SKODA has given its biggest SUV, the Kodiaq, a mid-life refresh and a more powerful petrol engine for the range topping vRS model.

The modest visual makeover includes a bolder radiator grille at the front and gloss black rear spoiler. The Czech carmaker's large SUV also features LEDheadlights as standard and, for the first time, can be equipped with full LED Matrix headlights.

New alloy wheels measuring up to 20inches further enhance the car's look. Special Aero wheels, redesigned front and rear bumpers, and the new gloss black rear spoiler and finlets on the sides of the rear window all reduce drag. The KodiaqvRS now features a distinct, dynamically designed model-specific front bumper.

Inside, in addition to new decorative strips, additional contrasting stitching on the dashboard and door panels are now included in the Kodiaq, which can accommodate up to seven people with an optional fold-out third row of seats.

Ventilated ergonomic seats including a massage function are available as an option for the driver and front passenger - this is a first for the model range. The LED ambient lighting now has more functions.

The 2.0TSI petrol engine in the vRS Kodiaq comes from Volkswagen Group's EVOgeneration and has a power output of 242bhp making it 5bhp more powerful than the predecessor's biturbo diesel.

At the same time, this engine is more than 60kg lighter than theTDI. Together with the new 7-speed DSG, which is 5.2kg lighter, this power unit's performance is even better, says Skoda.

The two other petrol engines, the 1.5TSI producing 148bhp and the2.0TSI with an output of 187bhp as well as the 2.0TDIs delivering 148bhp) and 197bhp also come from Volkswagen Group's latest EVO generation.