From £20,7208
Plusher version of Czech SUV adds higher-spec and sporty trim to practical base

What is it?

Skoda might not be a brand renowned for luxury, but it’s proved on several occasions now that it can take the fight to premium rivals with more abundant kit lists that enable unrivalled value for money.

With a starting price north of £37k, however, the Kodiaq Sportline 2.0 TDI 4x4 DSG takes efforts to new and unchartered levels for Skoda. This ‘posh’ Skoda not only faces alternatives with more desirable badges on their snouts, it goes grille-to-grille with esteemed SUVs such as the Land Rover Discovery Sport and BMW X3.

As is often (actually, probably always) the case, the Skoda arrives on the battlefield extensively prepared. These Czech models can’t wade in with high asking prices without bringing a long list of standard features into the equation, so skim down the near page-long specs list of the Kodiaq Sportline and you’ll see premium equipment such as a 9.2in touchscreen, 20in wheels and LED headlights all fitted as standard.

Our seven-seat car also comes equipped with extra driver assist features, bringing its total on the road price up to £39,110. Is this a step too far for the Skoda Kodiaq or an example of its growing reach?

Skoda kodiaq 4x4 sportline 2018 uk review cornering rear

What's it like?

On first impressions, the Kodiaq Sportline does a pretty good job of standing up to that asking price. Its large wheels and black accents add muscle outside, while the wide infotainment system and part-leather seats give the cabin a substantially plusher finish.

That being said, the interior design is too familiar (it’s typical VW Group) to grab attention, and you sit facing conventional dials rather than a digital instrument cluster display, reminding you that you’re in a Skoda and not a product of its group stablemates.

The car’s case is helped by a pair of deeply bolstered Sportline seats, which look the part with Alcantara fabric and come with electric adjustment and a memory function. There’s also dual zone climate control, and a standard-fit 9.2in touchscreen, complete with DAB, Apple Carplay/Android Auto and two SD card readers, to rank as one of the class’s best.

Skoda kodiaq 4x4 sportline 2018 uk review driving position

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Our car uses the most potent 2.0 TDI on offer with 187bhp and 295lb ft of torque, the latter being available from 1750rpm. It sends drive to the front wheels primarily but can switch to all-wheel drive when needed, via a seven-speed DSG gearbox.

Under normal loads the powertrain feels well suited to the job with plenty of mid-range grunt, but it needs winding up if you’re to make a B-road overtake. The unit settles down and is inaudible on the motorway, although this is probably helped by a noticeable amount of wind noise generated by the car’s large door mirrors.

The Kodiaq Sportline’s ride is good at pace, with the suspension smoothing over cracks and broken surfaces. But at lower speeds our car, which used the standard suspension rather than optional adaptive dampers, had a tendency to impact ridges and potholes, sending vibrations through the body.

Should I buy one?

If you want a well-equipped, good-looking SUV with plenty of space, the Skoda Kodiaq absolutely should be on your shopping list. Whether the Sportline deserves your attention will rely entirely on taste.

In pure value for money terms the Kodiaq SE L with the same 187bhp diesel four-pot, which can be had from £33,320, offers much of the same and only loses out on the Sportline’s bolstered chairs and performance trim, so may appear the better deal. But for some, those sport additions will be worth every penny, not least because they’re key in setting the Sportline apart from the large number of lower-spec Kodiaqs that fill our streets.

To many, not even the top Kodiaq will have the same level of desirability as a Land Rover Discovery Sport or BMW X3. But neither of those options will be so generously specced at this price.

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Where Wellingborough, UK; On sale Now; Price £37,120; Engine 4 cyls, 1968cc, turbocharged diesel; Power 187bhp at 3500rpm; Torque 295lb ft at 1750rpm; Gearbox 7-spd automatic; Kerb weight 1720kg; 0-60mph 8.8sec; Top speed 129mph; Economy 49.6mpg; CO2 151g/km Rivals Land Rover Discovery Sport, BMW X3

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DorisSChamberlain 20 June 2018

Where to buy hermes dogon wallet?

A wallet is one of our most important accessories, I mean; we use it on daily basis. It’s kind-of an one-time purchase, then we want it to stick with us for a long time. Our personal items like credit card, bankcard, ID’s and money are inside; therefore we need one that’s protective and both stylish.

If you already own a designer bag like Chanel, Celine or Givenchy, you will want to choose a wallet that’s classic, so you can switch to different bags anytime you call for. And if there’s any luxury brand that makes classic things, we want to recommend no other than Hermes.

You see, you need to have at least one wallet that’s perfect, the price might be a little steep, but then we need to think long term. Five years from now, you can still sell your Hermes wallet, it holds value, if you don’t abuse it of course.

Presenting the Hermes Dogon Wallet, compact in different colors that we know, you will love. Its made from calfskin (material is durable and strong), closed by a leather flap and silver plated ‘Clou de Selle’ closure inside that reads: ‘Hermes Paris’. The interior is structured; you can find a zipped change purse, two credit card slots and two extra compartments.

The design looks quite easy and our eyes are pointing to the silver plated closure in the center. But easy should not fool us, because its ultimately the craftsmanship behind the wallet that we are hunting for. Measuring 9.5 x 13.8 cm, priced at € 1.320 or £980 GBP at Hermes e-store or boutique.

Thekrankis 5 April 2018

RIP Yeti

Can't stand this derivative VAG styling......

Jimbbobw1977 5 April 2018

Wow just over £39k!!! Wonder

Wow just over £39k!!! Wonder if that price will go up more when VW start charging Skoda more for the rights of using the MQB platform... 

Marc 5 April 2018

Jimbbobw1977 wrote:

Jimbbobw1977 wrote:

Wow just over £39k!!! Wonder if that price will go up more when VW start charging Skoda more for the rights of using the MQB platform... 

Are they?  And what's an MQB platform?  There's a golf platform, and a Passat platform, there's a Arona/Yeti platform.