Review
Skoda Kodiaq
The Kodiaq is the first SUV in Skoda’s range. With a spacious interior, large trunk and 7 seats, this new model makes the brand even more attractive to potential buyers. We were introduced to this newcomer through a test drive with the 190 hp 2.0 TDI with four-wheel drive and a DSG7.
Versions
The new Kodiaq offers something for everyone. The entry-level version is the Active from 27,120 euros. Then you get a 1.4 TSI petrol engine and a six-speed manual gearbox. As an Ambition you can choose from numerous models. There are petrol engines between 125 hp and 180 hp with a manual transmission or a DSG. The prices are between 30,380 euros and 36,385 euros. Of course, there is also an extensive range of diesel engines. The entry-level model there is a 2.0 CRTDI with 150 hp and a DSG7 for a budget of 35,275 euros. The heaviest version is a 2.0 CRTDI with 190 hp, four-wheel drive and a DSG7 for a budget of 39,260 euros. As a Style you can choose from 4 petrol versions from 150 hp to 180 hp and 4 diesel versions from 150 hp to 190 hp.
We went out for a test drive with the Kodiaq Style with a 2.0 CRTDI diesel engine with a power of 190 pk. Our test car was also equipped with a 7-speed DSG7 automatic gearbox and also had 4×4 four-wheel drive.
Room
The Kodiaq is 40mm longer than a Superb and offers plenty of space inside for both the driver and passengers. You can also optionally choose 2 additional seats in the third row. This allows you to transport up to 7 people in the Kodiaq. The spacious trunk has room for a volume of 720 l up to 2065 l with the rear seats down.
Driver assistance systems
The Kodiaq is equipped with numerous standard and optional driver assistance systems. Tow Assist takes control of the steering wheel when you reverse with a caravan. That makes parking a lot easier. Maneuver Assist will automatically brake when reversing when it detects an obstacle. This way you can avoid a collision if you do not brake in time when maneuvering.
The Area View System consists of a series of environmental cameras that display images from different angles of the car on the screen in the car. Those images come from wide-angle lenses of cameras on the front, the exterior mirrors and the rear. This gives you a virtual top-down view and 180 degree images of the front and back.
The Kodiaq is equipped as standard with Front Assist with City Emergency Brake. This system can detect dangerous situations with pedestrians or other vehicles using radar. The system will then warn the driver or brake itself if necessary.
Lane Assist will help the driver stay in his lane (see demo in the video). With Blind Spot Detect you can see when a vehicle is in the blind spot and you can therefore change lanes more safely. If the Kodiaq was equipped with Lane Assist, ACC and a DSG, you can also use Traffic Jam Assist. With this system, the car automatically brakes, drives and makes adjustments up to speeds of 65 km/h. With Emergency Assist, the system can stop the car when the driver is no longer able to do so himself.
Conclusion
As the first SUV within the Skoda brand, the Kodiaq is a successful introduction in our opinion. In addition to a beautiful design and spacious interior with optional 7 seats, you can also further equip the Kodiaq with numerous options that give the Kodiaq a very high-quality appearance. We would certainly consider a leather interior. The Area View System is certainly also an option that can make driving in daily traffic easier for the driver.
Johan De Haes
Test driver
