SKODA KODIAQ 132TSI

The Kodiaq is a few grand cheaper than its Korean rival, but that’s just the beginning of its superior value case. It levels with the Sorento for key equipment, and then adds extra safety headlined by a city emergency braking system and three extra airbags, and it also boasts adaptive cruise control, and a nifty door-edge protection system. 19/20

The Kodiaq’s Alcantara/leather interior is a classy and practical place chock with surprise and delight, including umbrellas in the front doors and an LED torch in the cargo bay. Second-row runners and an adjustable backrest angle are other highlights. There’s 270 litres of luggage space behind the third row; 630 litres behind the second. 17/20

The Skoda’s 2.0-litre turbo, seven-speed dual-clutch and AWD make it more responsive at low speeds, similarly accelerative, easier on fuel, and better at putting the power down on slippery surfaces than its rival. At 7.6L/100km it officially uses 23 percent less fuel than the Kia, and we’d expect a similar margin in the real world. 18/20

Fine primary ride and a hushed cabin contribute to a hugely refined drive. The launch pack’s adaptive dampers bring a relaxed gait in normal mode, the only intrusion coming over sharp bumps at suburban speeds courtesy of big 19-inch wheels/tyres. But on the highway (and a decent surface) this is a tautly comfortable touring wagon. 17/20

Flicked into ‘sport’, a tensing of the adaptive dampers gives the Kodiaq’s well-sorted suspension an extra dose of discipline. The steering is smooth and accurate, if not particularly engaging, and is weighted up in sport mode, though we found it more natural with an individual setting dialled to bring sports damping with normal steering. 16/20