ŠKODA KODIAQ SPORTLINE 2.0 TDI 200PS 4x4 DSG

WHAT IS IT?

Having had a slight refresh recently, I was asked whether the Kodiaq still one of the most practical, family orientated 7-seat SUVs on the market today? It’s certainly up there, but there’s also plenty of competition from the likes of the Discovery Sport, Peugeot 5008, Kia Sorento and Ssangyong Rexton, to name but a few.

What do I mean by ‘slightly refreshed’? As well as a tidy up inside, including more eco-friendly materials, there are new lights, grilles and tech upgrades, which proves how good the Kodiaq was in the first place - if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

ON THE ROAD

The 2.0ltr 198bhp four-pot diesel is really is quite a gem making the Kodiaq an fun and engaging vehicle to drive, especially with its 4x4 system.

In ‘Sport’ mode the whole car feels tighter and far more eager, just as you would expect. It’ll ferry you from 0-60mph in 7.8 seconds, and whilst I’m not going to say that acceleration is neck-snapping, it does feel relentless. Around the twists and turns grip levels are predictably high, it’s also very well balanced for such a big lump of an SUV and Skoda have done a great job with its handling.

Select ‘Comfort’ mode and you can cruise around all day in comfort whilst achieving up to 42mpg (WLTP figures).

Despite being fitted with 20” wheels, the Kodiaq coped really well with holes and undulations that us modern motorists have to contend with these days, it always felt composed, no matter what the surface.

Be careful when you’re driving down a hill with cruise control engaged as the Kodiaq won’t keep you at your desired speed, and will therefore put you at risk of a speeding fine if you’re not on the ball.

OFF ROAD

Exploring a few lanes around North Yorkshire and the Kodiaq proved itself to be quite capable; lose rocks, a bit of mud and we kept a steady pace. Of course I knew it would as I’ve had the pleasure of playing, sorry, evaluating numerous Kodiaqs in the past.

As the norm these days, there are no levers to shift, simply prod a bottom next to the gearshift and there you are, ready for adventure.

The Kodiaq only failed on a very lose uphill section of lane with two opposing holes creating a cross-axle situation. All-terrain tyres would’ve seen me right, and maybe a bit more flex from the suspension, but on this occasion gravity and grip wasn’t on its side.

As long as all four wheels were on terra firma the Kodiaq didn’t give me a moments bother, and when faced with a particular sketchy downhill section, the HillDescent worked an absolute treat.

The Kodiaq isn’t what you’d buy as a greenlaner, but it’s perfectly capable of getting you and 6 passengers over some demanding terrain.

INTERIOR

Launched in 2016, the company’s first and only 7-seater is spacious yet compact, and full of those clever little touches that set Skoda apart from other car manufacturers.

Jump behind the wheel and the dash layout is typical of the brand, not necessarily exciting, but definitely functional and efficient. The driving position is hard to fault, the seats are comfy and offer decent lateral support for spirited driving, and I love the neatly integrated infotainment screen and proper dials heater control!

The SportLine comes with a 9.2” touchscreen with built-in sat nav, Apple CarPlay and Android, and it works really well, as we’ve come to expect from Skoda.

You’ll never be caught short for places to put things - there are two gloveboxes, a deep well under the forward sliding centre armrest and massive door bins. Some models also get drawers under the driver’s and front passenger’s seats.

Visibility all around is great due to its boxy shape and leg room in the back is excellent. The third row, as usual, is good for smaller kids.

Not only does the middle row of seats slide back and forth, but you can also adjust the angle of the backrests.

In the boot with all 7 seats in place there are 270 litres of space available, and up to 2,005 litres on offer with both the second and third rows folded neatly away. They fold completely flat giving the Kodiaq an extra edge of versatility when loading items.

In typical Skoda fashion, the tonneau cover pulls across the whole boot area when the Kodiaq is in 5 seat mode, and it also cleverly slots away under the boot floor when all seven seats are not required.

CONCLUSION

As I sat behind the wheel before it was collected I really couldn’t think of anything that I didn’t like about the Kodiaq, it ticked a lot of boxes.

Of course, if you don’t require 4WD or a mighty 198bhp engine, the 2WD 1.5 TSI 150 might be better value, but the good news is, whichever you choose, the Kodiaq remains an incredibly practical 7-seater and a great all-rounder.

price: £45,175 (as tested)

more at » www.skoda.co.uk