Skoda has done a great job with the Kodiaq as its largest and most luxurious model, so all those who were skeptical about the idea of a large and relatively expensive Skoda have been disproved by the excellent market response. Now there is a second generation, even bigger and even more luxurious.Eight years ago, the first generation Škoda Kodiaq arrived on the market at the right time, but also in the right form. The market really had an interest and a need for a large and spacious SUV, and the best of all is that the Kodiaq brought its own identity, and did not arrive on the market just as an extended version of the Tiguan. The well-known and proven platform in the extended version thus brought a longer wheelbase, a handful of space on the rear seats, two additional seats in the third row and a sliding second row of seats. An excellent design that doesn’t get old so easily and very attractive versions like the sporty VRS or the off-road Scout only further expanded the target group of customers.
https://imasdk.googleapis.com/js/core/bridge3.669.1_en.html#goog_1433340612Klix Auto test: Skoda Kodiaq 2024
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Now in its second generation, Škoda had somewhat different challenges ahead of it. Kodiaq is already a well-known and accepted model, which needed a refresh, but not an excessive departure from classic values. Also, it was necessary to focus on the electrification of the drive, but cautiously.
Thanks to the improved MQB Evo platform, Kodiaq could now get a plug-in hybrid, but unlike other brands, Škoda did not rush into decisions and decided to keep the gasoline and diesel models. Judging by the current mood of the market, a very thoughtful and good move that will certainly work in their favor.
We tested the Škoda Kodiaq RS: the Nurburgring record holder for family adventures
Even more robust, larger and more imposing
With the second generation, Škoda has made the Kodiaq even more robust and dominant, and in addition to the extremely wide and large front part with the dominant mask, which also received a horizontally “passed-through” LED as on the electric model Enyaq, this robustness is emphasized by the rectangular fenders, but also by the clear and defined sharp design lines, similar to the first generation. With the new logo, elegant details in a darker shade of chrome, LED matrix and LED rear lights with animated blinkers, Škoda has played the tried and tested card of elegance that will not become outdated so quickly. Of course, perhaps more than anything mentioned, the large growth of the already large SUV is noticeable. With an increase in length of more than six centimeters, the Kodiaq now offers even more interior space for up to seven passengers and as much luggage as you want. Despite this, the designers managed to improve aerodynamics, achieving a cd value of 0.282 by introducing active cooling and redesigning the front and rear bumpers.
We spent a lot of time and kilometers with Kodiaq in the new generation, which we will write more about, but what long and demanding roads really reveal are those essential things important to every driver. One of the things that particularly impressed us with the Kodiaq was the superb and new LED Matrix headlights of the second generation. These lights contain 50 percent more light segments and offer more powerful light output than the first generation. The two headlight modules arranged one above the other contain a Bi-LED module for high and low beams and an internal Matrix beam module consisting of 36 light segments, and we were particularly impressed by the intensity of the light in very difficult night driving conditions with stormy rain, while the adjustable the beam without fail lit the road with high beams without sticking other cars, “cutting” them out of the beam very precisely and without mistakes.
Photo: EZ/Klix.ba
The LED strip in the shape of a “flying arrow” that runs through the mask, in addition to the design effect, serves as a daytime running light, parking light and indicator. A static corner light near the inner edge of the headlight unit tapers towards the Škoda grille. The appearance of the LED Matrix beam of headlights is also defined by the Crystallinium element, which highlights the crystal glass in color and brings a shade of turquoise color in the front lights.
Ultimate spaciousness, sustainable materials and innovative controls
If you are interested in the Kodiaq, then it is quite certain that it first attracted you with its proportions and the space it offers, and it is the interior where the Kodiaq brings the most news and progress compared to its predecessor. Although the form and concept set by the first generation can be seen, the Kodiaq now has a completely redesigned interior as well as completely new controls and controls that represent a real refresh, not only in the segment but in the entire car market.
