What’s this new car all about then?
The second-generation Skoda Kodiaq very much sticks to the “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” mantra by largely retaining its familiar looks (albeit in a slightly curvier, modernised way), growing a tiny fraction (it’s 61mm longer, but only a few millimetres bigger in every other direction) and sticking to its core principles of being a ridiculously competent all-rounder that is capable of being almost everything to almost everyone.
The new Kodiaq sits on an updated Evo version of the Volkswagen Group’s venerable MQB platform(more of a big box of Lego than an actual ‘platform’) that first showed up under the 3rd-gen Audi A4 in 2020, while it is powered by a choice of a 110kW/250Nm 1.4-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol or a 142kW/400Nm 2.0-litrefour-cylinder turbo diesel engines in the standard models, with a more potent 195kW/400Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol engine in the RS.
All engines are hooked up to a 7-speed DSG transmission, with the diesel and RS petrol driving all four wheels, while the 1.4 petrol models are FWD.
In terms of models, we will initially be seeing the 7-seat TDI diesel here, with the entry TSI 5-seater and a mid-grade TSI+ 7-seater following shortly after.The hot RS model will round out the launch line up at a later date and, while there is a PHEV available in overseas markets, that is on the TBC list for us right now, but if there is enough demand we could see it.
As you would expect from a new mid-size SUV offering, the Kodiaq is absolutely packed to the gills with the latest tech and safety systems, with front assist, side assist, turn assist, crossroad assist, collision avoidance assist, adaptive lane assist and travel assist all being either standard or optionally available to, uh, assist you.
Other features not named “assist” include predictive adaptive cruise control that uses the traffic sign recognition and the navigation system, driver monitoring and nine airbags, including a central airbag between the driver and front seat passenger.
The all-new interior makes the most of the space gained by switching the gear selector to the steering column, with the Kodiaq feeling distinctly roomier than the previous model, despite being almost the same size.
This is complemented by a big jump in interior quality (which, again, was already high), with high quality sustainable materials used throughout and lots of soft touch surfaces.
Adding to the feeling of quality is the thoughtful new infotainment system that boasts a vibrant and responsive touchscreen (13-inches in the TDI, 10 in the TSI models) as well as a trio of multifunction dials below to control the audio and HVAC, with the centre one being customisable. It is all very sensible and delightfully tactile to use, while also nicely avoiding the curse of navigating multiple menus to change the temperature...
How much is it?
Only two models have had their prices finalised at the time of writing this: the petrol FWD Kodiaq TSI opens the range at $54,990, with the price for the mid-spec TSI+ yet to be announced. The AWD TDI currently tops the range at $74,990, but we would expect the RS to top that, even though its price is yet to be confirmed too.
What’s it like to drive?
Perhaps unsurprisingly, the new Kodiaq is very much like the previous model on the road. This, by the way, is an extremely good thing, as the last Kodiaq was, well, an extremely good thing on the road.
The diesel TDI model we drove on the local launch was remarkably smooth and comfortable, with a delightfully compliant ride over even the worst surfaces, and also had handling chops, with sharp and responsive steering and a delightfully agile chassis.
The original Kodiaq was a particular surprise in this regard, as it was one of the first mainstream medium SUVs that was actually fun to throw down a winding road. While the new Kodiaq doesn’t have the element of surprise on its side and instead has the weight of expectation, it more than lives up to its predecessors’ high standards.
The vast number of “assists” in the acronym list are almost entirely unintrusive, with none of the nagging insistence that a lot of new models are cursed with today. But if they still manage to irritate you (seriously, we barely heard a peep during our few hours behind the wheel on the launch), a handy dedicated button on the steering wheel takes you straight to them to switch them off.
What’s the pick of the range?
Hard to say at this stage as we only drove diesel, which was excellent and very well equipped for the price. But the entry petrol model was a highlight of the previous model’s launch line up, so it will be interesting to see if the new model’s point of entry is as compelling as the previous models was.
What other cars should I consider?
The Kodiaq’s most obvious competitors come from within the VW Group, with the VW Tiguan ($55,990 to $63,990) being closely related to the Kodiaq, although the new Tiguan lacks a 7-seat variant, with the Allspace ($64,990 to $74,990) still being the previous model.
Outside the VW Family, the Kodiaq is about the same size as the considerably more expensive Hyundai Santa Fe ($84,990 to $109,990), but priced closer to the smaller Tucson ($54,990 to $71,990), while a similar story applies to the Kia Sorento ($64,990 to $94,990) and Sportage ($40,290 to $63,290), making any of them natural competitors without quite being direct competitors.
Of course, there is no shortage of other mid-size competitors from pretty much every other manufacturer too, with everything from the excellent Ford Escape ($59,990 to $72,990) through to all-electric newcomers like the Leapmotor C10 ($54,990) and the impressive BYD Sealion 6 ($57,990). Or if six cylinders are more your style, then the Mazda CX-60 ($69,990 to $84,990) and CX-80 ($74,990 to $89,490) offer both inline six and four-cylinder hybrid options.
But the heavy hitter in terms of sales in New Zealand is unquestionably the Toyota RAV4 ($48,790 to $60,990). While the perennial top-seller is still a strong competitor and priced slightly lower than the Skoda, the level of technology and luxury in the Kodiaq more than makes up the price difference and offers itself up as a compelling alternative as a result.
