Why we are at a loss for words for the new Skoda Kodiaq

We mean the above headline quite literally, because the new Skoda Kodiaq is exactly what a Skoda should be; so mediocre that we had a hard time finding a hook for this story.

Simply starting to write usually doesn’t produce the best results. A story must have a head and an end, a common thread and – just as importantly – a point of view. Something flashy, something crazy, something special.

Saturday family in the Skoda Kodiaq

And that’s exactly the problem in this case, because a Skoda is by definition not flashy, crazy or special. A Skoda is intended for Saturday families who do Saturday-related family activities together with other Saturday families on Saturdays, but also on other days.

Skoda has managed to turn the ordinary into a very strong image. It helps that the brand is close to Volkswagen in the premium rankings, has turned useful smart features into a kind of brand identity (Simply Clever) and still offers plenty of space and features for a cheaper price.

Kodiaq is still selling well

Nevertheless, we were surprised at how well the current Skoda Kodiaq is still selling in the Netherlands. Although the six-year-old model cannot come close to the popularity of the electric Enyaq iV (3,850 registered units up to and including September 2023), the Skoda ranking is surprisingly close to the Octavia’s heels in the fight for second place: 2,626 compared to 2,957 cars .

Now with hybrid technology

Its biggest drawback is the lack of hybrid technology. That changes with the new Skoda Kodiaq. Skoda is not bringing an electric version of its largest SUV, but is relying on mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid technology. The Kodiaq 1.5 TSI mHEV with 48-volt system produces 150 hp.

The PHEV above produces 204 hp and has a 27.5 kWh battery that allows it to travel 100 kilometers on electricity. Unfortunately, the latter can only be ordered as a five-seater. Buyers or leasing drivers who absolutely want seven seats must opt ​​for the mild hybrid. Both Kodiaq variants feature an automatic DSG dual-clutch transmission. The plug-in hybrid can be charged with 11 kW AC or 50 kW DC.

Skoda Kodiaq longer than before

The Kodiaq still shares its MQB platform with the Volkswagen Tiguan. However, with a length of 4.76 meters, it is significantly longer. This means it has grown by 6 centimeters compared to the previous Kodiaq, with the same wheelbase of 2.79 meters.

The Skoda Kodiaq’s luggage compartment is huge, with a standard volume of 910 liters (plus 75 liters) and even 2,105 liters with the rear seats folded down. The values ​​mentioned apply to the five-seater version of the Kodiaq. The seven-seater – where third-row passengers benefit from 1.5 centimeters more headroom – has a capacity of 340 liters (plus 80 liters), which can be increased to 2035 liters by folding down the second and third rows of seats. .

Selector lever on steering column

According to Skoda, there is also more space available in the rest of the interior. For example, the automatic gear selector was moved from the center console to the steering column, allowing a 2.1-liter storage compartment to be accommodated in the center console. The so-called Phonebox is optionally available, in which two phones can be charged (and cooled) wirelessly at the same time.

The Skoda Kodiaq has a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10-inch centrally positioned touchscreen with voice control and gesture control as standard. The infotainment screen can be expanded to 13 inches for an additional charge, and a head-up display is also available. Controversial, but increasingly common, is the online shop where options can be purchased digitally.

Lots of buttons in the Skoda Kodiaq

The fact that Skoda relies on physical buttons for the most important functions, both on the steering wheel and on the center console, is commendable. The three rotary and push buttons under the ventilation grilles have an integrated screen. The two outer ones are used to operate the air conditioning, the middle one can be configured.

Additionally, it’s almost needless to say that the signature Skoda door guards return, as do the umbrellas in the doors and the ice scraper in the fuel filler cap. What’s new is that the Kodiaq is equipped with recycled upholstery materials and standard screen cleaners for the two large displays in the interior.

Four equipment levels

Skoda has not yet announced what the delivery program for the new Skoda Kodiaq will look like. All we know is that there will be four trim levels, with the Kodiaq Sportline at the top. All versions have LED lamps. Skoda charges more for LED matrix lighting, including an illuminated bar at the rear. The Kodiaq will only be available in Dutch dealers in May next year.