The more powerful range-topping version of Skoda’s seven-seat SUV has been spotted testing ahead of its scheduled arrival in Australian showrooms mid-next year.
The 2025 Skoda Kodiaq RS seven-seat performance SUV has been spied testing, before it headlines the new-generation Kodiaq line-up in Australia from July next year.
The range-topping Kodiaq RS – due in Skoda Australia showrooms in July 2025 – will sit above the regular versions of the second-generation seven-seat SUV expected to arrive in January or February.
The performance variant is expected to adopt a more powerful 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine announced for the updated Skoda Octavia RS sedan and wagon.
MORE: New 2025 Skoda Kodiaq RS confirmed for Australia mid-next year
It brings a power bump from 180kW to 195kW – with the same 370Nm torque rating as the existing model – matched with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive.
That should give the new performance flagship a 0-100km/h time to match – or better – the current version’s claimed 6.6 seconds.
Other key upgrades for the Kodiaq RS visible in these spy photos include exterior body additions – including unique side skirts and more aggressive bumpers – with large alloy wheels and Hankook Ventus tyres.
Lowered sports suspension is also typical RS fare, with adaptive functionally expected to be offered.
The spy images reveal dual chrome exhaust outlets, while the black badging used on the existing RS is expected to continue for 2025.
The standard Kodiaq line-up will compete with seven-seat rivals including the Volkswagen Tayron – which uses the same MQB Evo platform as the Skoda – plus the Kia Sorento.
Pricing and specifications are yet to be announced for any version of the new Kodiaq, with the outgoing RS priced at $70,590 before on-road costs.
The 2025 Kodiaq is longer than its predecessor – although it has the same wheelbase – to deliver more interior space.
Luggage capacity in non-RS models has increased from the current 270 to 2005 litres – depending on how the three rows of seats are configured – to between 340 and 2035 litres.
RS-specific leather sports seats and leather-trimmed sports steering wheel with red stitching are expected in the flagship, as is a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster.
It is also likely to use the new Kodiaq’s larger 12.9-inch infotainment touchscreen – up from 9.2 inches – and offer multiple 45-watt USB-C fast charging ports as well as wireless charging pads for two smartphones.
A full suite of driver assistance technology is available on the regular Kodiaq, including adaptive cruise control and lane centring assist.
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