It’s something consumers and critics have been scratching their heads over for a while now. How does the Skoda Kodiaq do it? It’s got the power to put it right up next to the likes of the VW Tiguan, the interior finishings of an Audi, and the cost… well, of a Skoda. And that’s the genius behind the VW-owned Czech carmaker’s latest pitch to the cutthroat world of family SUVs. It’s combined expert craftsmanship with a smart design that hits the target market bang on the head. The bulkiest member of the Skoda family is as impressive as ever. Here’s a Skoda Kodiaq review on reasons why this car is so clever.

Tuning in with The Times

Today cars are more than just a means of transport – like mobile phones have become more than a means of calling someone. Recognising that cars need to be as versatile as possible is part of Skoda’s success with the light, powerful, off-roading Kodiaq. Prioritising where it counts to make versatility a reality has resulted in clever 4×4 off-roading capability, a spritely 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged engine, and a host of driver assistance tech that you have to pinch yourself to believe it comes standard.

It’s almost like the Skoda design team spent a week away on vacation with five families and came away enlightened. They’ve just nailed the concept of the strong capable family car. The extra row of back seats almost seems like an afterthought – that actually worked.

Going On Holiday with The Skoda Kodiaq

No one has bought a Kodiaq without dreaming of how well it’s going to perform on the open road. Not only is it a safe and secure ride, but it’s also surprisingly well-planted on the corners, with hardly any roll, and a super-adjustable driver position makes the ride even more enjoyable. If it’s just a party of two, expect 2005 litres of space in the boot with the seats down. Then there’s the towing capacity. Sitting at a proud 2,000kg braked capacity, the Skoda Kodiaq can haul a load there’s no question about it. Most camper trailers will sit comfortably under this weight leaving plenty of room for luggage and other personal effects, esky’s, camping stove, fishing gear, and bikes.

Safety in the Kodiaq: Sticking to The Family-First Brief

Safety features are yet another winning Skoda strategy. The Kodiaq goes to great lengths to ensure base trims get the most bang for their buck. Strong LED headlights, rearview cameras, rear traffic alert system and emergency collision braking, fatigue assist, and 9 airbags are just some of the stand specs that deck out this family conscious car. The whole ensemble isn’t in your face either. It’s calm and helpful, the way it should be. There’s also no need to fumble around for the charging cord, with wireless charging and handsfree Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connection there’s no need to have your focus anywhere but the road. The Kodiaq makes the family appeal so overwhelming – it’s taken close competition like VW Tiguan and Kia Sorento by surprise.

Underpriced or Smart Thinking?

The Skoda Kodiaq is aggressively priced and a solid smidge under 50,000 which instantly puts it in the running against the midsize SUV market which has greatly improved as a result of added competition. But the Skoda Kodiaq isn’t just priced well, it’s intelligently designed and each detail is value-driven. The best bit is – it all translates over to the consumer. Every bit.