Latest news with #Kodiaq
NZ Autocar
4 days ago
- Automotive
- NZ Autocar
2025 Skoda Kodiaq Selection TDI Review
The Skoda Kodiaq is the brand's most versatile machine, as SUVs tend to be. Named after a big bear, it has AWD to go further, seats for up to seven people and more than enough amenities to keep the modern, mobile family happy. And this top-spec diesel has the means to tow as well, rated to haul up to 2.5 tonnes. Well, most of it really. This is the second generation of the Kodiaq, with new styling, revised chassis and powertrains and a redesigned interior packing more stuff. The range starts at $54,990 for the TSI 110kW. This has just the five seats, and the 110kW/250Nm 1.4T (8.3L/100km 189g/km) sends its power to the front wheels alone. The other Skoda Kodiaq option is the TDI Selection for $74,990. This features a 142kW/400Nm 2.0-litre TDI and AWD. Despite being 1.7sec quicker to 100km/h (8.0sec), it's rated at 6.0L/100km while the CO2 figure is 170g/km. There are no hybrid options if you're wondering, the plug-in deemed too expensive for local consumption. And the TDI lacks any electrification bits. Another model is coming, the RS, with its 195kW/400Nm 2.0-litre TSI engine, sports styling and adaptive suspension. Both existing models pack the usual active safety features along with a centre air bag, a full length curtain and side bags in the rear and a five-star ANCAP rating. The speed limit warning you can permanently turn off and there's a shortcut button to help quickly disable the lane assist function if you find that annoying. Apparently there is a driver monitor but we heard nothing from it (probably because we are a model of attention behind the wheel…). The only aspect we found annoying? The Kodiaq will fight your attempts to change lanes if the blind spot monitoring system deems other vehicles are too close, even though there's heaps of room to squeeze in. While diesel used to be prominent in all areas of the market, it's now quite rare in something lacking a full chassis. This one is okay though, quiet and refined, and returns good fuel consumption numbers. While the stated average is 6.0L/100km we saw 7.5 during our week spent largely charging about the city. The 2.0 TDI pulls well from 1800rpm, though occasionally there is some lag time if it gets stuck trying to pull away from way down low. The idle/stop system can also cause the odd moment of inaction at the roundabout. But the diesel is strong in the midrange while the seven-speed twin-clutch is good at keeping it in the 2000-3000rpm band for optimal pull. The general ride is family friendly but leans more towards controlling than pampering. Its suspenders are a bit clunky when entering driveways and watch those speed bumps as they can test the travel, sometimes topping out. There were a few creaks from the cabin also when traversing the bumps. It's nice that you don't have to fluff about with multiple drive modes here; it's a family wagon, after all. Yet there is an S mode for the trans to stir things along when you're late for the game. The Skoda Kodiaq is a tame bear in the turns, the torque vectoring using the brakes to subdue the understeer. And this keeps it on line nicely. The steering is light and fast enough (2.5 turns) with a manageable turning circle. The side mirrors are good too, though the surround view camera imaging is not clear enough. Its new gear selector is now on the column for easy operation (twist forward for D and back for R) and that gives you more room on the console to stash your bits. The cabin has been rethought and is full of clever things, being a Skoda. The storage improves, there's now space for two phone chargers and you can configure the console to have either two cup holders or four. And you can also close everything off thanks to twin sliding covers. Beneath the large screen are the controls for the heater, a trio of rotating knobs allowing you to adjust the temperature or turn your seat heater up more easily. With the middle switch, you can rotate between ventilation direction, fan speed and audio volume. And then you have the big touch screen, which is bright, quick enough and reasonably well ordered. There is the 'Hi Laura' voice control too but she's not the smartest assistant you'll come across. This new model feels more premium inside with added soft spots about the place and little details like the cross-stitched seams. The seats are comfy too with the right amount of adjustment. You'd not call the Skoda Kodiaq compact, yet it fits inside the dimensions of other large seven seaters like Sorento, Santa Fe and Highlander, which