Skoda Kodiaq
Of all the manufacturers who have turned around their image, fortunes and reputation in the
last twenty years, Skoda has perhaps been the most successful.
Ever since Volkswagen took over, it’s gone from strength to strength, Becoming one of
the most successful brands of reliable, well-made family cars on the continent.
With crossovers being the car of choice for the public en mass today, it was only natural
that Skoda would start producing its own SUV – aside from the toe in the water Yeti,
the Kodiaq is their first proper try and this type of car.
So, have they successfully made a rival to the likes of the Nissan X-Trail?
Let’s find out!
Exterior
The current Skoda design language is very svelte and sophisticated, in-line with the
rest of the Volkswagen Audi Group.
The Kodiaq wears this well, and visually, shares more with the premium end of its segment
rather than the value brands.
Based on the MQB platform that has become a staple of the VAG brands, the car is obviously
very closely linked to the likes of the Audi Q5 and the Seat Ateca, in terms of dimensions
and overall shape.
Despite being very roomy, it is surprisingly compact, being just 40mm longer than the Octavia.
Engines
The entry-level engine is a 123bhp, turbocharged 1.4-litre, powered by petrol.
A pair of turbocharged engines make up the petrol engine range, with two diesels also
available.
A 2.0-litre TDI engine with 187bhp is the most powerful motor in the range.
Our car has the turbo 1.4-litre, but with 148bhp coming from its four cylinders.
This motor is our pick of the range, and pulls the car along nicely – despite being a big,
seven seat crossover, it is very light, and therefore, feels a smidgen more sprightly
than some of its competition.
With a claimed combined 46.3MPG, the car is fairly economical, and sits in the same ballpark
as Nissan’s X-Trail in that regard – the 1.6-litre, 163bhp petrol engine in that range
achieves 45.6MPG.
Interior
In this ‘SportLine’ Kodiaq, the list of standard equipment is incredibly impressive.
The headliner is the 9.2” touchscreen, which plays home to a Columbus sat nav, DAB Radio,
USB connectors and two SD cars readers.
The infotainment system is great to use as a whole.
The sat nav is clear, crisp and exceedingly well-detailed.
There is also plentiful storage, such as here, under the front armrest, and some nice touches
such as this umbrella, hiding in the front doors.
If you want to know more on the interior of the car, our full written review on the Skoda
Kodiaq is available by clicking the link above
Costs
The car we have here would set you back £34,495, including £1200 of options including a rather
nice uprated sound system.
However, the bottom end of the range can be purchased for £20,720.
The ‘S’ spec with the 123bhp version of the 1.4 and front-wheel drive, is a good option
for those who need at the expense of speed.
A well-equipped car with the engine we have here can be comfortably purchased for less
than £28,000, which by all accounts, is good value in this sector.
Click the link above for more pricing options on the Skoda Kodiaq
Practicality
With a massive 2065 litres of space with the rear seats folded down, there’s no questioning
the practicality of the Kodiaq.
The seven seat layout is great if you have children to ferry around, and in five seat
mode, the headroom and general space of the second row of seats is very impressive, and
provides the Kodiaq with an advantage over its rivals.
The roomy feel throughout the car also makes it a very comfortable long-distance driver.
Practicality is a key factor within car buying, find out more on passenger leg room, boot
space and more in the full written review here.
Driving
Critically, the Kodiaq ticks an important box for a family SUV – it is very comfortable.
It has a slightly different feel from, say, a Superb, with a slightly sportier edge than
such cars behind the wheel.
Overall, from a comfort perspective, it is on par with most of its rivals, and does not
roll or jar in corners.
The steering is quite light, which can lead to a slight lack of confidence on twisty roads,
but is great for the city.
Unless you opt for the economy-focused 123bhp engine, performance is plentiful for any heavy
acceleration and motorway cruising.
Verdict
The Stellar reputation Skoda carries these days is certainly warranted, and undoubtedly,
the Czech manufacturer’s increased focus on SUV’s and crossovers will have some competitors
sweating.
The Kodiaq is a very impressive first attempt, and a worthy alternative to cars such as the
X-Trail.
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