Sporty seven-seat family SUV matches iconic hot hatch for pace: New-look 2025 Skoda Kodiaq RS outpaces Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line and equals Golf GTI off the line

Skoda has unveiled its new-look Kodiaq RS variant which is faster and more powerful than the previous model.

Sporting a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol engine — the same that features in the Volkswagen GTI and Tiguan R-Line — the new Kodiaq RS delivers a rise of 15kW/30Nm over its predecessor for a new power output of 195kW.

The time it takes to reach 100km/h from a standstill has also been cut from 6.6 seconds to 6.4 seconds, making it six tenths quicker than the Tiguan R-Line and just as rapid as the iconic Golf GTI hot hatch.

The Kodiaq RS maintains its all-wheel drive configuration, with power being transmitted through a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic.

Pricing is expected closer to its Australian arrival date next year, although it is all but certain to be more expensive than the current model's price tag of $76,890 drive-away.

To account for the additional power, Skoda have added new ventilated brake discs on all four wheels. At the front, a pair of red-painted two-piston calipers clamp the rotors.

2025 Skoda Kodiaq RS

As standard, the Kodiaq RS maintains VW’s Dynamic Chassis Control, which delivers 15 different damper settings. It also retains Dynamic Sound Boost for a stronger exhaust note.

RS-specific exterior details include new, more aggressive front and rear bumpers and an LED light strip across the vehicle’s rear. There’s also new details painted in gloss black, such as the Skoda badging, front grille, side mirror covers, D-pillar panelling, roof rails and window trim.

2025 Skoda Kodiaq RS

There are new 20-inch black polished alloy wheels as well, designed exclusively for the RS.

Inside, the Kodiaq maintains a 13.0-inch multimedia display with wired and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 10.25-inch digital driver’s display, a three-spoke sports steering wheel with paddle shifters, as well as stainless steel pedals.

There’s a Canton sound system on European models, as well as the choice of two sporty interior design packages, both of which feature red stitching, electronically adjustable front seats with memory function, ambient lighting and specific decorative trim on the dashboard and door inserts.

2025 Skoda Kodiaq RS

The choice is down to whether you want perforated microsuede and artificial leather on the RS lounge (and the option of ventilation), or a mix of genuine leather and synthetic leather on the RS Suite.

The Kodiaq RS is expected in Australian showrooms in the first half of 2025.