We like the new Skoda Kodiaq (2024) so much that we sincerely wonder whether owner Volkswagen is not starting to worry a little about the quality improvement that the Czech car brand has made since its incorporation.
What is striking about the Skoda Kodiaq (2024)?
You rarely see a new car that is smaller than its predecessor. The Skoda Kodiaq could have gotten away with that, because the first generation, which has been sold 866,000 times worldwide and is therefore a great success, offers more space than an average person needs.
Yet the new Kodiaq has become even larger and more spacious. The bodywork became more than 6 centimeters longer and the bodywork became higher at the rear, which provides more headroom in the backseat. This makes the Kodiaq look less like an SUV than before; it is a bit more elongated and goes more in the MPV direction. Quite remarkable, because that segment is now as good as dead.
The amount of interior space is overwhelming. You have a very spacious seat in the second row, with plenty of room for your legs, knees, and head. The space between your knees and the seat in front of you is so large that there is still room for a lap dog. Or a bag, if you prefer.
The luggage space is also impressive. This amounts to no less than 910 liters behind the second row of seats. If you fold down the backrest of the rear seat (something that can be done from the luggage compartment), you can take 2105 liters of luggage. That’s really a lot.
The great thing about all this is that the Kodiaq does not look huge or bulky. He appears more modest than, for example, the Let’s EV9, which we find a bit over the top. So compliments to the Skoda designers. The Kodiaq is also available as a 7-seater, just like the outgoing model, but there is no room for the large battery of the plug-in hybrid version.
What is good about the Skoda Kodiaq?
Anyone looking for a spacious car, regardless of which segment, has come to the right place Skoda at the right place. The Kodiaq is also a model that does not deny the core values of the Czech brand of the Volkswagen Group. You know what you get: a lot of space, neat equipment and finishing, and that for a reasonable price (see point 4).
While many other car brands strive for an interior that is as futuristic as possible, Skoda sticks to a fairly traditional dashboard design. But with digital instruments and a large 13-inch central display.
All praise for the three large rotary and push buttons below this screen. By pressing it you can choose from multiple functions, for example seat heating, driving modes, and interior temperature. A small display on the button shows which function is active. These so-called Smart Dials function exemplary. They are clear and you never miss a thing. Follow the Skoda driver used to be the brand’s advertising slogan, but we would now like to say to other car brands: follow Skoda.
You will also find real buttons on the steering wheel. For example, you can silence the EU-mandated warning signal for exceeding the speed limit in two steps. You can keep your eyes on the road and do not have to look sideways at the central screen, as is the case with many other brands.
What could be improved on the Skoda Kodiaq?
The fact that the selector lever of the automatic transmission is now located on the steering column takes some getting used to. Skoda did this to create space in the center console, where you can charge two smartphones wirelessly. Don’t make the mistake of moving the lever up and down, because then nothing will happen. You have to twist the end. No matter how hard we pounded this into our brains, we still had the urge to push the lever.
We also find the fact that the cruise control also has a lever on the left side of the steering column, right below the turn signal, less user-friendly. There is nothing wrong straight ahead, but on roundabouts we often had to use the wrong lever. We prefer to operate the cruise control with buttons on the steering wheel.
Furthermore, you should not have sky-high expectations of the 1.5-liter mild hybrid petrol engine. It produces 150 hp and that is just on. It seems a bit tame, although it must be said that we drove in mountainous terrain. This will affect you less on the flat British highways, especially if you drive calmly. The automatic DSG transmission does its job well, but is not as alert as a Rottweiler. Think more of a Labrador, good-natured and less watchful.
What is the price of the Skoda Kodiaq?
Skoda asks 44,990 euros for the First Edition. Then you have a 5-seater with mild hybrid technology and 150 hp. That is a very fair price because the also new Volkswagen Tiguan with the same drivetrain costs at least 51,990 euros. But then you do have an adaptive chassis. The Kodiaq, in turn, is much, much more spacious.
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The plug-in hybrid version of the Skoda Kodiaq will be on the market after the summer. We could have that patience. With its combined power of 204 hp, the Kodiaq PHEV drives a lot smoother. In addition, you have an electric range of more than 100 kilometers and you can fast charge (50 kW), something that is anything but self-evident in this segment.
The price of the plug-in hybrid version is not yet known, but expect a modest additional cost of 2000 euros.
What do I think of the Skoda Kodiaq?
Cars like the Skoda Kodiaq make my job a lot more difficult. Just try to find something negative. The Kodiaq is wonderfully spacious, well constructed and looks beautiful in my opinion. But because the design is more in the MPV direction, I think the swinging model looks cooler. The fact that I prefer the new Kodiaq is due to those handy Smart Dials
I would wait for the plug-in hybrid version because it will be much more powerful but not much more expensive. The power of the mild hybrid is just on. Moreover, you can drive 100 kilometers electrically and charge quickly. I don’t care that the PHEV is only available as a 5-seater. I’m all about that gigantic trunk.
After my first introduction to the Skoda Kodiaq, I sincerely wonder whether Volkswagen is still so happy that they incorporated Skoda years ago. Ultimately, the proceeds end up in the same box, but why would you buy another Tiguan if you can go to Skoda for less money?