are over 4.8m long and 1.9m wide. And the CX-90 and EV9 are huge at over 5m long and closing in on 2m wide. So Kodiaq is that little bit easier to wield about town but then it doesn't offer quite as much seating space as those larger types. There's okay leg room in the second row, though those unlucky enough to be piggy in the middle will rue the large transmission tunnel protruding from the floor. One of Skoda's clever features is a console caddy plonked on top of said tunnel. However, it's likely to be smashed to pieces as kids clamber across the cabin to get in and out. They can also fiddle with the temperature controls for the third zone of A/C and they'll like the integrated tablet holders on the backs of the front seats. A couple of USB plugs will keep those devices topped up too. Or they could read a book to pass the time. There is more than just a token amount of boot space left over with the rear seats in situ, at 490L. So there should be plenty of room for the four-legged dependent, the one that actually listens. Access to the third row is okay for the smaller folk but it's still a bit tight in the rear of the Kodiaq for adults. It's a 5 + 2 sort of configuration so kids fit fine but those with longer legs will find it cramped. There is more than just a token amount of boot space left over with the rear seats in situ, Skoda rating the space at 490L. So there should be plenty of room for the four-legged dependent, the one that actually listens. It's easy enough to raise and lower the third row too, while levers help drop the spring-loaded second row. It folds flat for your longer items. In five-seater mode, the hold measures up at a claimed 845L. The space is wide and long but the floor is set high. In the 110kW model, the five seater, there's even more luggage capacity, measuring up at 910L. While this has the 'virtual pedal' feature – gesture opening of tailgate by dangling your foot under the bumper – it can be tricky to initiate, and then it can also start closing on you while you're still loading up the groceries. At this price, you could opt for the entry-level Santa Fe Active with an inferior spec but a superior hybrid powertrain (unless you favour towing). Kia offers either a petrol parallel hybrid or diesel engine for similar money and spec in the Sorento. This also sports a bit more space. Highlander is a more expensive option, as is the Mazda CX-80. So Kodiaq has many rivals but might find favour for those who want a slightly smaller but still practical and competent seven seater, one with a more Euro slant when it comes to its powertrain and styling. Skoda Kodiaq Selection TDI 142kW$74,990 / 6.8L/100km / 170g/km 0-100 km/h 8.41s 80-120 km/h 5.85s (164m) 100-0 km/h 35.15m Speedo error 97 at an indicated 100km/h Ambient cabin noise 71.6dB@100km/h Engine 1968cc / IL4 / T / DI Max power 142kW@3500-4200rpm Max torque 400Nm@1750-3250rpm Drivetrain 7-speed twin-clutch / AWD Front suspension Mac strut / swaybar Rear suspension Multilink / swaybar Turning circle 12m (2.5 turns) Front brakes Ventilated discs Rear brakes Discs Stability systems ABS, ESP, TV Safety AEB, ACC, BSM, LDW, RCTA, ALK, AHB Tyre size 235/50R19 Wheelbase 2791mm L/W/H 4758 / 1864 / 1678mm Track f-1586mm r-1576mm Fuel capacity 58L Luggage capacity 490/845/2035L Tow rating 750kg (2500kg) Service intervals 12 months / 15,000km Warranty 5yrs / 150,000 km ANCAP rating ★★★★★ (2025) Weight (claimed) 1925kg
The Wire
20-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Wire
PPS Motors Launches Luxury Kodiaq in Hyderabad
Real journalism holds power accountable Since 2015, The Wire has done just that. But we can continue only with your support. Contribute Now Kodiaq: 2nd gen 4×4 SUV enter India with luxury & sportiness in equal measure Hyderabad, Telangana, India (NewsVoir) • Ultimate luxury and handling for city roads and versatile all-terrain capabilities • Powered by a 2.0 TSI making 150kW and 320Nm of torque with a seven-speed dual clutch DSG transmission • Stands out with its all-new design and premium styling elements available in both Sportline and Selection L&K trim options • Prices begin at Rs. 46 89 000 Skoda Auto India, marking 25 years in India and 130 years globally is continuing celebrations with the launch of the all-new generation of its luxury 4×4, the Kodiaq at PPS Motors Skoda Showroom at Kondapur Hyderabad. The year 2025 opened the doors to the New Era for Skoda Auto in India with the launch of its first ever sub-4m SUV, the Kylaq. The landmark year also sees the brand continue on its premium portfolio with the launch of the latest Kodiaq luxury 4×4 in