Test: Škoda Kodiaq Style 2,0 TDI 4X4 DSG

With the announcement of the first major SUV, they went public relatively long before the Kodiaq was actually revealed in more detail. The campaign generated interest, but when the car was finally unveiled (last year at the Paris Motor Show) and then the price was added to the interesting specifications, something unusual happened. “Until now, Škoda is not accustomed to selling cars without first presenting them to customers so that they can see and feel them. This is exactly what happened on Kodiak,” says Piotr Podlipny, head of the Slovenian Škoda. Not only in Slovenia, Škoda has shaken up the European automotive scene with the launch of the Kodiaq, and as a result, customers who haven't made up their minds in the pre-sale yet will have to wait a disproportionately long time. This did not happen to us, of course, only in order to collect first impressions and test it on a detailed test. But if the Kodiaq inspires someone to buy, they will also have to line up.

What exactly is the reason that it is of such interest? It's safe to say that Škoda was really lucky with the choice of the first designer, Josef Kaban. He designed a simple yet recognizable look. In fact, this one is more or less similar to the rest of the cars that Škoda has introduced in the past few years. You can also find the most important details on Superb (like the shape of the taillights). The interior is also quite reminiscent of other Czech relatives of the Kodiaq. When we use the adjective "Czech", we clearly see how fundamentally the understanding of this once derogatory adjective has changed - especially in Škoda cars! You won't find anything wrong with Kodiak. We can actually tell that the materials inside look a bit less convincing on close inspection than those of the Volkswagen Tiguan, technically a direct cousin of the Kodiaq. But the answer to the question of whether this less convincing quality will perform worse over years of wear and tear than a Volkswagen cannot be simply simplified and confirmed. We know, for example, Golf and Octavias, and the last observer sometimes gives the impression of a different quality, but with prolonged use no significant differences are found.

What might be the most surprising thing about the Kodiaq is the spaciousness. It was here that Škoda tried to get acquainted in time, even before the car appeared on the market. Many buyers expect a lot in this regard, not least because SUVs or hybrids are coming to the fore, not minivans. The first questions of passers-by who were interested in the novelty were related precisely to this: how many more cars (in terms of dimensions) does Škoda offer. This is where the Kodiaq really sets itself apart from its competitors. There are not so few of them, since these are already SUVs of the right size, which many global manufacturers can also offer in markets outside of Europe. We have listed three of them in our table. Kodiaq turned out to be the shortest, but also the most spacious cabin - using seven seats or only five, but also with the most powerful trunk. It also has to do with design - the Kodiaq is the only one with a transverse engine, the rest have a much more classic design. But they all have self-supporting bodies, although not so long ago we met the chassis design in these types of SUVs. The feel in any seat feels perfectly solid. The impression of long trips too. The space for those sitting in the second row is flexible, with a significant longitudinal displacement of the bench. If the middle seats are moved to the front position, there is also enough space in the third row for both seats - for shorter or younger passengers. In fact, there's an unwritten rule that these two seats aren't designed to accommodate heavier passengers for long periods of time - the Kodiaq confirms this. When using said seats, there is a problem with the threads, which are otherwise installed behind the backs of the middle row of seats and prevent a curious view of the luggage compartment. It can be placed at the bottom of the trunk, but will be open for heavier items of luggage.

The modernity of Kodiaq is mainly reflected in what can be thought of in terms of help systems. In this regard, the mentality of the Volkswagen Group has changed significantly recently. Until a few years ago, “less important” brands could only introduce technological innovations after a few years, now it’s different because they are trying to reduce costs in the company: the more equal parts, the lower the purchase costs can be. Our Kodiaq has been particularly richly equipped with, in fact, every security and assistance system that can be ordered. The list is certainly long, but with the seemingly incredibly affordable base model (based on the most powerful turbo diesel engine, all-wheel drive and automatic or dual-clutch transmission), the final price of the Kodiaq is still quite high. More than 30 items make the car much more expensive, but the positive thing is that it is almost fully equipped. The only thing we were missing was autonomous driving in traffic jams, which would mean moving closer to truly cutting edge modernity.

