Car test: with the new Kodiaq, Skoda shakes up the SUV

At first glance, it’s hard to tell what’s changing in the new version of Kodiaq. However, this 2024 version is a more than worthy successor to the old SUV which encountered a global success : the machine has made a fairly remarkable move upmarket (equipment, comfort, performance).

A little bit of cosmetic surgery

However, we notice some small developments in the design which end up tracing a familiar but slightly different silhouette. Finer, more distinguished… An effect produced by the new light signaturewith doubled lights, a re-cut grille, particularly in the lower part with imposing side air intakes, the nicely hollowed sidesand star rims which make the SUV more elegant.

On board, we find without surprise a cabin still as large, and a “layout” of your choice: five or seven seats? If you opt for the 5 seats, there will be space for everyone, however, as on the previous model, the problem of central tunnel which encroaches on the central rear seat and causes discomfort for the feet… In the 7-seater version, there will always be room to fit the legs of the whole troop, but for that, access to the third row of seats turns out to be very narrow and not very practical.

“On the road, no disappointment: the SUV is very smooth to drive and can accelerate if necessary”

Fortunately, the Kodiaq makes up for it in the other categories. We appreciate the sobriety of the dashboard very complete, readable and accessible. The driver’s living space is organized around a large central screen which does not control everything. Skoda has chosen not to overplay in digitalretaining multiple manual controls for air conditioning and heating for example, which are activated with rotating dials very well placed and which brings a nice little side to the SUV.

The little extra : a central button allows you to configure five commands of your choice, which avoids having to go through the menus on the central screen. Clever !

A very neat finish

The finish is really very good, and silence reigns inside the SUV. This Kodiaq gives a credible glimpse of luxury without falling into overkill. On the road, no disappointment: if the machine is not a racing car, a little cluttered by its weight anyway (1,700 kg for the gasoline version and 1,800 kg for the diesel), it turns out very smooth to drive. The handling is balanced, the suspension and damping are silky and absorb small defects in the road surface.

THE 150 hp 4-cylinder turbo petrol is not very powerful, but the accelerations and pickups are honest with 0 to 100 km/h reached in 9.5 seconds. A precision that is important: the Kodiaq is equipped with a micro-hybridization which, year in and year out (the SUV deserved real hybridization), makes it possible to contain consumption. Overall and in eco-driving mode, the SUV stays under 5.5 l per 100 km. Not bad.

Beware of rising prices

Small downside, however: the price. Skoda, which practiced very competitive prices until now, seems to be keeping pace with those of the competition but the new Kodiaq will cost more : the first petrol version will be available from €44,000, while the previous model started at… €38,000! In addition, the options offered are not cheap either, such as the sunroof sold for €1,260, the head-up display at €490, or the leather upholstery at almost €2,000.

However, this new Kodiaq still offers a very nice move upmarket and will appeal to families looking for a car comfortable and secure designed for the city as well as for long walks.

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