The Skoda Kodiaq vRS, finished in Moon White Metallic, is a car that’s hard to miss, and that’s very much the point. With its police car-like design and clever features, it’s a compelling package that combines the practicality of a family car with the comfort of a motorway cruiser.
Under the hood, the vRS boasts a 2.0-litre turbocharged unit, producing 261bhp, paired with a DSG gearbox and four-wheel drive. While it may not have the same level of power as an Audi S3, it should still provide enough entertainment to make it more than just a straightforward way to get around.
The vRS starts at £54,655 and comes well-loaded with features, including seven seats, black microsuede trim, Drive Mode Select with Dynamic Chassis Control, and an umbrella in the front door. Additional options include an electrically-stowed tow bar, the Winter package, and the Simply Clever Family Package, which adds features like door edge protectors, a storage compartment, and detachable tablet holders.
These features, particularly the Simply Clever Family Package, almost justify the £58,270 as-tested price. The package includes practical touches like little rubbish bins in the door pockets, which demonstrate the car’s attention to detail. Skoda’s focus on practicality is evident in the vRS.
Just days after the vRS arrived, it was borrowed by Top Gear’s art director Andy Franklin for a family holiday to France. Initial impressions suggest that the car’s practicality, clever touches, and quality are impressive. While it may not have the tactility of a JLR product, it exudes a sense of industrial indestructability.
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The real test will be whether the Kodiaq’s convenience outweighs the sacrifice in agility and performance compared to other cars, such as the Cupra Leon VZ. Time will tell if the vRS can live up to its promise, and if it can indeed clear the queues of slow-moving traffic on the motorway. The vRS will face a variety of challenges.
For now, the vRS has already shown its potential as a comfortable and practical family car. Its ability to haul heavy loads, including the optional electrically-stowed tow bar, will be put to the test when it’s used to tow a Porsche to the ‘Ring later on. They will evaluate its performance in different scenarios.
As the long-term test begins, it’s clear that the Skoda Kodiaq vRS is a car that’s designed to be used, not just admired. Its features, such as the adaptive cruise control and heated windscreen, demonstrate its focus on practicality. Whether it can balance this with its performance capabilities remains to be seen. The car’s design and features make it a compelling package.
In the middle of the test, it’s worth noting that the future might hold for the vRS. As a car that’s designed to be both practical and fun, it will be interesting to see how it adapts to different driving conditions and scenarios. One thing is certain, however: the vRS is a car that’s sure to turn heads, and its Moon White Metallic finish is just the beginning. They will continue to evaluate its performance and features.
As the test continues, the vRS will face challenges, from motorway cruising to towing heavy loads. Its ability to handle these tasks will determine its overall value and appeal. For now, though, it’s clear that the Skoda Kodiaq vRS is a car that’s worth paying attention to, with its unique blend of practicality and performance, making it a great option for those looking for a family car that can also provide an exciting driving experience.
