New 2025 Skoda Kodiaq RS confirmed for Australia mid-next year

A new generation of the 2025 Skoda Kodiaq RS seven-seat performance SUV has been locked in for Australia by the middle of next year.

Skoda Australia director Michael Irmer confirmed to local media the new Kodiaq RS is due in showrooms between April and June 2025 (second quarter of the year) – after the regular model's arrival this November.

Reports last year suggested a new Kodiaq RS (illustrated above by X-Tomi) had been given the green light following the success of the original, which was launched in Europe in 2018 as a diesel before switching to petrol power for its 2021 facelift.

Specifications are yet to be confirmed, but the most likely candidate under the bonnet is the new 195kW version of Volkswagen and Skoda's familiar 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine.

It is planned for use in the new Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line, as well as the latest Skoda Superb due here in 2025 – and represents a healthy uplift over the current Kodiaq RS' 180kW/370Nm version of the 2.0-litre engine.

The outgoing Kodiaq RS uses an engine tune sold as the top-of-the-range option in the Tiguan in Europe – below the flagship R – so it makes sense to do the same in the next model.

It is expected to be matched with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.

MORE: 2023 Skoda Kodiaq RS review

A 0-100km/h acceleration time of 6.6 seconds is quoted for the current 180kW model. The new model would likely be quicker with more power, despite being expected to carry more weight with a larger, stiffer body.

The regular Kodiaq range is due in Australian showrooms this November with a single engine – a 150kW version of the same 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder.

Pricing and specifications have yet to be confirmed, though its larger body and new technology are expected to bring an increase over the current $56,490 drive-away entry price – which rises to $76,890 drive-away for the 180kW RS.