Geneva Motor Show 2017: Skoda Kodiaq gets Sportline makeover

Skoda’s first vRS SUV will take another step closer to reality at the Geneva Motor Show 2017, with the launch of the Kodiaq Sportline. The hot hatch makeover adds larger wheels, bodykit and sports seats to the Kodiaq. Prices should start from £31,500.

The Kodiaq Sportline is expected to be the precursor for Skoda's first hot SUV, with the development of the Kodiaq vRS thought to be at an advanced stage for a 2018 launch. 

The Sportline should reach UK showrooms in the summer and be based on the Kodiaq SE, but add black door mirrors, radiator grille and roof rails, along with body coloured bumper sills and 19-inch alloy wheels. The aerodynamic bodykit, with side skirting, also gets Sportline badges on the front wings, while 20-inch wheels will be available as an option.

Inside the cabin the Kodiaq gets LED ambient lighting, leather sports seats and a multifunction display, with readouts for G-force, turbocharging pressure and engine performance. A choice of two petrol and two diesel engines are available, including the 180PS 2.0 TSI and 190PS 2.0 TDI.

If you value fuel economy over performance, then the Sportline trim is also available for the 150PS 1.4 TSI - which will return an official 41.5mpg - along with the 150PS 2.0 TDI, with an advertised 53.3mpg. All models get four-wheel drive as standard and running costs for the more powerful petrol and diesel versions will be a respective 38.7mpg and 49.6mpg.

The Sportline will be auto only, with the Kodiaq using Skoda's latest seven-speed DSG gearbox. Drive Mode Select will also be fitted as standard, allowing the driver to adapt the throttle response, gear changes and power steering to match the road conditions.