Skoda Kodiaq 2.0 TDI test (2021): winning team

Released in 2017, the Kodiaq marked Skoda’s entry into the SUV market, since joined by its little brothers Karoq and Kamiq, then by the electric Enyaq iV. Appreciated for its qualities of comfort and living space, it has enjoyed continued success over the years. It still has 131,600 units delivered in 2020, making it the third best seller in the Czech manufacturer’s range.

By the admission of Skoda boss Thomas Schäfer, the Kodiaq makes it possible to earn money to finance the arrival of the electric. Perhaps this explains the investment at least which was carried out for this restyling, with a simple remodeling of the front face as the most striking element. Thus the large SUV receives a more marked grille with vertical bars reminiscent of the style of the Enyaq and thinner projectors that can accommodate Matrix LED lights (in basic version at 2 x 12 pixels). The whole is surmounted by a slightly more sculpted hood. The reworked front bumper lets a stream of air pass through new, more aerodynamic wheels in favor of drag.

At the rear, the bumper and lights (LED incorporating dynamic indicators) have also been revised. Finally, the Scout version disappears from the range, not without leaving some of its more typical 4 x 4 visual attributes to the other finishes. Regarding the interior, the insistence of the brand’s representatives on small details such as the seams on the covering of the dashboard and the door trims, anecdotal, betray an almoststatus quo. On examining the list of equipment, you can hardly notice the appearance of ergonomic seats with massage function and extendable seat, as well as a new mood light. Finally, the only change in the technical sheet concerns the RS version, whose biturbo TDI has been replaced by a 2.0 TSI of 245 hp with all-wheel drive… and almost zero commercial potential in our Malussée regions (over € 12,000 here). On the other hand, no hybrid offer – even a light one – or plug-in hybrid is on the program.

Skoda Kodiaq price restyling

The range is made up of four classic trim levels: Active, Ambition, Style, Laurin & Klement, to which are added a Business version, a Sportline and the RS, linked to its single powerful petrol engine. For our entry-level 150 hp diesel version, only offered in a DSG gearbox, prices start at € 36,710, to which must be added € 1,130 to increase to 7 seats. The basic equipment in the Active version is generous but incomplete, with the absence of automatic air conditioning, certain driving aids and navigation (but Android Auto or Apple CarPlay are standard). This equipment requires upgrading to the higher finish, Ambition, more expensive by € 2,650. The long list of equipment packs and options allows you to precisely configure the ideal car (see equipment details on page 2). By the way, this is also enough to cross the € 40,000 mark.

Driving

Since no modification affects the dynamic part of the car, the opportunity is great to rediscover the road performance of this large SUV. From the first meters, everything reminds us that this is certainly not a discount model. If the TDI remains a little noisy at low speed (ah the typical slamming of diesel), it does not distill any vibration and shows great smoothness, in perfect harmony with its responsive DSG transmission and its particularly soft suspension. Comfort is therefore the number one priority of this family-oriented car, who does not get the wrong target. You just have to get used to its generous size (4.70 m long and 1.88 m wide), not easy to estimate, and visibility hampered by a massive A pillar and a large mirror.

The torque of 360 Nm easily drives the almost 1,700 kg of the large SUV. However, it is advisable to keep the light foot in recovery in the exit of turns to avoid the landing gear before losing a little grip and skating, even in the dry. Apart from this small question of motor skills that the 4 x 4 version will resolve (+ € 2,000), the handling is serene and efficient, a little clumsy but still balanced and reassuring. This makes you want to go on vacation at the wheel of this pleasant SUV for its driver as well as for its passengers, who are very well treated. Finally, the recorded consumption remains in the standard with approximately 8 l / 100 km in mixed and 7 l / 100 km on highway at 130 km / h.

In the cockpit

Competetion

There is no shortage of competition in this niche which replaces the use of 7-seater minivans for families, where the Kodiaq is positioned with some of the most affordable prices. Indispensable, the Peugeot 5008 (restyled last year) is the star of this segment in France. It offers even more complete modularity with its three independent rear seats, as well as more dynamic driving. To afford it, you have to count at least 38,400 € in 130 hp BlueHDi engine, less powerful, and 43,900 € with the generous 180 hp version. But the Kodiaq also finds natural rivals among its cousins ​​in the VW group, with a just restyled Tiguan Allspace which starts at 44,905 € in this mechanical configuration, more upscale, when the Seat Tarraco is positioned a hair below the bar. € 40,000. In addition, the latter can boast of having a plug-in hybrid version in its catalog as an alternative to diesel.

Find on the following page the results of the test, the technical sheet, prices and equipment …