Test of the Skoda Kodiaq RS: Robert's dream in red

Robert is beaming. And how! Robert Knopf is the head of graphics at Autosprint. And a Skoda driver: his Octavia Combi commutes tirelessly to work, bravely packs up the kids and their belongings and tows the caravan on vacation. SUV, sport and fun? Robert couldn't care less. Or so we thought. Then the Kodiaq RS arrived for our test. Robert is beaming. And Robert asks. How much power? The RS has 195kW/265PS. Space? But yes, almost without end. Can I drive it? Well, for once.

Robert drives - and beams. Why? The Kodiaq RS may be cool, but it doesn't deny what Robert appreciates Skoda for in terms of sport: being before appearances. Practical details from the ice scraper in the fuel filler cap to the screen in the driver's door and the self-folding edge protection when opening the doors. Of course there are large touchscreens, but without any operating puzzles. There are buttons for important things, such as climate and driving modes - that's a good thing! Everything perfect? Nobody's perfect: the left lever on the steering wheel is overloaded. It's a matter of getting used to, says Robert. And enjoys the sports seats.

Sport without murder meets plenty of space
With its two-liter four-cylinder TSI, the all-wheel-drive car goes efficiently (0 to 100 km/h in 6.3 s, top speed 231 km/h), floats on the thick 400 Nm torque wave and grumbles quietly to roaringly depending on the driving mode - always in such a way that it doesn't disturb the neighbors and still beguiles Robert. Sure, the GTI engine doesn't turn 1.9 tons into a real rocket. But chasing around bends on the last groove is neither Robert's nature nor that of the 4.76-meter-long, optional seven-seater family SUV. Instead of over-aggressive steering or pseudo-sporty hard suspension, the RS strikes the perfect balance. Comfortable without sport mode. Robert says: That's how it should be. And so do we.

Our conclusion: The RS offers that extra bit of coolness and power that inspires - but sport without murder and style without remorse. An all-rounder for all occasions, whether office commuting or mountain passes. A few more figures? The petrol engine officially allows itself 8.3 l/100 km, although it quickly becomes more when driving at full speed. However, an average of 7.7 l/100km was enough for us in the test. And the price? It's fair for what's on offer: from 66,850, test equipment 72,470 francs. And Robert? Beaming. And dreams.

Expert opinion: Skoda Kodiaq RS
The RS is not a radical sports car, but an everyday all-rounder with that certain something.
Advantages
+ Very practical and spacious
+ Pleasantly harmonious drive
+ Very suitable for everyday use
Disadvantages
- not a real sportsman
- Overloaded steering column lever