The new Skoda Kodiaq goes on sale in the UK this week, priced from £36,645.
The second generation of the Czech firm's largest SUV dons a bold new look and adds plug-in hybrid power for the first time.
That will come later, though; available from launch are a choice of two petrol engines – one with mild-hybrid assistance – and two diesel engines.
The base price is for the Kodiaq SE – which wears 18in wheels and comes with LED lights, heated front seats and keyless start.
Mid-rung SE L, meanwhile, bumps the price up to £40,205 and adds larger 19in wheels, matrix headlights, an electrically adjustable driver's seat and leather upholstery.
A new range-topping Sportline variant will be added to the roster later this year, ticking all the options boxes and raising the price nearer to £45,000.
The hot Kodiaq vRS is tipped to return later on, with four-wheel drive and nearly 300bhp.
Skoda has yet to price up the Kodiaq iV plug-in hybrid, but the PHEV version of the technically related Volkswagen Tiguan adds £6000 on top of the base petrol.
Deliveries are scheduled to begin in summer.
The Czech brand's reinvented flagship is the first production car to be styled with elements from the 'Modern Solid' philosophy previewed by the Vision 7S concept, which gives the new Kodiaq a more overtly rugged and utilitarian billing than its predecessor.
Highlights of the refresh include squared-off wheel arches, a prominent hexagonal grille, a heavily sculpted bonnet and model badging in a new corporate font.
The makeover is capped off by Skoda's clean new logo, which makes its first appearance on a production car. Also new for the 2024 Kodiaq is the option of an LED light strip running across the front end, which brings it into line with its electric Enyaq sibling.
Join the debate
Add your comment
The annoying thing about these price rises is that it's pushing regular cars into the Luxury tax band. Then manufacturers are discounting them back below, whilst owners are stuck with the tax for the next 5 years...
It's damaging residuals and as such making finance harder for the newer models, which in turn means manufacturers have to discount even further....
The annoying thing about these price rises is that it's pushing regular cars into the Luxury tax band. Then manufacturers are discounting them back below, whilst owners are stuck with the tax for the next 5 years...
It's damaging residuals and as such making finance harder for the newer models, which in turn means manufacturers have to discount even further....
I'd argue that if someone can afford a £40k car then in the grand scheme of things an extra £400 a year tax is chicken feed. Your problem only appears when those who can't afford a £40k car still buy it.
But you're right, all it means is depreciation becomes a major factor, that's why you should never pay big bucks for a 'value 4 money' brand. Personally I think Skoda are folling in the footsteps of Honda in that they've lost the plot. In years to come I can see several of their models disappearing altogether.
Looks are quite disappointing after the promise of the Vision 7S concept...