What is it?
Meet the latest version of the Skoda Kodiaq family SUV, brought up to date with the same Skoda in-car tech currently doing the rounds in the slightly newer Skoda Scala and Skoda Kamiq. Looks a lot like the old one, no?
That’s because this isn’t a mid-life update, which would normally see some new exterior fripperies like redesigned bumpers, headlights or paint colours. One is coming, but not for a few more months. So in the meantime, we get this somewhat less dramatic model-year update.
Although it's physically unchanged from the car that first arrived on UK shores in 2017, albeit here in fetching Sportline trim and riding on 20in alloy wheels, the new Kodiaq gets Skoda’s latest-generation infotainment suite, complete with connected services courtesy of a built-in SIM card and a voice assistant named Laura. Which could prove a tad confusing for any drivers or passengers also named as such.
Sportline cars get seven seats as standard, the front pair being firmly bolstered sporty types, along with Alcantara upholstery and a sports steering wheel, plus plenty of blacked-out exterior trim pieces. It’s the closest thing to a vRS on the order books, at least until Skoda brings the top-rung model out of early retirement later in the year.
Our test car is also the go-to choice for anyone after the most powerful engine in the line-up. The 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel powertrain produces 197bhp and 295lb ft, which is sent to both axles via a seven-speed automatic transmission. It’s good for 0-62mph in just under eight seconds, which seems rather sprightly for near-1800kg family transport.
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I recently bought one of these, I wish the above pricing were true tho. It's easy enough to secure a good discount off the starting list price of £34770 but not a £14k discount. From £20720? I don't think so.
The other error in the report surrounds the infotainment. The new MIB3 software units are actually slower than the previous MIB2 units. Much of the functionality is now over-the-air using that e-sim therefore when you start the car, it has to go searching for info rather than read it locally. Its correct to say the updates are few but apart from the infotainment, most are welcome.
But as for the Sorrento being a competitor? It's all give and take with the options to compare models but it's the '3' model which is closest to the Sportline. As I say you can buy a 1.5dsg Sportline from £34770 where as the 1.6auto '3' starts from £42745. Not only is that a £9k difference, the KIA falls in to the higher VED rate, in other words costs an extra £325 each year. It's not a competitor in my book.
I don't mind this car as a good family car, but Sportline? Is that really needed on a family bus? This is such an unsporty car.