India. Into its second generation in India and internationally, the brand-new Kodiaq arrives in India with its signature blend of luxury, refinement, off-road ability, on-road dynamics and seven-seat versitility. Petr Janeba, Brand Director, Skoda Auto India shares, 'In March, we recorded our biggest ever monthly sales in India, driven by the Kylaq launch, and supported by the Kushaq and Slavia. This is one of many new records we aim to set this year. In line with our product offensive strategy, the launch of the all-new Kodiaq showcases the other end of our product spectrum with Skoda's luxury and technology prowess. The Kodiaq has now grown to be an important legacy name for us like the Octavia and Superb. The Kodiaq offers the ultimate luxury and handling for city roads and also packs in versatile all-terrain capabilities.' Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Rajiv Sanghvi, Managing Director, PPS Motors, said, 'We are excited to introduce the all-new Skoda Kodiaq, one of the most eagerly awaited premium SUVs from Skoda. Engineered to deliver an exceptional driving experience, the new Kodiaq seamlessly blends cutting-edge technology, premium features, and a bold, dynamic design. With this launch, we are confident of further strengthening PPS Skoda's position in the premium SUV segment. We are truly encouraged by the enthusiastic response the new Kodiaq has received and would like to express our sincere gratitude to our customers for their continued trust and overwhelming response.' At the heart of the Kodiaq Skoda Auto's premier 4×4 is powered by a 2.0 TSI engine making 150kW and 320Nm of torque. This power and torque is distributed to both axles through a seven-speed dual clutch DSG automatic. It is based on the MQB37 platform and is available in the Sportline and Selection L&K variants with both offering seven seats. Assembled in India at the brand's facility in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, the Kodiaq has been rated to provide fuel efficiency of 14.86 km/l by ARAI. Measuring up the Kodiaq The all-new generation of the Kodiaq is 59mm longer than its previous generation. It has a length of 4,758mm and height of 1,679mm. It is 1,864mm wide and has a wheelbase of 2,791mm. Fully laden, the all-new Kodiaq stands 155mm off the ground. The three-row luxury 4×4, like before, offers a lot of luggage capacity in its versatile interior. With all three seats up, the Kodiaq offers 281 litres of luggage space. With the third-row seats folded to the floor, this luxury SUV can carry 786 litres of luggage, and with both the rear rows down, the Kodiaq affords a cavernous carrying capacity of 1,976 litres. Inside out The new Skoda Kodiaq continues its tradition of refined luxury with two distinct interior themes, an all-black sporty décor for the Sportline variant and premium Cognac leather upholstery in the Selection L&K trim. Elevating the cabin's technology and convenience, it now features a 32.77-cm infotainment system, along with multi-function Smart Dials equipped with tactile rotary knobs and screens allowing seamless control over HVAC, seat ventilation, audio settings and drive modes. Ergonomic enhancements include a newly positioned gear-selector behind the steering wheel for improved accessibility and a tablet holder for rear-seat passengers, adding to their convenience. The luxury quotient is further amplified with Ergo front seats that offer advanced pneumatic massage function, ensuring superior comfort and spine support. The inclusion of acoustic package with acoustic front – side windows helps in reducing exterior noise, creating a serene and premium driving experience. Safety and comfort are paramount, with 9 airbags, a sliding panoramic sunroof, and a 725W Canton sound system with 13 speakers and a sub-woofer for an immersive audio experience. Additionally, rolling sunblinds in the rear windows further enhance privacy and passenger comfort. Bold Exterior The Skoda Kodiaq stands out with its all-new design and premium styling elements. The LED Beam Crystallinium headlamps now feature a Welcome Effect, adding a touch of sophistication upon unlocking this luxury 4×4. The Selection L&K trim exudes elegance with Dark Chrome accents, while the Sportline variant embraces a sportier persona with Glossy Black highlights. Enhancing its road presence, the Kodiaq sports a front grille with an integrated horizontal light strip, creating a striking visual identity, while a red strip connecting the tail lamps further accentuates the SUV's width, ensuring a distinctive and commanding presence on the road. The all-new Kodiaq is