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Skoda Kodiaq Car Review

Ladies and gentlemen, petrolheads and daydreamers – today we’re talking about the enigmatic creature that is the Skoda Kodiaq. Now, hold your horses before you snigger at the notion of a Skoda – for the uninitiated, this Czech marque has been casting spells under the ever-watchful eye of the Volkswagen Group. No longer just the punchline of car jokes, Skoda has amped up their game, and the Kodiaq is their charming broadsword in the SUV arena.

The Skoda Kodiaq, you see, is like that underestimated bloke down the pub who, unbeknownst to the crowd, is a black belt in karate and can play the guitar like a young Eric Clapton. It doesn’t boast or shout – it simply is. And what it is, is a rather fetching example of practicality donning a cloak of sleek, European charm.

Let’s start with the face – that wide, assertive grille flanked by razor-sharp headlights isn’t just for show; it’s like the Kodiaq’s saying, “I’m here, I mean business, and no, you can’t borrow my lawnmower.” The lines are sharp, the stance poised – it’s certainly not the boxy affair that once characterized cars of Eastern Europe.

Under the bonnet, our feisty friend here doesn’t disappoint. You can pick from a cloakroom of powertrains, including peppy petrols and gutsy diesels, all with a smooth DSG gearbox that’s slicker than a politician at a campaign fundraiser. The four-wheel-drive variants add a sprinkle of off-road prowess, so you’re more equipped than a Swiss Army knife when the going gets tough.

Step inside the Kodiaq’s cabin, and it’s like settling into your favorite armchair – it’s a familiar, plush environment that whispers comfort and practicality without needing to resort to the gimmickry seen in some of its rivals. The infotainment system pops up from the centre console like a high-tech jack-in-the-box, delivering all the connectivity you need without the frustration of a university-level IT exam.

On the road, the Kodiaq strides with a somewhat balletic grace – it might not have the blistering speed of a sports car, but it manages to choreograph a ride that’s smoother than a velvet Elvis painting. The handling is poised, the steering precise, and body roll is kept in check like a misbehaving puppy – not too shabby for a big lug.

But perhaps the greatest trick this Skoda performs is how it manages to provide such a comprehensive package at a price point that won’t require you to auction off any vital organs. It’s roomier than a hermit’s understanding of personal space, with enough seats and cubby holes to cater to a small army or a very ambitious family.

So there you have it – the Skoda Kodiaq. It’s the David beneath Goliath’s shadow, a hidden gem that deserves a standing ovation for its understated brilliance. It’s the vehicle that whispers rather than roars, but make no mistake – in the world of practical, family-friendly SUVs, it’s a roaring success.