Mat’s Car of the Day: the Skoda Kodiaq vRS is a seven-seater with the heart of a hot hatch
Car changing is a big deal
If you’re after a sporty family car with space for seven, the Skoda Kodiaq vRS is worth a look. Mat Watson has also found a lease deal which makes it even more appealing.
The Skoda Kodiaq is one of my favourite seven-seat SUVs, but I’ve never really seen the point in the vRS version. Sure, it’s faster than the standard car and it gets some sporty tidbits, but it costs £10,000 more than the Sportline version, which has similar styling and a more economical engine.
However, I’ve found a lease deal which could see you behind the wheel of the vRS for a fraction more than the Sportline, and there are a few reasons you might want to upgrade. Here are three good things about the Kodiaq vRS.
Three cool things about the Skoda Kodiaq vRS
1. It has the same engine as a Volkswagen Golf GTI
The vRS is the most powerful Skoda Kodiaq you can buy, with the 2.0-litre turbocharged engine from Volkswagen’s iconic hot hatchback under the bonnet producing 265hp. It’ll do 0-60mph in 6.4 seconds according to Skoda, but I timed it at 5.9 seconds. It’s properly quick.
2. You get more than just extra power
Being the flagship model, the Kodiaq vRS also gets additional equipment over the standard car. As well as 20-inch alloy wheels and a sporty body kit, you also get the upgraded Canton Sound system and a hands-free tailgate, which are both part of a £1,500 option pack on the Sportline. The vRS gets upgraded seats as well with a wider range of adjustment.
3. It’s just as practical and comfortable as the standard car
The Kodiaq vRS has the same 340-litre boot as the standard car with all seven seats in place, and 845 litres of space with the third row folded down. It’s also just as roomy in the rear, and it’s still a comfy and relaxing car to travel in.
Skoda Kodiaq vRS lease deals
If you’re buying in cash or on finance, I wouldn’t recommend the Kodiaq vRS. It costs £10,000 more than the Sportline, and that’s just not good value for money.
However, it’s a different story when it comes to leasing. A Skoda Kodiaq Sportline costs £315 per month with a £4,078 deposit, and this is over two years with a mileage limit of 5,000 per year.
Upgrading to the vRS will cost you an extra £29 per month – you can have one for £344 per month with a £4,130 up-front payment on the same time and mileage conditions as the Sportline.
So for just over £700 extra overall, you get the extra power and equipment of the vRS, plus the bragging rights of having the flagship model. If those things are important to you, it could be worth the upgrade.
But before you jump the gun, here are three annoying things to consider.
Three annoying things about the Skoda Kodiaq vRS
1. It’s quite expensive to run
When I tested the Kodiaq vRS, I got 26mpg from it. That’s around 14mpg less than you’ll get from the 1.5-litre petrol version, which over 10,000 miles could cost you over £1,000 more in fuel at today’s prices.
2. It’s not all that fun to drive
It may be faster and more aggressive-looking than a standard Kodiaq, but don’t think the vRS is a car you’ll take for a drive just for the hell of it. I found that it’s impressively capable in the bends, but not thrilling enough to warrant taking a detour to tackle some twisty roads on the way home from work.
3. Mean optional extras
Considering this is a top–of-the-range SUV costing £55,000, there are a few optional extras which really should be standard. A head-up display will cost you £560, the panoramic glass roof is £1,810 extra and if you want heated rear seats and a heated windscreen then you’ll need the £475 Winter Package. You get all this as standard on an Omoda 9, and that car is £10,000 less expensive.
Car change? Carwow!
Looking for a new set of wheels? With Carwow you can sell your car quickly and for a fair price – as well as find great offers on your next one. Whether you’re looking to buy a car brand new, are after something used or you want to explore car leasing options, Carwow is your one stop shop for new car deals.
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