Storms and floods but Kodiaq got us through N

OW SUV’s get a bit of a bad press sometimes with the old ‘Chelsea Tractor’ slogan being rolled out, especially by the green brigade.

But I was really glad I was testing Skoda’s large 4x4, the Kodiaq, recently during an eventful family trip to the Lake District.

Now I know the clue is in the name - it is not called Lake District for nothing and all those lovely expanses of picturesque water have to be filled, which means quite a bit of rain.

During our recent weekend staying at the foot of Coniston Water we encountered rain - lots and lots of rain. So much so it seemed at times like we were driving through an out of control car wash.

So those who say SUV’s are pretty pointless on our roads have got it wrong - because as the unbelievable downpours caused by former tropical storm Callum lashed down 4x4s were the only vehicles still moving on the roads.

With huge stretches of even the bigger routes under up to a foot of fast-moving water this was one occasion where I could give an SUV a proper test. And the Kodiaq took it all in its stride - even with six of its seven seats in use - getting us through where lesser vehicles had given up and gone home.

Powerful ‘turning’ headlights and efficient wipers plus that raised ground clearance and proven 4x4 system got us through in comfort and style, for which I was particularly grateful as I had the most important people on the planet on board - the extra special one plus our two grown-up kids with respective fiancé and girlfriend.

At a shade over £37,000 the near top-of-the-range Kodiaq Edition is good value for a large, seven seat SUV and ours came with a seven speed DSG auto box, which coped admirably with the treacherous conditions.

The standard equipment list is long and includes such must haves as touchscreen infotainment, cornering LED headlights, electric tailgate, five driving modes, leather seats (electric and heated in the front) headlight washers, wireless phone charging, keyless entry and start, rear parking sensors, cruise control and, most important for our rain-lashed trip, umbrellas built into the front doors and a removable flashlight!

There are also a raft of safety features including automatic braking, seven airbags, blind spot detection and lane assist.

Performance-wise our Kodiaq has a 2-litre, 187bhp TDi engine which can return up to a shade under 50mpg combined, gives a respectable 0 to 62 time of 8.8 seconds and a top speed of 129.

Then there is the styling something which has been a talking point for all the wrong reasons on Skoda’s of the past. Well under its VW parent all those old Skoda jokes are now very much a thing of the past.

Likewise on the quality and equipment fronts as the firm continues its efforts to move upmarket, particularly with a new touchscreen infotainment system which is excellent and moves the brand into new territory for sophistication. Also, for those who want an SUV that delivers on interior space without looking too large on the outside, the Kodiaq is a strong contender.

Starting at £22,170, entry-level models are powered by a 123bhp 1.4-litre turbo petrol engine. There are two other turbocharged petrol engines and two diesels to choose from, with the petrol range made up of two tunes of the 1.4 TSI engine topped by a 178bhp 2.0litre TSI. Likewise the oilburners share a 2.0 TDI available in two guises - 148bhp and our 187bhp version.

There are four trim levels - S, SE, SE L and Edition. Entry-level Kodiaqs have 17in alloy wheels, electric windows, LED dayrunning-lights, keyless ignition, tinted rear windows, emergency autonomous braking and various other safety tech as standard. Inside, there is air conditioning, a cooled glove box, height adjustable front seats and steering column and hill start assist.

SE adds 18in alloy wheels, headlight washers, cruise control, dual-zone climate control, auto wipers and lights and those umbrellas housed in the front doors. SE L gets 19in alloy wheels, lots of chrome exterior details, LED head, rear and fog lights, electrically adjustable, heated and folding door mirrors, heated front seats, a powered tailgate and Alcantara upholstery.

On top of all the above our Edition Kodiaq gets silver roof rails, metallic paint and all the equipment already listed above. Also it is worth noting that only the DSG-equipped four-wheel-drive 2.0 TDI 150 and 190 models are rated for the car’s maximum 2.5tonne towing capacity on a braked trailer.

So the Kodiaq has all the on road presence you need for a big SUV and, as it proved during our very wet weekend, the off road credentials to match.

More information at www.skoda. co.uk FANCY riding around like royalty and in total safety too?

Then this 1990 Bentley Turbo R, formerly a Qatari Royal family car, is for sale with H&H Classics.

It has armour plating and electric rear blind and side curtains, smoked courtesy glass to the rear and only 5,000 miles on the clock.

The LHD car is finished in raven black with magnolia leather trim piped in black leather. It comes fully loaded with all options including very rare electric windows - almost unheard of in an armoured car.

It has had one royal owner from new and was supplied by Rolls Royce Palm Beach. The car’s exotic specification includes a bootmounted refrigerator.

Roger Nowell of H&H Classics in Warrington said: “This is a very very special car. If you need serious protection then this is the cheapest life cover you could purchase. It would cost in excess of £750,000 to build a similarly armoured limousine today.”