Skoda Kodiaq Review

It’s always refreshing to see manufacturers bring out new models rather than keep facelifting the current range, but Skoda are capitalising on a record breaking 2016 and adding to their line up.

2017 sees them launch their first seven-seater, the Kodiaq, which if you didn’t know is named after a bear that hails from Alaska. We took the SUV on a drive at the UK launch to see how it fares against its competitors, but how beastly, or grizzly, is it?

There are five engines available. For petrol lovers there’s a 1.4 TSI which produces 125PS and the other 150PS. We drove the latter at the launch but felt it could do with a bit more torque as it feels like it doesn’t provide enough power for this type of and size of vehicle. More suited to it is likely to be the 2.0 TSI which delivers 180PS with 320Nm of torque and gets from 0-62mph in 8.2 seconds.

The 2.0 TDI diesel is impressive and also is available with two power outputs, 150PS and 190PS. We drove the former on the launch, combined with a seven-speed automatic transmission it works really seamlessly to get the car up to speed. The 190PS version comes with four-wheel drive as standard.

The Kodiaq is built on the MQB platform like the Seat Ateca and Volkswagen Tiguan coming as two or four-wheel drive so it’s ideal for those wanting to tackle terrain other than normal roads.

Skoda have engineered a comfortable, yet forgiving ride that isn’t perturbed by less than smooth road conditions. With light, well-weighted, precise handling, it’s really agile too so all in it makes it a really pleasant and easy driving experience.

There is a drive mode select option so the driver can set up the car to suit their driving with choices from Normal, Eco, Sport and Individual and all-wheel-drive versions can also have the extra choice of Off-road mode for those tougher terrains.

Skoda have produced a good strong car here. There is minimal interior noise as it’s well insulated and the diesel lacks that gruffiness often associated with them, so any long journeys should leave you feeling unbattered and less weary.

In terms of looks it really is quite striking for an SUV as it deceivingly sits quite low. The dominating Skoda grille and sweeping lines to the rear make it look very stylish. Rivals need to watch out as there’s a new kid on the block.

Skoda have added some little, helpful additions like umbrellas hidden in the front doors, flip out door protectors and a torch concealed in the boot.

Once you’re behind the wheel of the Kodiaq it’s noticeable how comfortable it is, seats have plenty of support and visibility is good all-round, even out the rear.

The SE trim version we drove came with a slick, black, 8-inch colour touchscreen which is easy to navigate around and displays navigation, car settings, media and phone connectivity.

There are four trim levels available for the Skoda Kodiaq, S, SE, SE L and Edition, all coming generously equipped. Entry level S is only available with the 1.4 TSI 125PS petrol engine, features include LED daytime running lights, air-conditioning, a tyre pressure monitoring system, keyless entry, DAB radio and Bluetooth.

The new Edition trim includes leather upholstery, metallic paint, wireless phone charging, 19-inch alloy wheels and lane assist and blind spot detection.

If you’re looking for a spacious SUV then the Kodiaq rates highly in this area. There is ample head and legroom all round plus there’s plenty of storage in the doors - large enough to hold bottles - the centre console and armrest.

Seven seats come as standard on the SE L trim, the third row seats won’t be ideal for tall people as leg room is a bit limiting but they do fold flat if the middle row of seats aren’t too far back.

Boot space is a generous 720-litres on the five-seat version increasing to a whopping 2,065 litres and there’s also a nifty under floor storage compartment for the boot cover.

The Skoda Kodiaq is so well-priced from £21,565 considering the BMW X3 starts from £34,100 and the Volvo XC60 is £32,935. It comes with a two year unlimited mileage warranty which can be extended up to five years/ 100,000 miles.

So what do we think of Skoda’s latest model? If you’re looking for a very affordable, well-equipped, stylish SUV then it’s a no-brainer, it beats the competition hands down.

Petrol efficiency figures will be around the mid forties in mpg with CO2 emissions as low as 139g/km, so expect to pay £200 in road tax for the first year.

The 2.0 TDI diesel should manage around 56.5mpg with CO2 as low as 131g/km so will fall into the same tax band and cost £200 when the new rates come into force in April.

Like with all Volkswagen Group models the quality is of a high standard, the cabins are a mixture of tough-feeling plastics, stylish chrome accents and black gloss inserts but does it look as good as an Audi? In our eyes, yes.

As it’s a new model we don’t know yet what reliability will be like, but Skoda are having a good run at the moment, they were named the most reliable car brand in Britain in the 2016 JD Power survey so they’re definitely ahead of their competitors and worth considering. 

The Skoda Kodiaq hasn’t been tested yet in the Euro NCAP ratings but it’s more than likely to receive the full five stars as it’s loaded with driver assistance and safety systems.

City emergency brake comes as standard, there is adaptive cruise control, lane assist and blind spot monitoring and driver aids include a driver alert system, multi-collision brake and traffic sign recognition. New additions include area view which gives you a view all around the car, ideal for parking and trailer assist, which will do all the steering for you when reversing with a trailer. How handy is that?