A Reason for Every Season: Škoda Kodiaq RS

byJayde Newbury/May 15, 2026/inVehicle News

Škoda New Zealand has partnered with 66 Magazine, bringing together one of the country’s most widely read automotive writers, Cameron Officer, to put four of Škoda’s leading models through a series of long-term, real-world evaluations. The series is designed to go beyond first impressions and reveal how each vehicle performs day-to-day over an extended period.

By living with each model and using it as intended, Cameron will share honest insights into what it is like to drive, own, and rely on a Škoda in everyday New Zealand conditions.

Kicking off the series is the popular Škoda Kodiaq RS. Cameron takes it on an autumn adventure, testing its performance, versatility, and practicality against a range of real-world scenarios. Discover some of the highlights from Cameron’s journey below.

“There’s a reason the seven-seat SUV is Škoda’s best-selling model. But it has certainly been a great experience being reminded why it’s so popular.”

Cameron Officer66 Magazine

66 Magazines' Cameron Officer with Skoda Kodiaq

Škoda’s Family Favourite SUV

Cameron spent several months putting the Škoda Kodiaq RS through its paces, and the verdict was clear. There’s a reason this seven-seat SUV is Škoda’s best-selling model, and living with it day-to-day only reinforces why.

Sporty Power

The Kodiaq RS’s turbocharged petrol engine delivers impressive power, backed by a 7-speed DSG transmission and intelligent all-wheel-drive.

“The sporty RS’s peak power output of 195kW is 85kW more than the Kodiaq TSI range entry point and, for a two-tonne, 4.7-metre-long SUV, it can get along at a remarkable clip when needed.”

Spacious Design

Three spacious rows of seating mean the Kodiaq RS can comfortably carry up to seven passengers.

“A kids-and-pals’ trip to an early season Super Rugby game – with a full complement of seven bodies onboard – elicited precisely zero complaints from the third row, despite pick-up logistics adding quite a few extra kilometres to the journey.”

Boot for Anything

With rows two and three folded, the Kodiaq delivers over 2,000 litres of boot space, ensuring that there’ll be no more worries about having to leave anything behind.

“In addition to a stack of boxes, I managed to fit an outgrown child’s bike and even a small fold-out sofa in the boot.”

Clever Details

Intuitive Bluetooth, a hidden and built-in wireless charger, door edge protectors, an umbrella in the door, and an ice scraper in the fuel flap. Škoda’s simply clever touches can be found throughout the Kodiaq RS.

“Škoda really does excel at the little things.”

Read the Full Story

Want to find out more? Read Cameron’s full test of the Škoda Kodiaq RS on 66 Magazine, where he goes into detail on everything from the drive experience to the clever everyday features that make this SUV stand out.

Part 1: Kodiaq RS

Next Steps

We’ll be sharing each chapter here as the series unfolds across the seasons. Stay tuned.

The new Škoda Kodiaq is now available at Miles Škoda. Discover the Kodiaq range for yourself by booking a test drive or simply visiting our showroom. If you’d like to learn more or have any questions, please contact our team. We look forward to hearing from you.

Things you should know

Please note that while care is taken to ensure all details displayed here are correct, specifications, pricing, imagery, and offers often change and information here may no longer be accurate. Images may also include overseas specification and/or optional accessories not included in the price or available in New Zealand. Content can also, of course, be subject to the occasional human error. For all current and correct details, please speak to our friendly and informative Sales Specialists. If you notice information that may be inaccurate, please don’t hesitate to let us know as soon as possible. Thank you for your support and understanding.