The Kodiaq has proven a hit with families, but what has a new generation got to offer? Nigel Swan has been finding out.
The Skoda Kodiaq is no stranger to our long-term fleet. It has previously been one of the most popular additions to the team, and it’s always caused a battle between the staff who takes custody of it. Fortunately – for me anyway – the latest version of Skoda’s largest SUV is heading to the video department for the next few months.
Now, it’s not just our office petrolheads who love the Kodiaq’s driving manners, build quality and standard equipment list. This car has proved extremely popular with families up and down the country, and it’s easy to see why. A recent update has made the Kodiaq’s equipment levels even more impressive, too.
The model we’ve got on test is the mid-level SE L version which, on the face of it, comes pretty well equipped. It includes a 10.25-inch virtual cockpit, a 13-inch touchscreen infotainment system, cruise control with cruise assist, electric boot and parking sensors. In fact, if I listed all the standard equipment, this would be an extremely dull opening review. Let’s just say you won’t be wanting for much more kit.
Having said that, a few extras have been thrown in for good measure, including a driving assistance package at £810, electric tow bar with adapter for £1,270, Convenience Plus Package with massage seats and memory function for £2,485 and the Panoramic sunroof for £1,725. Now that does take the total price of the Kodiaq to £53,980 which is quite a lot when you consider for a similar budget you could get a Mercedes GLB, Kia Sorento or Hyundai Santa Fe.
So what’s new about our Kodiaq? Well, we’ve got the new 2024 model, which features some stylish new looks and a host of changes inside. But the key features that make it such a sensible choice are there. Everything about the Kodiaq is well thought through. For example, in the fuel filler cap, there’s an ice scraper, which came in extremely useful during a recent heavy snowfall.
It’s nothing new as it has featured on other Skodas, but it’s nice to see that there hasn’t been any penny-pinching. Also, next to the cupholder there’s a rectangular, detachable pad which can be used to clean the touchscreen. The cupholders are also a decent size and they have a sliding function so you can have four cups in there, or two depending on how thirsty the front occupants are.
What’s also new is the climate control functionality. I’m pleased to see that Skoda hasn’t adopted the ‘squeezing every function in the touchscreen’ approach which we’ve seen in other Volkswagen products. Underneath the large 13-inch touchscreen infotainment system there are three dials. The two outermost ones control the independent climate control temperature, but if you press them, the digital screen changes allowing you to adjust the heated or cooled seats.
Then the middle controller adjusts the airflow direction, the intensity and the audio levels. It sounds pretty clunky but it’s surprisingly easy to get to grips with and not too distracting to adjust on the move.
The other elements that stand out so far are behind the front seats. Anyone sitting in the middle row is treated to loads of legroom, which can be extended further thanks to sliding seats. They seats are heated, too, and passengers have got access to two USB-C charging ports so they can charge their devices. Then, for many families, there’s the big selling point – those extra two seats in the boot which fold into the floor when not being used. For me, they’re unlikely to be taken advantage of as the boot will mainly be home to filming equipment or Marley – my large staffy cross.
Now onto what’s not been so great so far at these early stages. The key thing I really don’t like is the gear selector and indicator stalk. On most modern cars, the left stalk is reserved for the lights and indicators, while the right one is for wiper functions. However, with the new Kodiaq, the right stalk operates the gear selector while the left one looks after indicators, high beam, front wipers and rear wipers. Honestly, I am not a fan.
Engine wise we’ve opted for the 190bhp 2.0-litre TDI. Now in a world where more people are switching to petrol, hybrid or full electric, diesel seems to be a bit of a left-field choice. But realistically for all the miles I’m doing, it makes total sense. It should average a more than respectable mpg in the mid-40s, which isn’t bad for a large SUV. Most of the miles I’ll be doing will be from the north west to the south coast for filming, but we also have a ski trip planned to Tignes in France, so that will be a great opportunity to stretch its legs and see how it copes with more wintery conditions, making full use of that four-wheel drive system.
Facts at a glance
- Model as tested: Skoda Kodiaq
- Price: £53,980
- Engine: 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel
- Power: 190bhp
- Torque: 400Nm
- Max speed: 134mph
- 0-60mph: 8.0 seconds
- MPG: 44-45.4mpg
- Emissions: 168-174g/km
- Mileage: 579 miles
By Nigel Swan