By Ian Strachan.
Skoda’s excellent big SUV – the bear-inspired Kodiaq – is now available as a hybrid, adding another dimension to the Czech manufacturer’s fast-expanding offering.
An 85kW electric motor assists the Kodiaq’s smooth 1.5 litre petrol engine, and the result is a hybrid which has an impressive 73 miles of electric-only motoring.
I test drove the 204 horsepower Kodiaq iV SE L PHEV, which is versatile, practical and exceptionally well-equipped. The only downside is that it only comes with five seats, so those wanting the advantage of a seven seater would have to look at other versions of this impressive SUV. There are plenty to choose from.
The Kodiaq has a quality feel to it inside and out. In design terms it’s certainly an attention seeker, with Skoda’s hexagonal grille sitting over a wide air intake. It has a strong side-on presence, with a gently sloping roofline, a high waist and neatly sculpted side panels. Smart 19 inch polished silver alloys add to its side-on style. My test car came in a striking Bronx Gold metallic finish which seemed to change colour depending on sunlight. It’s a £680 option but certainly an attractive feature.
Inside the car has a lot of class about it with Skoda’s virtual cockpit and easy-to-use intuitive centrally mounted smart dials controlling several functions. Much better than fiddly buttons or controls that you can only use if you take your eyes off the road. My test vehicle had perforated artificial leather upholstery of a surprisingly high quality. The driver’s seat is electrically adjustable with memory, and the front seats and steering wheel are heated.
The dash is simple and attractive, with a central 13-inch touchscreen for satellite navigation system, integrated Wi-fi and the DAB radio and media system. You get wireless charging for two smartphones (a helpful voice prompt tells you if you’ve left your phone on the charger), three-zone climate control, cruise control with speed assist and electrically adjustable heated door mirrors with branded puddle lights.
Interior space is immense with plenty of cargo space behind the power-operated tailgate, and a variable boot floor. The rear seats slide to meet space requirements and they have a 60/40 split. With the seats up you get 910 litres of boot space which can be more than doubled with the seats folded flat. Easily the best in its class.
Other features on the SE L spec include matrix LED headlights which automatically adjust the shape of the beam to ensure you’re not dazzling oncoming traffic.
You also get seven airbags, front and rear parking sensors with rear view camera, dark chrome roof rails, rain sensors, and of course, Skoda’s trademark umbrella in the front door compartment.
Safety features include blind spot detection, front assist with vehicle, pedestrian and cyclist reaction, lane assist, rear traffic assist and traffic sign recognition.
I drove the petrol and electric Kodiaq which gives out 204 bhp with a top speed, where allowed, of 130 mph. Linked to a smooth six-speed stepless automatic gearbox, this is a very good unit, offering plenty of power with little fuss. In electric mode the car is pretty much silent. Acceleration is pleasingly brisk for a vehicle of this size with an 0-60mph time of around eight seconds.
Fuel consumption of around 48 mpg in mixed driving is respectable for a substantial vehicle.
The Skoda Kodiaq iV SE L PHEV has an on-the-road price of £44,745. That is competitive for such a high specification, and you get a lot of car for your money. My test car came with extras including a head-up display at £540, a winter pack at £3250 and a driver assistance package at £830.
It’s difficult to fault this offering from Skoda. It’s a an impressive vehicle with a keen price. I was sad to see it go.
