Car Review; new Skoda Kodiaq

How does a small engine combine with a big SUV? If it’s a Skoda Kodiaq, better than you might expect…

(Skoda)

The Skoda Kodiaq has proven popular in mainstream TDI diesel guise, but how does the entry-level 1.4-litre TSI petrol engine fare? Well, on price alone, extremely well: a tempting tag of less than £24,000 seems striking value for such a large and capable SUV. But does the relatively small engine make you suffer for this saving?

Well, here’s the thing. The Kodiaq isn’t quite as heavy as it looks. This means its power of 123bhp and torque of 148lb ft is able to make a decent fist of everyday driving. It’s no rocketship, but it’s more than happy to keep up with the flow of everyday traffic. It can even be quite fun, provided you’re careful not to lose any momentum.

Just be aware there may be times where you wish there was more shove on offer, particularly if you’ve paid extra to turn this base-spec Kodiaq from a five-seater into a seven-seater. A meek 0-62mph time of 10.9 seconds is very much a best-case scenario – get used to stirring the six-speed manual a lot.

(Skoda

(Skoda)

You don’t get the four-wheel drive system of posher Kodiaqs in this base 1.4 TSI version either. You’ll have to make do with just front-wheel drive instead. Frankly, you’re unlikely to miss it. There’s never really the grunt on offer to make AWD necessary.

But while this cheaper version also lacks the DCC adaptive suspension of pricier examples, this is something you’re less likely to miss. Save for a slightly unsettled ride on bumpy roads, it’s a good setup with decent body control and even a modicum of feel through the steering. Only those seeking a touch less firmness to the ride will yearn for the adaptive system.

The rest of it is just as good as all other Kodiaqs. Very good indeed, then. The interior would be the envy of a car costing twice as much as this. It’s beautifully finished and almost entirely without fault. Only practicality niggles such as a slight lack of middle-seat width and third-row seats that are positioned too low come in for criticism.

In the final reckoning, it comes down to what you want from your Kodiaq. If all you’re seeking is a spacious, well-built machine to make the school run that bit more special, this budget 1.4 TSI version is well worth a look.

But we’d still urge you to weigh up the extra cost of a diesel version before signing on the dotted line. It’ll probably depreciate less, deliver more miles to the gallon and be much less likely to feel left lagging in everyday use.

Good as this budget TSI petrol version is for the less demanding, a TDI diesel will make an excellent car even better still.

(Skoda

(Skoda)

Skoda Kodiaq 1.4 TSI 125 SE

Price £23,945

Engine 4cyls, 1395cc, turbo, petrol

Power 123bhp at 5000rpm

Torque 148lb ft at 1400rpm

Gearbox 6-spd manual

Kerbweight 1570kg

0-62mph 10.9sec

Top speed 118mph

Economy 47.0mpg

CO2/tax band 140g/km, 25%

AUTOCAR