Kodiaq family bus
Discussion
Slight realignment of the family cars meant the OH got to actually choose what she drove on a day to day basis for a change.
As I work from home or outside the UK I don't need a practical car so my old weekend car (E64 650) is being pressed into more regular use, the new weekend toy is in the garage (Tuscan) so OH could choose what she wanted with one proviso - it had to be able to serve as a family holdall if required (only the 3 of us plus 2 dogs)
Much touring of dealerships took place, with good, indifferent and downright bad experiences to be had saw her pretty much settled on a mid-size SUV of some description - she liked the driving position and space on offer, she initially sniggered when I suggested looking at Skoda but when she looked at the Karoq and Kodiaq she changed her mind.
Due to the deals available and the spec she wanted it became pretty clear that the Kodiaq was the way forward. SE L spec pretty much chose itself, the step up to Edition or Sportline seemed to offer very little extra for a chunk more money. Likewise engine spec was straightforward, mileage did not justify diesel so 1.5 TSi with DSG was chosen. Only extras chosen were the interior LED light pack, metallic and the Triglav alloys, same size as standard but different design.
Managed to get the car just before the lockdown came into force and although only done a few miles in it its pretty impressive, solid build, good infotainment and extremely quiet and refined. Whilst no rocketship the 1.5TSi is smooth and willing and suits the car pretty well. The amount of interior space is massive, for the first time in years our son is happy to sit in the back seat.
Most importantly the OH is happy.
As I work from home or outside the UK I don't need a practical car so my old weekend car (E64 650) is being pressed into more regular use, the new weekend toy is in the garage (Tuscan) so OH could choose what she wanted with one proviso - it had to be able to serve as a family holdall if required (only the 3 of us plus 2 dogs)
Much touring of dealerships took place, with good, indifferent and downright bad experiences to be had saw her pretty much settled on a mid-size SUV of some description - she liked the driving position and space on offer, she initially sniggered when I suggested looking at Skoda but when she looked at the Karoq and Kodiaq she changed her mind.
Due to the deals available and the spec she wanted it became pretty clear that the Kodiaq was the way forward. SE L spec pretty much chose itself, the step up to Edition or Sportline seemed to offer very little extra for a chunk more money. Likewise engine spec was straightforward, mileage did not justify diesel so 1.5 TSi with DSG was chosen. Only extras chosen were the interior LED light pack, metallic and the Triglav alloys, same size as standard but different design.
Managed to get the car just before the lockdown came into force and although only done a few miles in it its pretty impressive, solid build, good infotainment and extremely quiet and refined. Whilst no rocketship the 1.5TSi is smooth and willing and suits the car pretty well. The amount of interior space is massive, for the first time in years our son is happy to sit in the back seat.
Most importantly the OH is happy.
Sheepshanks said:
If the Discovery Sport product manager at JLR sees that it might just tip him over the edge!
Well the Kodiaq is the better car. Many comparison road tests say the same. We tested both and the Kodiaq was a lot better especially when using 7 seats. We’ve had our Kodiaq (190TDI DSG Edition) for 2 years now and I really can’t fault it. Oh actually I can the pop out door protectors are crap and keep breaking.
Edited by stumpage on Wednesday 1st April 19:27
My mate has one and it's very nice.
The only problem I see is that the middle seats are set in quite far from the doors (you can see in last photo) which seems like it would make it less useful for carrying my 3 kids in the back. Although I haven't tried it with 3 in the back to be fair.
The only problem I see is that the middle seats are set in quite far from the doors (you can see in last photo) which seems like it would make it less useful for carrying my 3 kids in the back. Although I haven't tried it with 3 in the back to be fair.
My Wife also chose a Kodiaq. We went for the Edition spec as the electric seats with memory function were a bit of a must have as we do tend to chop and change who’s driving.
We looked at every comparable mid-size SUV. Cominh out of a Mazda CX-5 the Kodiaq was the only car that could actually beat another one on a balance of cost, spec and space (due to the improved rear legroom; price and spec were much of a muchness).
One thing that did surprise me is that the standard infotainment system in the Kodiaq is actually the same unit as the £1,500 optional ‘Pro’ system in our Golf. So it’s not all previous generation tech that Skoda have to work with.
We looked at every comparable mid-size SUV. Cominh out of a Mazda CX-5 the Kodiaq was the only car that could actually beat another one on a balance of cost, spec and space (due to the improved rear legroom; price and spec were much of a muchness).
One thing that did surprise me is that the standard infotainment system in the Kodiaq is actually the same unit as the £1,500 optional ‘Pro’ system in our Golf. So it’s not all previous generation tech that Skoda have to work with.
Same here - we just picked up an Edition 7 seater as a replacement for the old Renault Grand Espace family wagon that had to go due to ULEZ / parking charges.
Its very nice, smooth and eerily quiet after the diesel Espace, which wasn't a loud car itself. However, it has nothing like the space inside compared to the old Espace. I would echo the point raised above - the middle row of seats are effectively only 2.5 seats, rather than the 3 full size seats we previously enjoyed, and the third row is very much for short rides / people, whereas the Espace comfortably sat 6 foot plus people in the third row. We drove to the Alps and back for skiing in February with 6 adults and all their luggage inside the Renault with ease, but that won't be happening in the Skoda (maybe no bad thing!).
In our case, with two teenagers and the occasional other passenger the Kodiaq will suit us fine, but I don't think that you'd get three kids seats in the middle row for any of those with bigger and younger families. The downside of improved side impact legislation and the packaging disadvantage of an SUV shape versus the MPV shape, i guess.
Its very nice, smooth and eerily quiet after the diesel Espace, which wasn't a loud car itself. However, it has nothing like the space inside compared to the old Espace. I would echo the point raised above - the middle row of seats are effectively only 2.5 seats, rather than the 3 full size seats we previously enjoyed, and the third row is very much for short rides / people, whereas the Espace comfortably sat 6 foot plus people in the third row. We drove to the Alps and back for skiing in February with 6 adults and all their luggage inside the Renault with ease, but that won't be happening in the Skoda (maybe no bad thing!).
In our case, with two teenagers and the occasional other passenger the Kodiaq will suit us fine, but I don't think that you'd get three kids seats in the middle row for any of those with bigger and younger families. The downside of improved side impact legislation and the packaging disadvantage of an SUV shape versus the MPV shape, i guess.
Well, after 2 years and 14k miles the Kodiaq is going back at the end of the lease
Not a stone chip, scratch or mark on it inside or out.
Maintenance was a topping up of washer bottle.
Averaged 34mpg during the time with us and have to say its been a brilliant all-rounder and will be much missed, cannot honestly think of anything I did not like about it - it was even fun to drive which was a surprise for a mere 1.5 litre.
OH was initially a bit sniffy about a Skoda but is a total convert.
Collection inspection was 10 mins with pronouncement that he has never seen such an immaculate condition car on return
Not a stone chip, scratch or mark on it inside or out.
Maintenance was a topping up of washer bottle.
Averaged 34mpg during the time with us and have to say its been a brilliant all-rounder and will be much missed, cannot honestly think of anything I did not like about it - it was even fun to drive which was a surprise for a mere 1.5 litre.
OH was initially a bit sniffy about a Skoda but is a total convert.
Collection inspection was 10 mins with pronouncement that he has never seen such an immaculate condition car on return
My missus is on her second Kodiaq, both L&K 2.0 petrol DSG. The first was a late 2019 car, and the current one December 2021, both bought new. The latest one is quite a step up from the first with massively improved infotainment system, matrix lights which really are a game changer, and virtual dash. It also seems to drive much better than the first one and really is a beautiful thing.
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