What is it?
The range-topping petrol version of Skoda's latest SUV, with a turbocharged 178bhp engine, four-wheel drive, seven seats, a seven-speed dual-clutch DSG automatic gearbox and bear-derived name as standard. It arrives at an interesting time, one of growing concern surrounding diesel particulates, and one of SUV sales in the UK growing by 20% each year on average.
And the signs are good: Skoda says some 30,000 people have already registered interest with them even before the car is available to view in dealerships next month, which far outweighs the response to its Skoda Superb hatchback. In fact, there's already a three-month UK waiting list in place for Kodiaq, and around 85% of buyers have opted for pricier SE L trim or higher. If further proof were needed that SUVs are where they're currently at, the Skoda Yeti had its best year in 2016 despite an all-new model coming soon.
One can only assume, then, that we'll be seeing plenty of Kodiaqs on the road going forward, probably consuming segment share like that other recently-famous bear consumed a hairy Leonardo DiCaprio - that is to say fairly aggressively. But, while we already know the Kodiaq to be a sound family SUV choice, should that choice involve the 2.0 TSI petrol engine tested here?
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The grille is a bit Hitlerish....
Tempting.....
Kodiaq
I am waiting impatiently for my car to arrive at Sheerness.
BUT Skoda are putting an embargo on registering ANY Kodiaq before the official U.K launch on the 6th April
I attended the dealer VIP evening and was most impressed. The build quality is superb (sorry for the pun!)
I opted for the 1.4 DSG SE L with beige Alcantara, panoramic sun roof and F&R sensors, with Triglav wheels (easier to clean! ;-)) all my Skodas have been DSG and bad left knee precludes a manual gearbox.
I am mainly solo+dog or 2+2 dogs at weekends. But I needed a larger boot than the Yeti.
My Yetis have always done very close to the factory test figures MPG wise and I expect the 1.4 Kodiaq to average very close to the claimed overall figure of 44mpg with its 'Active Cylinder Technology' whereby at town speeds and light loading, 2 cylinders shut down thereby conserving fuel.
I discounted the 2.0L version due to initial cost, higher Co2 levels, higher insurance etc. I am no longer the 'boy racer' I used to be and the Kodiaq does not pretend to be a sports car.
HOWEVER! The whole launch scenario of the Kodiaq has been a complete dogs dinner!, Lack of communication from SUK to both dealers and customers. Low fixed allocations per dealers that will not be increased and Kodiaq does not count against dealers targets as SUK are convinced that they will sell all they can get. Confused build dates and so it goes on.
When the Yeti first came out the delivery time went out to a YEAR! I expect the same to happen with the Kodiaq.
I urge anyone who is interested in the Kodiaq (and Autocar staff) to visit www.kodiaqforums.co.uk.
Colin Lambert.
Moderator Group.
Kodiaq forums.