Of course, when entering the driver’s seat, the first thing that catches your attention is the huge 13-inch screen of the infotainment system. We simply cannot do without large screens in cars, and the bigger and more expensive the cars, the bigger the screens. However, what we liked the most is under the screen and Škoda calls them Smart Dials. Finally, the designers realized that when driving, physical controls are easier and safer to use, and these are multifunctional and allow quick access to numerous functions. Inside these circular controls are also LCD screens whose functions you can configure, and this is precisely the direction we consider correct for the use of digitization in the controls and the ergonomics of the driver’s environment.
Photo: EZ/Klix.ba
Škoda Smart Dials are three new, intuitive multi-functional controls that can be operated by turning and pressing, and each has a 32-millimeter color digital display. This smart combination of haptic and digital elements enables quick access to numerous vehicle functions. Two external Smart Dials for the driver and passenger control the interior temperature, seat heating. The current function of each Smart Dial is shown on the display, and by briefly pressing each button you select one of the selected functions, and all settings of the set functions are made by turning the Smart Dial. The central Smart Dial controls up to four user-selectable functions out of six: infotainment system volume, fan speed, air direction, smart air conditioning, driving modes and map zoom.
Photo: EZ/Klix.ba
In addition to the Smart Dials command, the new central console offers plenty of space for compartments and phones, and the neat appearance and “clean” appearance can be attributed to the relocation of the shift lever, which is now placed on the steering column.
In addition to exceptional spaciousness in all seats, the interior of the Kodiaq is focused on sustainability. Thus, the textiles used for the seat covers, carpets in the cabin and trunk, as well as the roof lining are made from recycled polyester or, in the case of the test model, the leather for the seat covers, doors and console is tanned in an environmentally friendly way using leftover coffee beans. . Also, two famous Simply Clever details, the umbrella and the ice scraper, are now also made from sustainable and recycled materials. New among the Simply Clever details are a screen cleaner stored in the center console and a storage box on the central tunnel in front of the sliding rear seat bench.
For complete comfort, the rear seats are generously adjustable, but also very well dimensioned, so they offer a truly limousine-like driving experience. In addition to the fact that the rear seats can be moved separately forwards or backwards, for more comfort or more space in the trunk, it is particularly pleasant that the inclination of the backrest can also be adjusted. With USB charging ports, large cup holders and practical holders for tablets and phones, long journeys in the back seats of the Kodiaq are a real pleasure where nothing is missing.
Photo: EZ/Klix.ba
Of course, you need a lot of things for long trips, and we are convinced that the Kodiaq will also satisfy those who, for some reason, pack jackets and boots when they go on summer vacation. With a total volume of 910 liters in the trunk, the Kodiaq is impressive, and with the variable floor and sliding seats, it can accommodate even more luggage. The large fifth tailgate and flat sides of the luggage compartment mean that you can count on the Kodiaq when moving, and the increase in luggage space is also significant when you choose the Kodiaq with two additional seats.
Powerful and economical diesel is still the best choice
The big news in the second generation Kodiaq is a wide and versatile range of modern and efficient engines that includes both petrol and diesel options, and for the first time, the Kodiaq is also available with plug-in and mild hybrid technology.
However, if you are a classic buyer of such a large SUV and want to take advantage of all its advantages, then it is quite certain that you will reach for an economical and powerful diesel engine, which, fortunately, is still available.
The well-known TDI in a powerful version with 190 hp and 400 Nm of torque still best suits the purpose and character of the Kodiaq, and most importantly, it easily handles the car’s weight, which ranges from 1.7 to 1.9 tons, depending on the equipment and version. . Although fully loaded, the Kodiaq easily maintained high speed averages on our test tours, and at a moderate pace on the open road, it could easily maintain an average consumption of only 6.5 liters of diesel per 100 kilometers. Really impressive for such a large and heavy car, and the best of all is that it does not require any sacrifices in comfort and performance for such results.
Comfortable and versatile for (almost) all surfaces
The second-generation Kodiaq is optionally available with the new DCC Plus dynamic chassis control. This new version uses two independently controlled valves to separate the rebound and compression stages of the shock itself. Previously, both functions were controlled by one common valve, so now the new generation enables faster damping adjustment and a wider range of damping characteristics. When driving, it is thus possible to notice the difference through faster suspension reactions, improved driving dynamics and increased comfort. Thanks to the adjustment options, the driver can choose the suspension settings as well as other parameters of the car for the driving style he currently prefers, with the fact that after a while we chose “Cloud” as the most comfortable suspension mode.
