In the crowded SUV market, the Skoda Kodiaq has always stood tall; literally and figuratively.
Since its debut in 2016, this seven-seat SUV has been one of Skoda’s finest offerings, winning hearts with its practicality, smart design, and budget-friendly price tag.
Now, in its second generation, the Kodiaq returns with updates that aim to keep it ahead of the pack.
Familiar Looks, Fresh Details
At first glance, you might mistake this for a minor facelift rather than a full-fledged new model.
The Kodiaq’s trademark silhouette (stretched bonnet, confident stance, and robust proportions) remains intact.
Updates include a bolder front lighting strip, a reimagined Skoda badge, and stylish wraparound rear lights. Even the new “Bronx Gold” paint adds a touch of glamour.
It’s evolution over revolution, and that’s not a bad thing. After all, why fix what isn’t broken?
For existing owners peeking out their windows before the morning school run, the new Kodiaq will feel like an old friend with just a hint of a makeover.
Space, Sustainability, and Smart Upgrades
Stepping into the second-generation Skoda Kodiaq feels akin to entering a well-thought-out family home; a place where practicality and comfort are cornerstones.
Skoda has built on the solid foundation of the first generation, improving usability, introducing sustainable materials, and ensuring that every inch of space is used wisely.
Although the Kodiaq has grown only slightly in length, its interior space has been optimised to impressive effect. The 2.8-metre wheelbase remains unchanged, yet second-row passengers are treated to almost absurd levels of legroom, staying true to Skoda’s reputation for passenger comfort.
In the third row, adults may find themselves a little cramped, but it’s perfect for kids or short journeys. Headroom, meanwhile, has been increased across the board: 106cm up front, 102cm in the middle, and 92cm in the back.
Even with all seven seats up, the Kodiaq offers 340 litres of cargo space, equivalent to what you’d find in a Volkswagen Golf.
Fold down the third row, and that figure jumps to 900 litres.
Many of the interior materials are crafted from recycled plastic bottles, and if you opt for leather, you’ll find it tanned using coffee bean waste instead of traditional chemicals.
This eco-conscious approach doesn’t come at the cost of aesthetics; the materials feel premium, look stylish, and contribute to a fresh, airy ambience.
Skoda has also steered clear of the dark plastic-heavy interiors of the past.
Positioned where the gear lever used to be, the rotary Smart Dials controls allow you to adjust everything from air-conditioning temperature to audio volume.
It’s a refreshing nod to functionality in an age of often overly complicated touch-sensitive controls.
Meanwhile, the gear selection has been moved to a twistable stalk on the steering column. It’s intuitive and ensures you won’t accidentally shift gears when reaching for the wipers.
What’s Under the Hood?
Beneath its familiar exterior, the Kodiaq has undergone significant changes, including its first foray into electrification.
Sharing much of its underpinnings with the latest Volkswagen Tiguan and Skoda Octavia, the Kodiaq offers a variety of powertrains tailored to diverse needs.
Singapore-bound units get a 148bhp 1.5-litre petrol engine with mild-hybrid technology and 250Nm of torque, giving you a century sprint time of 9.9 seconds.
How’s the Ride?
Unlike its Volkswagen Tiguan cousin, which opts for sharper handling at the expense of ride quality, the Kodiaq embraces its role as a family SUV by prioritising comfort.
It leans and rolls predictably through corners, ensuring a smoother, more forgiving ride; a trade-off that will hardly bother those ferrying a carload of sugar-fuelled children.
The steering, while clear, lacks tactile feedback, and the Kodiaq exhibits a bit of body movement when pushed into tighter bends. Take corners too aggressively, and you’ll encounter understeer, but it’s a forgivable flaw given the Kodiaq’s focus.
Skoda has also paid attention to aerodynamics, reducing the Kodiaq’s drag coefficient from 0.32 to 0.28. This refinement doesn’t translate into neck-snapping acceleration but significantly enhances cabin quietness, especially during highway cruising.
Engine noise becomes more noticeable only when pushed hard, subtly encouraging a smoother and more composed driving style.
Respectable Fuel Economy
For a vehicle of this size, the Kodiaq returns competitive fuel economy figures.
During testing, the 1.5-litre engine achieved 13.7km/litre, close to Skoda’s claimed 15.2km/litre figure.
A Comfortable All-Rounder
The new Skoda Kodiaq doesn’t attempt to be the sharpest SUV on the market, but that’s precisely its charm. It excels in areas that matter most to its target audience: comfort, practicality, and refinement.
While performance enthusiasts may look elsewhere, families and long-distance commuters will find much to love in the Kodiaq. It’s one that’s been thoughtfully tailored to make the journey as enjoyable as the destination.
Skoda, it seems, has once again hit the mark. Simply clever.
Technical Specifications
Skoda Kodiaq Mild Hybrid (Selection)
Engine: 1,498cc 4-cylinder Turbocharged, Mild Hybrid
Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive
Power: 148 bhp
Torque: 250 Nm
Gearbox: 7-Speed (A) DSG
0-100km/h: 9.9 seconds (claimed)
Top Speed: 205 km/h
Fuel Economy: 15.2 km/litre (claimed)
Price: S$216,900 with COE (accurate at the time of this article)
Contact: Skoda Centre Singapore
Photo Credits: Sean Loo (@auto.driven)
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