Since he was born, he Skoda Kodiaq it became, on its own merits, a benchmark large SUV in the market. Its enormous versatility, diesel and gasoline engines, manual and automatic gearboxes, and capacity to have an interior for up to seven passengers made it a chameleon-like model capable of satisfying the most disparate needs.
For Skoda The time has come to upgrade it in order to launch it into orbit once more and do battle with tough rivals like the Seat Tarraco, Peugeot 5008 and Hyundai Santa Fe, among others. Is it still as bright as before?
But first, sharpen your eyes and take a look at this Skoda Kodiaq 2.0 TDi 200 CV DSG 4×4 top to bottom to see if you can figure out what has changed.
They are not great things, of course: the new bumpers (they come with a slightly different design), the air intakes (larger in size) and the headlights, somewhat narrower and more stylized, and with the ability to incorporate Matrix LED technology (standard in this Sportline finish).
The wheels are of a new design (they can be 20 inches from 1,071 euros) and at the rear you will find minimal details, such as dynamic intermittent pilots or a more prominent spoiler.
Anything else? Nothing more. With these small changes, Skoda has concluded the renovation of a Kodiaq who, it must be said, does not weigh the years and knows how to age quite well (although he remains as sober as ever).
Step inside: in the cabin the changes are also very light. What’s new? Releases some decorative moldings for the dashboard, the doors and the steering wheel design is a direct inheritance of the Skoda Octaviawith only two radios (something that doesn’t quite convince me).
At least the buttons are physical, the usual ones, and you don’t have to worry about accidentally activating them as happens in other models of touch surfaces from the Volkswagen Group.
Where it has also improved is in the ambient lighting system (it now offers more points of light), the canton sound system with ten speakers (before it only had eight) and, above all, in better shaped seats that can carry heating, ventilation and massage. The downside: all of the latter is only available as an option, so you will have to go through the box.
In any case, the fact that there are not many modifications does not have to be something necessarily negative, especially if we talk in terms of space and modularity. The Kodiaq remains a master of interior space management and you can order it with five or seven seats.
The second row continues to have three individual bench seats that move longitudinally by 17 centimeters, which is very good to adjust to the specific needs of each journey.
The second row is a marvel in terms of spaciousness for its occupants, since you will not have space problems for your shoulders, head or knees. Of course, the most difficult thing is still accessing the two seats in the third row: the passenger compartment is very high in relation to the ground and the space left by the second row when folding down the side seat is not a panacea.
© Provided by autobild.es
Prueba Skoda Kodiaq 2.0 TDi 200 CV DSG 4×4
In other words: the maneuver requires some effort and once you sit in this third row, you realize that they are only valid for children.
I get going. Under the hood, all a rare bird in these times: it is diesel that does not have any electrification. That means the DGT Label C compared to other rivals that have been better updated and proudly wear the ECO or directly the blue ‘0 Emissions’.
In any case, I am facing a fully satisfactory block, since it has quite a lot of strength (200 CV), a generous torque and a consumption that if you do not go overboard with the right foot is more than reasonable (I have measured 7.2 liters), especially if we take into account that this Kodiaq drags 1,800 kilos of weight and that it is not a prodigy of aerodynamics.
Sumale la t4×4 ration and the change DSG of seven relations to obtain a superb pack.
© Provided by autobild.es
Prueba Skoda Kodiaq 2.0 TDi 200 CV DSG 4×4
On the move, the perfect scenario for this Czech is, without a doubt, the wide highways where you can maintain cruising speeds and accumulate kilometers without your back getting tired. If you add the DCC suspension (1,040 euros) you can vary the hardness of the shock absorbers and travel even more comfortably.
Then, when you hit a twisty two-way road, you’re going to find that pace changes aren’t the best thing for this Kodiaq, even though its gearbox is fast enough in sequential and off mode. that the engine has good bass.
In these cases, better calm rhythms with which to enjoy the landscape and all the comfort of this Czech.
My opinion
Ell Skoda Kodiaq TDI is one of the most complete and versatile options on the market in the segment SUV. Of course, with this engine, 4×4 drive, standard equipment where you have everything you need and the seven-speed DSG, the price is dangerously close to 50,000 euros.