The richest gear marked "Style" has been updated with additional items. There were really a lot of them, and the set shows that we can equip the car to our taste and needs, if we are willing to deduct the appropriate amount for this. However, I can write that in some places there are “little things” that someone may miss. Additional heating for four seats, a heated steering wheel are available, as well as an even more useful device - autonomous heating of the car, better known to many as a "spider web". Anyone who has one can enter an already heated Kodiaq in the cold if they turn on the heating in time. However, we missed out on additional seat cooling that would likely have brought it closer to premium brands...

The engine equipment is well known, the twin turbocharged turbo diesel engine provides sufficient power (although it sometimes seems impossible to determine how much more powerful this engine is than “just” 150 “horsepower”). The dual-clutch automatic transmission is likely responsible for this. To start, you always need to press the gas harder. But the driver will likely quickly get used to the slightly more decisive gas pressure. This pleases with the flexibility of the driving profiles, so we can also adapt to mood or needs on the road. However, this case also has a good side if several drivers use the car. The profile can be customized for individual users. A menu in the center display allows you to choose between sensors every time, and settings can also be saved in the car key. Since the range of what we can choose in terms of the driving profile is quite extensive, this solution does seem to be very useful in the case of multiple drivers.

The infotainment system is also quite modern. Here, too, almost everything is now possible that a modern user needs who needs a constant Internet connection.

Škoda and Kodiaq have taken care of driving comfort. This is a very similar design to the one we know from Superb. On the Kodiaq, large wheels don't have a big impact on poor hole swallowing, 235/50 tires feel good, and adjustable dampers also contribute to comfort. It is clear that cars of this type are not usually bought for the racing way of "sweeping" the roads. But the Kodiaq does not cause problems, even if we are fast, the tilt of the body is tamed (also due to the already mentioned adjustable shock absorbers), and when driving fast in corners, the more sensitive one will detect the moment when the electronics transmits some drive power. to the rear wheels.

Looking for the worst is a thankless job at Kodiaq, but we are bound to find them. However, the good impression we get from this Škoda in all aspects of usability prevails. Yes, Kodiaq will also make sure that the adjective "Czech" in its own way loses its derogatory meaning. Times can change if there is enough will to do so...

With the Kodiaq, Škoda has set a very high starting point, but it also lives up to most customers' expectations for all features. The modern SUV seems larger than it actually is, so we can't even blame it for its size, it's only an inch longer than the Octavia. Therefore, the space is really exemplary.

text: Tomaž Porekar · photo: Saša Kapetanovič

Kodiaq 2.0 TDI DSG 4x4 (2017)

Basic data

Base model price:	35.496 €
Test model cost:	50.532 €
Power:	140 kWkW (190 hp KM)
Acceleration (0-100 km / h):	8,9 ss
Maximum speed:	210 km / h km / h
Mixed flow ECE:	7,0l / 100km
Systematic review	15.000 km or one year. km

Cost (up to 100.000 km or five years)

Regular services, works, materials:	1.769 €
Fuel:	8.204 €
Tires (1)	1.528 €
Loss of value (within 5 years):	15.873 €
Compulsory insurance:	5.495 €
CASCO INSURANCE (+ B, K), AO, AO +	7.945 (
Calculate the cost of auto insurance
Buy up	€ 40.814 0,40 (km cost: XNUMX €)