Photo: EZ/Klix.ba
The additional dimension of adjustability and shock absorber control is really easy to notice, even if you haven’t driven a previous Kodiaq, but in order for the comfort rating to be top-notch, you should still choose wheels with a smaller rim diameter and larger sidewall tires with the Kodiaq. Unfortunately, even this advanced suspension cannot eliminate the harshness and noise caused by low-profile tires. If we were in the sports VRS version, of course we wouldn’t complain, but here we still want complete comfort.
What is interesting and certainly commendable is that despite the increase in dimensions and richer equipment, the Kodiaq is one of the few new models on the market whose price has not drastically “jumped”. Of course, we are referring to comparable models now and before this period of drastic price increases, where we can see that a similarly or less equipped model cost almost as much money as it does now.
Specifically in the case of the test model, the price of over 106,000 marks is one of the more affordable in this class of large SUV models and such rich equipment, although that amount and this word are difficult to put in the same sentence. Nevertheless, the market has already shown that it accepts the package that comes with the Kodiaq, including its price, and this is further confirmed by the great popularity of this model on the used car market.
In every sense, Škoda has again done the right job at the right time with the right model, and in this turbulent time, a large family SUV with all possible engine and drive options, along with the great return of physical controls in the cockpit, could be the harbinger of new trends that will nevertheless nurture some basic postulates which make a good and pleasant car.
- Basic data about the test car: Škoda Kodiaq Selection 2.0 TDI 190 HP DSG7 4×4
- Price of the basic model: 70,258 KM
- Price of the test model: 106,454 KM
- Engine: front transverse, four cylinders, 16 valves, diesel, turbocharger. Working volume 1,968 cc. Maximum power 193 hp at 3,500 to 4,200 rpm. Maximum torque 400 Nm from 1,750 to 3,500 rpm.
- Power transmission: Adaptive plug-in drive via both axles. 7-speed automatic transmission with two clutches (DSG). Rims with a diameter of 20 inches, tires 235/45 R20.
- Performance and fuel consumption: Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h – 7.8 s. Maximum speed – 200 km/h. Average consumption during the test – 7.8 l/100 km. Factory declared fuel consumption WLTP in mixed conditions – 6 to 6.6 l/100 km. Fuel tank volume – 58 l. Average CO2 emission – WLTP – 157-174 g/km. Euro 6e.
- Dimensions: Length – 4,758 mm. Width – 1,864 mm. Height – 1,657 mm. Wheelbase – 2,791 mm. Trunk volume – from 910 to 2,105 liters. Unladen weight – 1,723 kg.
- Standard equipment: Škoda Kodiaq Selection 2.0 TDI 190 KS DS7 4×4
- Additional equipment on the test car: Acoustic package + Sunset (Acoustic windows + tinted glass + additional interior sound insulation), Assisted Drive Plus package (Area View cameras + proactive passenger protection + intelligent parking assistant + adaptive cruise control), Simply Clever Family package (partition net + rear roll protection + door opening protection + front and rear side airbags + air curtains), remote vehicle heating option, Suite – Cognac (Chrome decorations + leather seats), Aero alloy wheels RILA 8Jx20″ anthracite, Electric hook for towing with adapter + trailer steering assistant, Light & View package plus (Illuminated front fascia + MATRIX Beam lights + LED lights with corner option + LED rear lights), Performance package (Assist when moving on hills + help when moving on downhills + adaptive chassis control), Technology Package 13″ Plus (Head-up display + navigation device 13″), Winter package (MF leather heated steering wheel with DSG controls + heated seats), Convenience package plus (Res. wheel of reduced dimensions + electrically adjustable front seats with memory option + variable trunk floor + virtual pedal + KESSY + Alarm + electrically adjustable front back support + sound system), Remote Access 3 years.
- Warranty: 5 years or 150,000 kilometers.