Thanks: PAL MOTORS AUTOPIA
/ palmotors
Family friendly SUV appeals equally to heart and head
Is the Skoda Kodiaq any good?
Objectively the Kodiaq is a strong and practical family hauler that’s well-suited to modern life with kids. But the fact that it has seven-seats and costs less than many of its key rivals makes it a really compelling answer to your new car question.
Despite its attention-grabbing prices, the Kodiaq is anything but a budget car and feels a rung or two above the Nissan X-Trail, while on par with the latest Kia Sorento and Hyundai Santa Fe when it comes to equipment, quality, comfort and roadholding.
Even the more expensive Land Rover Discovery Sport gets much closer to the mark, but still can’t match the Skoda’s practicality on the inside.
It could easily wear a Volkswagen badge, for example, but it dramatically undercuts the Tiguan Allspace, while simultaneously providing more room and equipment. Only Peugeot’s 5008 and the Kodiaq’s close cousin, the SEAT Tarraco, offer similar flexibility and value for money.
What’s it like inside?
Skoda’s largest SUV can come with room for seven people across three rows of seats. The middle row slides in a 60:40-split formation, while a pair of adults will just about fit in the third row pair without too much discomfort.
The boot is a good size even with the third row in place - more so than in its rivals - while folding the seats into the floor frees up a vast amount of boot space. Finally, extra storage areas are abundant in the Kodiaq, with two gloveboxes, large door bins, big central area beneath the armrest and extra options to aid flexibility available on the options list.
What’s it like to drive?
No matter which power source you choose, the Kodiaq is a big and comfy cruiser. But the engine makes a big difference. There are three petrols and two diesels to choose from. The lower-powered versions of each offer 150hp, jumping up to more powerful 190-200hp units that are available exclusively with an automatic gearbox and four-wheel drive.
Skoda also offers a pokey vRS version for drivers seeking something quicker. Its petrol engine puts out 245hp via an all-wheel drive system and is capable of 0-62mph in around 6 seconds. Previously, vRS versions were diesels, but these were canned in 2020 due to emissions regulations.
What model and trims are available?
The starting point of SE Drive trim already comes with plenty of kit, including rear parking sensors, dual-zone climate control, cruise control, DAB radio and a choice of five or seven seats. LED headlights, 18-inch alloy wheels and wireless Apple CarPlay plus Amundsen navigation also feature on the 8.0-inch touchscreen.
SE Drive is available in both five- and seven-seat configurations.
Progress to an SE L Executive model for a more generous kit roster. It adds 19-inch alloy wheels, a larger multimedia touchscreen, adaptive LED headlights, heated leather seats with electric adjustment, and an electric tailgate.
Even more luxuries are part of the package with the pricier Laurin & Klement range-topper, while an athletic vibe is part of the SportLine models’ appeal.
The vRS model is the most sporting. As well as receiving the most powerful engine, it also comes with 20-inch wheels, Alcantara seats, and more vRS badges than you can shake a stick at.
Leasing online
The Skoda Kodiaq is available with some good deals, principally because it’s a popular choice with decent resale values. Monthly Kodiaq prices start from £388.
Capacious Kodiaq offers room all round
Massive boot with seats up or down
Relatively small footprint means parking is easy
How much space is there?
In short, loads. But more specifically, there’s a deep storage tray in front of the gearlever, large doorbins front and rear and a reasonably large front armrest, which houses a tray with two cupholders in it - all of which adds to the Skoda’s already imperious practicality credentials.
The rearmost seats aren’t the most spacious, but room in the third row is good for this class of car and it is possible for average-size adults to get comfortable, though they won’t want to spend hours in the back. Access to the front two rows is very good, with low door sills and long doors making getting in and out easier than most high-riding off-roaders. Peugeot’s 5008 is more flexible in the middle row thanks to three individual seats, but space is comparable with the Skoda...
Read More www.parkers.co.uk/skoda/kodia...
📌 Instagram ▶ / medcars.tv
📌 Tiktok ▶ / cartvpress