available in six colour options: Moon White, Magic Black, Graphite Grey, Velvet Red, Race Blue. The Selection L&K gets an exclusive Bronx Gold and the Sportline gets an exclusive Steel Grey. Driving luxury from ownership to maintenance Skoda Auto India will also be offering some delectable ownership and maintenance solutions for Kodiaq owners. This Skoda flagship will offer a standard warranty of 5-year/125,000 kms – whichever earlier. There is also a 10-year complimentary Road-Side Assistance on offer with this luxury 4×4. Bringing service costs down further is Skoda Supercare, a standard maintenance package, which is available at no cost to the customer for the first year. The Kodiaq so far The Kodiaq made its India debut in 2017 as a seven-seat luxury 4×4, a tradition it continues to this day. This premium family car was the one that began Skoda Auto's legacy of naming ICE SUVs beginning with the letter 'K' and ending with a 'Q'. Skoda Auto India has furthered this tradition with the India-specific Kushaq and Kylaq SUVs. The Kodiaq derives its name from the Kodiak archipelago in Alaska, USA and the Kodiak bear that calls the region home denoting the beauty and ruggedness of the geography and its prime predator. Price INR (Ex-Showroom) Kodiaq Sportline Rs. 46 89 000 Kodiaq Selection L&K Rs. 48 69 000 *All prices ex-showroom India About PPS Motors PPS Motors is part of a larger automobile group – one of the country's largest spread automobile conglomerates – with a rich experience of 75+ years, operates through 720+ automobile touch-points across 18 states supported by a dedicated team of over 18,000 expert professionals. PPS Motors provides exceptional service and upholds high standards of professionalism. PPS Motors represents a diverse spectrum of auto segments, including 18 brands in passenger vehicles, light and heavy commercial vehicles, and construction equipment. The conglomerate stands as a formidable force representing 20 renowned brands and registered an annual group turnover of INR 18,800 crores in FY 2024. (Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with Newsvoir and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.). This is an auto-published feed from PTI with no editorial input from The Wire.
Top Gear
19-05-2025
- Automotive
- Top Gear
Skoda Kodiaq Interior Layout & Technology
Boot space with all seven seats in place rises much more notably to 340 litres, which is broadly what you get in a VW Golf . A small gain in overall size seems to have yielded a larger leap in practicality. The Kodiaq has grown marginally in length over its predecessor but retained the same 2.8m wheelbase. Which means rear legroom for second-row passengers borderlines on absurd, as per the Skoda standard. The rearmost seats still feel best suited to kids or a brisk run back from the pub for grownups, although headroom has increased everywhere. That climbs to around 900 litres as you flip down the third-row seats – or it's there all the time if you've stuck with a five-seater – and rises to over 2,000 litres with the middle row folded. Wowee. Go for a hybrid and the figures all take a hit, but 745 litres with the middle seats up and 1,945 with them folded is hardly shabby. What about quality? Skoda has gone big on sustainable materials, with many of the fabrics made of recycled plastic bottles. Choose leather and its tanning process has been done via coffee bean waste in place of nasty chemicals. But rather than plunge the interior into the prosaism of Skodas past, it lifts the atmosphere yet further. These materials look cool, feel intriguing and bring a new and welcome ambience. Skoda has made good quality interiors for years, but they've occasionally felt like a dark cave of black plastic. With the right spec flourishes, it's a lot airier in here. Optional massaging seats lift the mood again, as do the standard 'smart dials' mentioned earlier. Sitting ahead of where the gear lever used to be, these intuitively toggle through (and then adjust) air con temperature and fan speed, heated and vented seats, audio volume, map zoom and drive modes (if you've specced DCC+). You can choose which functions they contain via a touchscreen menu, ensuring they're as comprehensive or simple as you like. How does it compare to a Tiguan? It feels a cut above, truth be told. We already preferred the Kodiaq in this segment and the gulf has perhaps widened further. Skoda's pragmatism has extended to a steering wheel just like that of later Mk1 Kodiaqs, with buttons and scrollers ensuring you'll operate all core features with nary a flick of your eyes from the road.
