The new Skoda Kodiaq VRS is a family dumper with 261 hp, four-wheel drive and seven seats

The new Skoda Kodiaq vRS has been unveiled and looks set to set a new lap record for the school run.

The hot version of ours 2024 Large SUV of the Year has the same powerful petrol engine as the Volkswagen Golf GTIbut adds all-wheel drive, and curiously it will only be available with seven seats in Britain.

Like its predecessor, the new Skoda Kodiaq vRS uses a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, but it now produces 261 hp and 400 Nm of torque – 20 hp and 30 Nm more than before. Power is sent to all four wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox, allowing the Czech family hauler to accelerate to 100 km/h in 6.4 seconds and reach a top speed of a whopping 230 km/h.

As you’d hope, the Kodiaq vRS also benefits from an upgraded braking system that uses ventilated discs all around and twin-piston calipers up front. Progressive steering features are standard, along with ‘Dynamic Sound Boost’, which aims to deliver a more intense soundtrack using an under-car speaker.

In the meantime SkodaThe latest Dynamic Chassis Control Plus (DCC Plus) suspension uses dual-valve adaptive dampers to provide control over rebound and compression. There are 15 suspension settings that the driver can adjust via the touchscreen, or stick to the changes of the Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport, Individual and Snow driving modes.

To create the sportier look of the Kodiaq vRS, Skoda has added extra glossy black details, such as a grille at the front that now has a horizontal light strip. 20-inch wheels are also standard, with a polished black finish exclusive to the VRS. Meanwhile, the side sills are painted in body color, as is the new rear bumper, which features a full-width reflector and polished stainless steel exhaust tips.

Inside, the Kodiaq VRS features black microsuede covering the dashboard, door panels and armrest, a three-spoke sports steering wheel and a set of stainless steel pedal covers. The sports seats are upholstered in black microsuede and leatherette upholstery as standard, but buyers can upgrade to perforated black leather if desired.

This is the range-topping model and onboard technology includes a 10-inch ‘Virtual Cockpit’ driver display and a 13-inch central touchscreen – which displays a welcome vRS logo when the driver gets in. There’s also a Canton sound system, keyless entry and matrix LED headlights.

We don’t expect the new Skoda Kodiaq VRS to go on sale until next year, so prices have understandably not been announced yet. A starting point of around £50,000 or more seems very likely, as the last price was just over £46,000.

Click here for our list of the fastest SUVs in the world…