Overview

Objectively the Kodiaq is a strong and practical family hauler that’s well-suited to modern life with kids. But the fact that it has seven-seats and costs less than many of its key rivals makes it a really compelling answer to your new car question.

Despite its attention-grabbing prices, the Kodiaq is anything but a budget car and feels a rung or two above the Nissan X-Trail, while on par with the latest Kia Sorento and Hyundai Santa Fe when it comes to equipment, quality, comfort and roadholding.

Even the more expensive Land Rover Discovery Sport gets much closer to the mark, but still can’t match the Skoda’s practicality on the inside. It could easily wear a Volkswagen badge, for example, but it dramatically undercuts the Tiguan Allspace, while simultaneously providing more room and equipment. Only Peugeot’s 5008 and the Kodiaq’s close cousin, the SEAT Tarraco, offer similar flexibility and value for money.

The starting point of SE Drive trim already comes with plenty of kit, including rear parking sensors, dual-zone climate control, cruise control, DAB radio and a choice of five or seven seats. LED headlights, 18-inch alloy wheels and wireless Apple CarPlay plus Amundsen navigation also feature on the 8.0-inch touchscreen. SE Drive is available in both five- and seven-seat configurations.

Progress to an SE L Executive model for a more generous kit roster. It adds 19-inch alloy wheels, a larger multimedia touchscreen, adaptive LED headlights, heated leather seats with electric adjustment, and an electric tailgate.

Even more luxuries are part of the package with the pricier Laurin & Klement range-topper, while an athletic vibe is part of the SportLine models’ appeal.

The vRS model is the most sporting. As well as receiving the most powerful engine, it also comes with 20-inch wheels, Alcantara seats, and more vRS badges than you can shake a stick at.