Top Gear
19-05-2025
- Automotive
- Top Gear
Buy Skoda Kodiaq Price, PPC or HP
Buying What should I be paying? Prices now start at £38,140 for a base Kodiaq SE in 148bhp petrol form. Add £860 if you want this to have the third row of seats, or £2,290 if you'd rather have an identically powered diesel engine. Lease costs start at £380 and £415 respectively. The more powerful Kodiaq 4x4 variants require you to step up to SE L trim, and cost from £46,350 in petrol and £48,120 in diesel guise. There you're looking at an extra £135 and £100 in monthly repayments over the same four-year term. Advertisement - Page continues below Meanwhile the plug-in hybrid (which is available in base SE trim) will set you back from £42,045, but company car drivers will love it for its six per cent BIK rate. Less so much the vRS, which starts from £53,650. Yikes. What's the kit list like? Equipment is strong. The 13in central touchscreen, 10.25in digital dash and tri-zone climate control are all standard, as are heated front seats and keyless start (if not keyless entry, weirdly). You get 18in alloys and front and rear LED lights, too, as well as a tonne of active safety stuff. Optional are a host of smart parking systems that will remotely park the car via an app, as well as remember common manoeuvres at places it recognises. Upgrading to SE L spec brings larger 19in wheels, keyless entry, multi-talented LED matrix lights up front, leather seats inside plus electrical operation for the driver's seat and boot opening, while one above Sportline trim comes with 20in wheels, upgraded suspension, sportier body kit, adaptive cruise control and microsuede interior trim. Advertisement - Page continues below The top level vRS gets a front light strip, gloss black body detailing, 20in black alloys, two-piston gloss red calipers and stainless steel exhaust tips. Step inside and you'll find sporty vRS-branded steering wheel and seats, black upholstery and headlining, much red stitching and stainless steel pedals. Which one should I pick? The UK is the Kodiaq's second most voracious market behind Germany and ahead of Skoda's Czech homeland. The pressures of company car schemes suggest many buyers here will go for the plug-in hybrid. As a private buyer, we'd be tempted to stick to simple internal combustion to save money and weight. The 148bhp mild-hybrid in SE trim ought to be enough while the diesels feel right on point for comfort and ease of use.
