After what seems like more than two years of testing, the all-new Skoda Kodiaq is finally revealed. We've already known what it looked like for a couple of weeks, but stay tuned, because we have all the necessary details.
The front end design is a little bit like a Skoda Superb. So it has all the modern design elements, such as the black grille and the LED headlights, but they are placed higher up.
Down the side, we see a strong shoulder line that travels from one end of the car to the other. The rocker panels are defined with black plastic, leaving you in no doubt that this is an off-road vehicle. From one bumper to the other, the Kodiaq measures 4.7 meters (15ft 4in). So it's shorter than the Superb by 16 centimeters and longer than the Octavia by only 4cm.
You can tell that it's not all about maximum practicality, that an emotional response is to be expected. For example, the window is narrower at the back, which can't be ideal for outward visibility.
As we've come to expect from a Skoda, the trunk is massive. With 720 liters of space back there, you really couldn't ask for more. As an option, you can order a folding front seat that allows for 2.8-meter items to be carried. So whether you want to do your own copper pipes or want the kayak to travel next to you, that could be possible.
We don't need to tell you that the Kodiaq is based on the MQB platform, do we? It's been said thousands of times already. What we do find interesting is that the lightest version, equipped with an entry-level TSI engine and front-wheel drive it weighs just 1,452 kg when empty (without driver), or 1,540 kg with the 1.4 TSI engine and all-wheel drive. That's not how you're supposed to measure weight in the EU, but it's still very impressive.
And that neatly brings us to the subject of what's under the hood. It's a bit unusual, but Skoda only offers five engines. That's not a lot, considering other MQB cars have as many as ten. But whatever you need, we think it's being offered. Just like the SEAT Ateca, the most powerful engine is a 2.0 TDI, producing 190 PS and 400 Nm of torque.
It's underpowered 150 PS brother is the most frugal in the range, consuming an average of 5 l/100km while emitting 131 grams of CO2. We're sure the vast majority of UK buyers will go for one of these two. The TDI petrol engine range includes an entry-level 1.4 with 125 PS, followed by a 150 PS one with cylinder deactivation. The most powerful unit is an 180 PS 2.0 TSI with a new combustion cycle, similar to what Audi has on the A4. As for gearboxes, you can either have a 6-speed manual or one of the several versions of the DSG with either 6 or 7 speeds.
Both safety and convenience features are abundant. Our favorites are the wireless charger pad and the bits of plastic that pop out when you open the door to protect the paint (think Ford Focus).
Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida. Full profile
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