Skoda Kodiaq SUV review: A slick and versatile all-rounder
Škoda has kicked off its major SUV campaign with the new Kodiaq.
It is a versatile all-rounder offering the largest boot capacity within its class, and will be available with the option of a third row of seats.
The Kodiaq places a new brand emphasis on infotainment, assistance systems and connectivity, and goes on sale at the beginning of 2017.
With the Kodiaq, Škoda is entering a new market segment that is growing quickly across the world – the large SUV class. With this campaign, the brand wants to engage new customer groups, increase its market share and further strengthen its position in international markets.
The Kodiaq is a true Škoda: with a design full of character and emotion, its brings the brand's new design language into the SUV segment.
In day-to-day use, it offers a variety of qualities for family, leisure and business. Whether as a five or seven-seater, the KODIAQ has plenty of space. With a capacity of up to 2,065 litres, the five-seater boasts the largest boot within its class.
Kodiaq introduces new concepts, including door-edge protection that deploys automatically to avoid damaging the car in garages or car parks. There is an electric child safety lock, as well as a sleep comfort package with special headrests for long trips.
With innovative connectivity solutions, the Kodiaq is at the top end of its segment. They offer numerous functions and interfaces, and are all equipped with capacitive touchscreens. The top-of- the-range Columbus and Amundsen systems come with a WiFi hotspot. As an optional extra, there is an LTE module for the Columbus system – which establishes an internet connection using the fastest mobile communications standard currently available.
The new mobile online services from Škoda are compatible with LTE, and are divided into two: the Infotainment Online services provide information and navigation, and the Care Connect services provide breakdown and emergency assistance.
An eCall emergency button, which will be required for all new cars in Europe from 2018, is already now part of the Care Connect service. Other online services run via the Škoda Connect app. They can be used to check, configure and find a car from afar via a smartphone.
The Kodiaq reaches a new level when it comes to the intelligent pairing of car and smartphone. The SmartLink platform, with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, MirrorLink TM and SmartGate, is optional for the entry-level Swing infotainment system but a standard feature for the more advanced infotainment systems. A Phonebox with inductive charging connects the smartphone to the roof aerial and charges it wirelessly.
The Kodiaq features a wide range of driving assistance systems. The area view cameras, new for Škoda, display the car's immediate surroundings. When a trailer is attached, the tow assist system takes over manoeuvring when reversing slowly. The new predictive pedestrian protection function compliments front assist. Parking distance control with braking function, also new, provides support with parking manoeuvres.
Additional driver assistance systems are also available. They keep the car at a safe distance from vehicles in front, make it easier for the driver to change and stay in lane, alert the driver to important traffic signs and assist when parking.
Kodiaq will be available in a choice of five engines: two TDIs and three TSIs. The most powerful petrol, the 2.0-litre TSI, provides dynamic driving performance with a power output of 180 PS; it works just as efficiently as a lower capacity powertrain thanks to a new combustion process.
A range of transmission options are available – six-speed manual gearbox, DSG transmission, front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. The car negotiates all types of roads in a balanced and comfortable, yet dynamic and nimble way. The driving experience becomes even more appealing when the car features driving mode select and dynamic chassis control (DCC). Using these, operation of the steering, accelerator, DSG transmission and suspension can be configured in multiple modes.
The Kodiaq feels equally at home on rough terrain. On reaching the end of the road, an off-road mode supports the driver when using four-wheel drive.
At the touch of a button, all the relevant systems – engine management, assistance systems, electronic chassis systems, such as ABS and ESC, as well as the suspension if combined with the optional DCC – automatically adjust to off-road conditions.