Top Gear
19-05-2025
- Automotive
- Top Gear
Skoda Kodiaq Driving, Engines & Performance
The steering lacks feel, and while roll through turns is predictable enough, take too much speed and the Kodiaq bobs up and down in tight corners which leads to understeer. Again... do you really care about that? Sacrificing handling for comfort is totally worth it here. Its Tiguan cousin proves that making a tall, heavy SUV handle keenly comes with consequences. Thus Skoda has taken the Kodiaq in a different direction, allowing it to roll and lean more. This makes it much comfier, and while the trade-off is a car that isn't quite as sharp, we suspect this won't be even slightly a concern when every one of those seats is filled with kids Haribo'd up to the nines. Kodiaq Mk2 has a 10 per cent slipperier aero profile than before (a drag coefficient of 0.28 vs 0.32) but this has been used to improve refinement inside rather than carve out blockbuster acceleration times. And it's worked: this is a serene and placid place to be during a motorway cruise. Each of its engines make themselves known quite vocally when pushed harder, mind, encouraging the smoother, more considered driving style more appropriate to family shuttling. Ride quality does drop as you climb up towards 20in wheels (which naturally fill the arches best from an aesthetic point of view) but on the whole, this is a car that smoothes out urban roads better than most rivals. Don't spec DCC+ and you can't adjust anything at all – a cost-saving measure, or Skoda appreciating most people don't bother – but the Kodiaq still steers with clarity and rides as well as you need it to. Our inner car nerd would still like the option to fiddle, though... You can! DCC+ chassis control lies on the options list and Skoda expects around a third of buyers to go for it. It brings 15-stage adaptive suspension as well as a mixture of different drive modes for steering weight and engine response, which you'll adjust neatly with the new central 'smart dials' (see the Interior tab). Crucially it tightens up the body roll, making the handling that bit more predictable. Happy days. Which of those engines should I go for? The entry-level 1.5-litre petrol and the less powerful diesel feel strong enough if you aren't frequently five (or seven) up inside. They achieve 0-62mph in 9.7 and 9.6 seconds apiece - acceleration that feels adequate, but no more than that - though expect their flexibility to be stretched with heavier loads. Both work with their seven-speed DSG transmission well, and while there's a bit of kickdown lag when you decide to get a shift on (pun intended), you can take manual control with the paddles behind the wheel. Upgrading to the punchier petrol and diesel with 4x4 capability cuts around 1.5-2.0s from the 0-62mph times (7.5s and 8.0s respectively) while adding another 400-550kg of towing capacity (for 2,350kg and 2,400kg maximums). What about the PHEV? The plug-in hybrid is your go to if you're on a company car scheme. The petrol and e-motor feel very neatly integrated and the handover between them is broadly very smooth. The engine makes a din when you stamp your foot all the way to the throttle stop, but it's simply a clue you're driving it wrong. Smoother driving (and the Eco and Comfort modes if you've specced DCC+) keep the petrol unit schtum for longer and with prudent acceleration you can get comfortably up to motorway speeds on EV power alone. You'll get around 3.0mi/kWh out of the Kodiaq, which is reasonable for a PHEV, but you'll get massively more value out of it if you can charge at home rather than using the fast charging station. We love that you can now do 50 miles plus on electric power alone, though. There are three levels of brake regen adjusted through the touchscreen, albeit via a handy shortcut, so it's not too distracting. It's best in High, when it assertively slows the car almost to a halt, and less convincing in Low or Auto. It's a shame this can't be adjusted via those new central smart dials, but no biggie. A software update or future facelift might fix that. And the vRS? Ah yes. Beneath the bonnet it gets the VW Group's familiar 'EA888' 262bhp 2.0-litre turbocharged four pot petrol, with its 295bhp of torque the highest of any combustion powered production Skoda to date. That results in a zero to 62mph time of 6.4 seconds and a Vmax of 143mph, not that you'll get anywhere near that. Bigger brakes help keep everything under control, but otherwise changes over the standard Kodiaq are seemingly kept to surface level only. And so it proves. Sure it's slightly quicker, but the progressive steering, steering wheel paddles (which allow you to manually control gearshifts, though it'll still auto upshift once you hit the redline) and the 15-stage adaptive suspension are as per the regular car. And the brake pedal still lacks any kind of feel too. In fact, faux engine noise aside – far from the worst we've heard – it's barely any more engaging and no more rewarding to drive, giving little reason to buy. You can read our full thoughts by clicking these blue words here. How's fuel economy? Decent for a car this big. We got 45mpg from the 1.5 petrol and 42mpg from the littlest 2.0 diesel: the caveat for the latter was that we were a) on stop-start country roads, and b) not going out of our way to be gentle with the throttle. At a motorway cruise, we'd expect something closer to the claimed figure. We saw just 32mpg in the performance focused vRS. Another reason to steer clear.
