Long-termers

LONG-TERMERS SKODA KODIAQ

James Baggott is getting to grips with the new Skoda Kodiaq and has found some rather annoying aspects to it, as well as plenty of positives.

There’s no such thing as the perfect family car. There’s a bold statement for you, but one I’d be happy to debate with anyone who thinks there is. Why’s that? Well, because when it comes to choosing which model’s right for you, it doesn’t necessarily mean it’ll also be right for someone else. Take our new long-term Skoda Kodiaq, for example. For some, this seven-seat, reasonably priced SUV would be perfect. For others, less so.

It’s got van-like levels of space when you lower the two rows of rear seats for dump duties and has the ability to carry your loved ones and their five-a-side football teammates with them.

But there are downsides to the practicality it offers. The diesel engine isn’t the friendliest on your wallet when it comes to refuelling, and while its huge size means it’s very capable when it comes to carrying stuff, it’s not the nimblest when it comes to parking in tight spaces.

While it might cost more than £100 to fill up, the Kodiaq balances this out with a huge 600mile tank range and nearly 50mpg on motorways. I’m a big fan of the equipment our Sportline model comes with as standard, too. The list is long and plentiful and includes many things other brands would charge you for.

However, while the 2.0-litre diesel engine has a punchy 200bhp and is good for 133mph and 60mph in 7.9 seconds, I struggle to accept the lag from the gearbox.

VW Group diesel models have been beset with hesitance from the gearbox from a standstill ever since the emissions scandal. Rumour has it this lag has been built in to reduce emissions around town. In reality, it equates to a sluggish getaway which, at times, can be downright infuriating. I find myself driving around the problem, feathering the throttle at junctions to trick the gearbox into thinking it’s still rolling.

The cruise control is equally befuddling. On a cross-continent trip to the Alps earlier this year, and on several long-distance motorway journeys, I’ve set the cruise control only for it to override the speed and begin braking in anticipation of an upcoming bend.

Finally, the multimedia system is incredibly glitchy. Sometimes it displays a completely blank screen for minutes at a time.

Right, that’s the moaning over. Let’s move on to the good stuff. Overall, the Kodiaq is a very well-thought-out car. From the huge door bins to the umbrella in the door, the designers have clearly taken the time to work out what family drivers want.

The seat set-up works really well, with the middle bench able to pull forwards to give the pop-up sixth and seventh seats from the boot floor a little more room. The Sportline model is good-looking too. Its chunky dimensions and black grille are imposing and it looks smart.

While the £47,630 list price for this model looks punchy, when you compare it to other seven-seaters of similar size it’s actually very good value.

Chargeable options fitted to our test car that I’d specify include the panoramic sunroof – pricey at £1,255 but worth it for the way it lightens up the cabin. The winter pack is worth the £675 extra too for heated front and rear seats and a hand-warming steering wheel.

But is it the perfect family car? Well, with a little one on the way in a couple of weeks and the associated paraphernalia that babies come with already filling my house, I’ll soon be testing its carrying capabilities to the limits. I’ll reserve judgment for a little longer until then.

THE KNOWLEDGE

Skoda Kodiaq

Price (as tested): £47,630 Engine: 2.0-litre diesel Power: 200bhp Torque: 400Nm Top speed: 133mph 0-60mph: 7.9 seconds Fuel economy (WLTP combined):

33.6-50.4mpg

Emissions: 179g/km CO2 Mileage: 3,459

This month’s highlight:

The amount of equipment that comes as standard when other brands would charge you for it.

OTHER CARS WE’RE DRIVING

Mazda CX-5

Mileage: 3,460 The new CX-5 has been given a nip and a tuck outside plus a strengthened chassis.

Cupra Formentor

Mileage: 4,178 We’ve been comparing and contrasting ‘our’ Formentor with its Seat Leon Cupra predecessor.

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