Updated Skoda Kodiaq RS now available in Singapore

Skoda Singapore has taken the wraps off the facelifted Kodiaq RS, the most powerful seven-seater SUV in the brand's local lineup.

To distinguish the Kodiaq RS from the entry-point Kodiaq Selection, this variant comes with an RS-specific front bumper, glossy black finishes components such as the grille, wing mirrors, roof rails, and window frames. LED Matrix Beam head lights and black badges are standard as well.

There's also an RS-specific rear bumper, revised taillights, and redesigned exhaust finishers that are now slimmer than before. There are new 20-inch wheels with a polished black finish (also RS-specific), too. The SUV is offered in five exterior hues, including Velvet Red Metallic, which is seen here.

Inside, the Kodiaq RS features the 10-inch Virtual Cockpit instrument panel, while a new free-standing 13-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system replaces the 9.2-inch display found in the pre-facelift model.

The centre console now looks tidier as most of the previous buttons have been eliminated. Skoda has added three 'Smart Dials', though, which can be toggled between various functions, thereby reducing the need for more physical controls.

For practicality, the gearshift lever that used to be on the centre console has been relocated to the steering column, thereby increasing storage space. A Canton sound system, featuring tweeters on the A-pillars, is now standard. This is complemented using acoustic glass for the front passenger windows.

The Kodiaq RS' interior also looks sportier this time around, as red contrast stitching is now found on the upholstery, dashboard, and steering wheel. Backseat occupants still get a third climate zone, with temperature adjustments now done via a touch panel instead of physical buttons.

The Kodiaq RS has also been given more muscle to boost its performance, which its turbocharged 2.0-litre engine now producing 261bhp (195kW) and 400Nm of torque. With 20bhp and 30Nm more compared to its predecessor, the new Kodiaq RS now does zero to 100km/h in 6.4 seconds, which is 0.2 of a second quicker than before.

To complement this, the SUV is equipped with all-wheel drive, which enables 100% of the torque to be supplied to the rear axle. In conjunction with the Electronic Differential Lock, up to 85% of the engine's torque can be sent to one wheel.

Agility and manoeuvrability, on the other hand, are enhanced by the progressive steering, and sporty suspension layout consisting of MacPherson struts up front and a multi-link setup at the rear.

Dynamic Chassis Control Plus (DCC Plus) is also standard. It offers 15 settings that range from comfortable to sporty and continually adjusts the dampers in response to inputs.

DCC Plus also features two independent valves - one to control compression and another for rebound. This system is superior to DCC, as it is more responsive and has a greater range of damping characteristics.