Skoda’s move to the mainstream
Skoda says the Kodiaq also boasts more boot space than several competitors, including the Hyundai Sante Fe and Mazda CX5. The Czech brand has long been a purveyor of clever luggage spaces and the Kodiaq receives its fair share of shopping hooks, a stow-able tonneau cover, removable LED torch and preparation for Skoda’s optional luggage rack system.
Featuring crisply conservative exterior styling, Kiwi market Kodiaqs are available in three trim levels, with a choice of two petrol turbo engines and a single turbo diesel.
Even the entry-level model (the $39,990 Ambition) arrives with an electric tailgate, parking sensors everywhere paired with a reversing camera, emergency braking (including a pedestrian monitoring system) and LED lights. The most obvious box left unticked with this one is the 4x4 drivetrain, but that won’t appeal to everyone (although it does give you a full 2000kg braked towing capacity).
Every other Kodiaq offers the assuredness of all-paw drive, along with a mix of either a 140kW/ 400Nm turbo diesel, or a choice of two Volkswagen Group turbo petrols; the 100kW/250Nm 1.4-litre TSI, or the 132kW/320Nm 2.0-litre TSI, both of which have seen plenty of service elsewhere in the extended Volks-iverse.
A lot of the usual comfort and convenience spec is on offer, all accessed through grade-specific infotainment system touchscreens. Opt for a top-ofthe-tree Kodiaq Style ($54,290 for the TSI or $58,290 for the TDI) and you’ll get a nine-speaker system with subwoofer.
Satellite navigation is offered on Ambition+ and Style grades, but thanks to Apple Carplay and Android Auto being available ●+ 1395cc turbo petrol TSI (110kW/ 250Nm), 1984cc turbo petrol TSI (132kW/320Nm), 1968cc turbo diesel TDI (140kW/ 400Nm) $39,990 (Kodiaq TSI Ambition 2WD), $44,990 (Kodiaq TSI Ambition+ 4x4), $54,290 (Kodiaq TSI Style 4x4), $58,290 (Kodiaq TDI Style 4x4) Acres of space, familyfriendly functionality, pointof-difference among Euro SUVs -
● Is it too early for an RSbadged Kodiaq? No, it isn’t
across the range, the entry-level Ambition lets you BYO your Google or Apple Maps, anyway.
But it’s the other little — yet rather clever — features which are the chart-topping hits here. The Style grade has a multi-colour ambient lighting system, and door edge protectors that slide out automatically whenever you open the door to mitigate shopping mall car park scrapes. The special grips in the bottom of the centre console cup holders allow you to twist the cap off a bottle with one hand, the umbrella embedded in the door (just like a Rolls-Royce, sir!).
This feels like an all-things-toall-people sort of SUV, although it will clearly appeal mainly to families. And, although I’ve always figured an Octavia wagon would be the ideal suburban-minded Skoda, the Kodiaq has changed my mind. But then, I sort of knew it would as soon as it was announced.
Skoda probably fields my favourite all-rounder range selection available to Kiwi buyers right now.
The Kodiaq simply adds another to the number of their models that show up the competition – from within and without the manufacturer’s immediate family too, I might add.
Despite enjoying leftfield gems before they find mass-market favour with the big hits, this is one occasion where you won’t hear a pained cry of “Play some old stuff!” from this particular corner.
Mainstream definitely suits Skoda.