Technical information

engine:	4-cylinder - 4-stroke - in-line - turbodiesel - front transverse - cylinder and stroke 81,0 × 95,5 mm - displacement 1.968 cm3 - compression 15,5:1 - maximum power 140 kW (190 hp) at 3.500-4.000 rpm - average piston speed at maximum power 12,7 m / s - specific power 71,1 kW / l (96,7 hp / l) - maximum torque 400 Nm at 1.750–3.250 rpm - 2 camshafts in the head (timing belt) - 4 valves per cylinder - common rail fuel injection – Exhaust turbocharger – Charge air cooler.
Energy transfer:	engine drives all four wheels - 7-speed DSG gearbox - gear ratio I. 3,562; II. 2,526 hours; III. 1,586 hours; IV. 0,938; V. 0,722; VI. 0,688; VII. 0,574 - Differential 4,733 - Wheels 8,0 J × 19 - Tires 235/50 R 19 V, rolling circumference 2,16 m.
Capacity:	top speed 210 km/h - 0-100 km/h acceleration 8,9 s - average fuel consumption (ECE) 5,7 l/100 km, CO emission 151 g/km.
Transportation and suspension:	crossover - 5 doors - 7 seats - self-supporting body - front single suspension, spring legs, three-spoke cross rails, stabilizer - rear multi-link axle, coil springs, telescopic shock absorbers, stabilizer - front disc brakes (forced cooling), rear discs, ABS, electric parking brake on the rear wheels (switching between seats) - steering wheel with rack and pinion, electric power steering, 2,7 turns between extreme points.
Mass:	empty vehicle 1.795 kg - permissible total weight 2.472 kg - permissible trailer weight with brake: 2.000 kg, without brake: 750 kg - permissible roof load: 75 kg.
External dimensions:	length 4.697 mm - width 1.882 mm, with mirrors 2.140 mm - height 1.655 mm - wheelbase 2.791 mm - front track 1.586 - rear 1.576 - ground clearance 11,7 m.
Inner dimensions:	longitudinal front 900-1.100 mm, rear 660-970 mm - width front 1.560 mm, rear 1.550 mm - front seat height 900-1000 mm, rear 940 mm - seat length front seat 520 mm, rear seat 500 mm - trunk 270-2.005 l - steering wheel diameter 370 mm - fuel tank 60 l.

Our measurements

T = 10 ° C / p = 1.028 mbar / rel. vl. = 55% / Tires: Hankook Ventus S1 EVO 235/50 R 19 V / odometer status: 1.856 km
Acceleration 0-100km:	10,8s
402m from the city:	17,6 years ( 132 km / h)
test consumption:	8,2 l / 100km
Fuel consumption according to the standard scheme:	7,0 l / 100km
Braking distance at 130 km / h:	65,1m
Braking distance at 100 km / h:	38,6m
AM table:	40m
Noise at 90 km / h in 6rd gear	58dB
Noise at 130 km / h in 7rd gear	63dB

Overall rating (364/420)

• With the Kodiaq, Škoda was able to take the big shot again. Despite the excellent off-road space
  
  
  it takes up more space than a lower middle class caravan. Well at least
  
  
  we praise we praise the pricing policy, and this is the first Škoda on tests with us, for which it
  
  
  more than 50 thousand should be deducted.

• Exterior (13/15)

  The family design line does not harm him, the design is completely in style as intended. Is always
  
  
  make a good impression.

• Interior (119/140)

  The space here is written in capital letters in all respects. Depending on what he suggests, it is
  
  
  a kind of one-room apartment in a modern outfit. They also take care of the comfort of passengers.

• Engine, transmission (55
  
  
  / 40)

  Famous combination of turbo diesel, dual clutch transmission and the next generation of the latest.
  
  
  differential, electronics ensure efficient transmission of power in all conditions, as well as convincing
  
  
  when driving off-road, although I believe very few owners will choose something like this.

• Driving performance (60
  
  
  / 95)

  Very good driving, road holding and stability, slightly less convincing when braking.

• Performance (28/35)

  Slightly less configured to start, otherwise the engine runs stably.

• Security (42/45)

  It really offers pretty much everything from a range of modern accessories.

• Economy (47/50)

  Relatively favorable average fuel consumption, but it can be said that with more demanding driving
  
  
  cha. The price convinces almost as well as the spaciousness, especially since it really offers a lot.
  
  
  The price does not differ significantly from competitors.

We praise and reproach

appearance

spaciousness and ease of use

engine power and drive

ergonomics, interior flexibility

rich equipment

price

poor side visibility

workmanship

opaque warranty terms