GO-FAST FAMILY FUN

Skoda’s sporty softroader combines practicality with a punchy turbo engine

VALUE

The Kodiaq seven-seat SUV range starts at $52,990 drive-away for the base Kodiaq Style and jumps to $74,990 for the range-topping RS tested here.

A more powerful turbo engine borrowed from the Golf GTI is the main selling point for the RS.

It also has a range of styling tweaks including 20-inch alloys, different bumpers and unique badges.

A 9.2-inch infotainment screen is compatible with wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto. This is paired with a fully digital instrument display and a 12-speaker Canton premium stereo.

Skoda covers its vehicles with a five-year/ unlimited km warranty.

Prepaid service packs will save you money in the long run. A five-year plan costs $2000 and a seven-year plan costs $2900. If you opt for the seven-year plan the warranty also extends to seven years.

COMFORT

Front seat passengers are greeted by firm but supportive leather sports seats with contrasting stitching and embossed RS logos. They are electronically adjustable, heated and ventilated.

There is plenty of room in the second row, which also scores heated seats. The third row is compact and best suited to occasional use.

A panoramic sunroof adds light to the cabin, but the open mesh covering could make it a bit hot during the peak of summer.

Three-zone climate control keeps passengers in the front two rows happy.

Skoda is known for its little clever touches such as a hidden umbrella in the driver’s door or the pop out plastic door guard to protect from accidentally hitting a wall or another car.

The RS’S sporty nature leads to a firmer ride, meaning it can feel a big jiggly over pockmarked city streets.

Road noise and tyre roar are kept to a minimum.

SAFETY

Skoda makes buyers of the cheaper Style and Sportline grades pay extra for vital safety equipment but it is all standard on the RS.

The RS will automatically brake if it detects a potential collision with a car. It’ll let you know if a vehicle is in your blind spot and sound the alarm when a vehicle is approaching from the side as you reverse.

Lane-keep assist will keep you centred in your lane and pull you back into line if you wander.

Nine airbags add further peace of mind.

DRIVING

Skoda has ditched the grunty diesel engine in the previous version for a familiar 180kw/370nm turbocharged petrol unit. This is up 4kw and down 130Nm over the diesel.

The new RS is faster, though, sprinting from 0-100km/h in 6.6 seconds.

As usual, the dual-clutch auto is better suited to highway or sporty driving where it shifts quickly and confidently. At lower speeds it can hesitate a little.

Multiple driving modes alter the suspension firmness, throttle response and exhaust note among other things.

In Sport mode the suspension is firm, exerting great body control through corners with minimal lean. A more raucous, artificialy enhanced exhaust note is pumped through the cabin. All-wheel drive brings added grip and confidence in the wet.

Switch to comfort and it turns into a great cruiser with a smoother ride that soaks up bumps easily.

Skoda says the RS will drink 7.5L/100km, which is excellent for a vehicle with this performance and size. It does require pricier premium unleaded, though.

ALTERNATIVES PEUGEOT 5008 GT SPORT, FROM ABOUT $67,000 DRIVE-AWAY

Similarly well-equipped compact seven-seat layout, but without the performance. VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN R, FROM ABOUT $74,000 DRIVE-AWAY

Due to arrive later this month, it has only five seats but brings a more powerful engine and even sportier focus.

KIA SORENTO GT-LINE, FROM $68,990 DRIVEAWAY

Bigger, fully loaded seven-seat SUV with a thrifty diesel engine and a standard seven-year warranty.