my last Skoda. 

8 hours ago, ZacDaMan72 said:

The 180kW Tarraco FR PHEV (which the RS' diesel may be replaced with) does a 7.4s 0-100... And the facelift gets revealed next year with main change just being Matrix LED.

 

If the RS does indeed get replaced with only PHEV, it'll be my last Skoda. 

That will suck, considering VW have just announced the VW Tiguan R that features a 320BHP TSI... this engine is what the Kodiaq should have surely!?

 

 

2 minutes ago, MTwedVRS said:

That will suck, considering VW have just announced the VW Tiguan R that features a 320BHP TSI... this engine is what the Kodiaq should have surely!?

 

 

It's definitely 180kW/245PS as to not bite the toes of the Tiguan R (same reason as to why there's no 4x4 TSI Octy RS). The question is whether it's pure internal combustion or a PHEV setup.

1 minute ago, ZacDaMan72 said:

It's definitely 180kW/245PS as to not bite the toes of the Tiguan R (same reason as to why there's no 4x4 TSI Octy RS). The question is whether it's pure internal combustion or a PHEV setup.

 

It’s just annoying as the Kodiaq and Tiguan are different vehicles, yet Cupra can keep the Ateca... p*sses me off  !! Lets see what Skoda announce - hopefully not the heavy PHEV

I think Kodiaq Vrs will get the 206kw engine in that case same as the Superb Scout and Sportsline.

Be interesting to see if they are allowed the Karoq Vrs to use the full 228kw motor though and that becomes Skodas performance SUV flagship. Even the 206kw in that would fly anyway but more likely the 180kw same as Octavia TSI based on past efforts.

Edited 1 July, 20205 yr by snala

1 hour ago, snala said:

I think Kodiaq Vrs will get the 206kw engine in that case same as the Superb Scout and Sportsline.

Be interesting to see if they are allowed the Karoq Vrs to use the full 228kw motor though and that becomes Skodas performance SUV flagship. Even the 206kw in that would fly anyway but more likely the 180kw same as Octavia TSI based on past efforts.

I hope you are right with the 206kw in the Kodiaq! 

 

Does anyone know when these details will be announced?