Skoda Kodiaq 2023
By Ian Strachan.
The Skoda Kodiaq broke new ground for the Czech manufacturer when it was launched about six years ago. It was the company’s first ever seven-seat sports utility vehicle and added another dimension to Skoda’s fast-expanding range.
Now it’s just got better with the second generation Kodiaq, offering a new interior, smart design features, better performance and efficiency and more technology..
I test drover the Kodiaq SE L Executive, which is vehicle is versatile, exceptionally well-equipped, handles like a dream, has permanent four wheel drive, and like most Skodas it remains very competitive. Pitched into one of the most intensely fought sectors, the range starts at below £30,000.
But despite its price, it has high build quality, good interior trim materials and a high specification, not to mention a very roomy interior.
The latest Kodiaq has a quality feel to it inside and out. And it is certainly a good looker. It has a strong side-on presence, with a gently sloping roofline, big windows a high waist and neatly sculpted side panels. Handsome 19 inch anthracite alloys add to its side-on style.
Inside the car has a lot of class about it with some significant improvements over its predecessor. My test vehicle had leather upholstery of a surprisingly high quality. The dash is simple and attractive, with a central eight-inch touchscreen for satellite navigation system, integrated Wi-fi and the DAB radio and media system, with USB ports and SD card reader.
Interior space is very good with plenty of of cargo space behiond the power-operated tailgate. The third row of seats can be folded flat to the floor, with a 60/40 folding split second row. Specification on the Executive spec which I tested includes seven airbags, chrome roof rails, front grille and window surrounds, cruise control, drive mode select, dual-zone air conditioning, electrically adjustable folding heated door mirrors, front and rear parking sensors, LED headlights with cornering function and, of course, Skoda’s trademark umbrella in the front door compartment.
Other standard features include heated front seats, headlight washers, keyless entry and ignition, light and rains sensors, wireless smartphone charging and privacy glass..
I drove the 1.5 litre TSI petrol Kodiaq which gives out an adequate 150 bhp with a top speed, where allowed, of 126 mph. Linked to a smooth seven-speed stepless automatic gearbox, this is a very good unit, offering plenty of power with little fuss. Acceleration is pleasingly brisk for a vehicle of this size with an 0-60mph time of around nine and a half seconds.
Skoda claims fuel consumption of 38 mpg in mixed driving, which is nothing to write home about, but this is a substantial vehicle.
The Skoda Kodiaq SE L Executive has an on-the-road price of £37,345. That is competitive for such a high specification, and you get a lot of car for your money. My test car came with almost £4,000’s worth of extras including grey metallic paint at £660, electric front seats with memory (£480), electric folding tow bar (£960), park assist (£385) and a winter back of heated front and rear seat at £520.
It’s difficult to fault this offering from Skoda. It’s a an impressive vehicle with a very keen price which will keep other more lauded manufacturers on their toes.
