Two years ago, sales of the first full-size crossover, the KODIAQ, from the Czech brand Skoda, began in Russia. The first models came to us from the Czech Republic and were therefore too expensive for Russian consumers. The situation was saved by the production of the Skoda KODIAQ crossover in Russia. After the Czech bear received Russian registration, its sales skyrocketed, and the KODIAQ became a bestseller. .
At the end of July, the Skoda brand set a new global sales record, having sold 102,700 cars worldwide. The KODIAQ crossover became the second most popular model, behind only the Octavia. Worldwide, 15,400 people became KODIAQ owners in July. As for our country, 2,333 ŠKODA KODIAQ crossovers were sold in July, meaning that every sixth crossover from the Czech brand was purchased in Russia. The editors of Yuzhny Avtomobil decided to find out for ourselves what makes this car so popular. We’re testing a Russian-assembled all-wheel-drive ŠKODA KODIAQ with a 1.4-liter engine.
After the ŠKODA KODIAQ entered production at the Nizhny Novgorod plant, the crossover gained a whole range of trim levels and engines, and significantly reduced its price. Local assembly immediately strengthened the KODIAQ’s position in the Russian SUV segment. Previously, we only imported top-of-the-line crossovers from the Czech Republic, but now our customers have access to front-wheel drive versions, a manual transmission for a 150-horsepower engine, a 1.4-liter engine producing 125 horsepower, and two two-liter engines, one of which is diesel.
In fact, Russians can customize a car at the dealership to suit any taste and budget. The minimum price of the KODIAQ starts at 1,457,000 rubles for the manual, front-wheel drive version. The most expensive Russian KODIAQ, with a two-liter engine, all-wheel drive, panoramic roof, leather interior, and a host of useful features, will cost at least 2,279,000 rubles. Moreover, the Russian and Czech cars are absolutely identical in all driving characteristics. The only difference is that our KODIAQs have a larger washer reservoir and a higher-capacity battery. Otherwise, it’s practically indistinguishable between a Czech-assembled car and a Russian one. If you’re hesitant or wary of Russian assembly, your concerns are unfounded. The Volkswagen Group’s high standards are the same. Cars assembled at different plants around the world boast the same high build quality.
Exterior
The KODIAQ’s exterior can be described as balanced. There are no pretentious design elements in its appearance. The lines are straight, and everything is meticulously crafted down to the millimeter. The German design school is evident in every curve of the KODIAQ’s body. It was designed by Josef Kaban, who worked for the Volkswagen Group for over twenty years and is famous for his participation in the creation of the Bugatti Chiron hypercar and several Audi models. His latest work as a KODIAQ designer was our KODIAQ crossover. The appearance of the new ŠKODA KODIAQ echoes other company models, in particular the Rapid and Octavia, and the Bohemian crystal-style taillights are reminiscent of the Superb business saloon.
However, the KODIAQ looks more masculine and brutal due to narrow lighting elements, a wide radiator grille with vertical ribs, and a massive front bumper. As for the lighting, the base version will have halogen headlights, while the top-end versions will have all-LED optics. The car’s profile attracts the eye with flared, almost square wheel arches, stylish stampings along the body, and a slightly sloping roofline, due to which the crossover looks elegant and dynamic. Buyers can choose from 14 exterior color options, as well as six alloy wheel styles ranging from R17 to R19, giving those who appreciate maximum personalization plenty of scope for customization. Overall, the ŠKODA KODIAQ’s design can be rated positively. Form, as they say, matches function: modern, stylish, and in keeping with the spirit of its class. The car’s exterior isn’t overly original. Nevertheless, all the design flourishes are well-placed.
Interior
The KODIAQ’s interior features high-quality, tactile materials: soft-touch plastics, durable fabrics, both artificial and genuine leather, and metal. The Columbus multimedia system, featuring well-designed menus and an intuitive interface, is located in the center of the dashboard. It has good navigation, seamless Bluetooth hands-free phone functionality, and a stunning Canton sound system with multiple speakers throughout the cabin and a subwoofer in the spare tire. This means you’ll have to dig deep to distinguish the Russian-built KODIAQ from the Czech one. A special mention goes to the seat rows. The first row is the most comfortable. It offers a wide range of adjustment options and is heated and ventilated in some trim levels. The second row seats are also very comfortable, but offer fewer adjustment options and no heating.
The third row is soft and comfortable, but without adjustable seating. Generally speaking, the presence of a third row of seats is definitely a plus. Not every crossover can boast this. Meanwhile, seven-seater cars always attract a specific segment of buyers—family people with several children. It’s safe to say that this significantly expands the range of potential customers for this car. It’s worth noting that everyone is comfortable, no matter what: driver and passengers. There’s plenty of room in both the front and rear.
Even larger people won’t feel cramped in this car. Furthermore, our top-of-the-line version also features a panoramic roof, which lets in more daylight and visual space. And if the sun gets too hot, there’s an electronic sunshade to shield you from the scorching rays and use the three-zone climate control. As for safety, it has adaptive cruise control, nine airbags, parking sensors, all-round cameras, and a blind spot monitoring system.
On the move
ŠKODA KODIAQ is a large and roomy SUV, which can be compared to a minivan in terms of spaciousness. Driving this large crossover is as easy as driving the Octavia liftback. On the highway, the car behaves like a car, and the engine dynamics are enough for overtaking. This is helped by the robotic gearbox, which engages the desired gear in a split second. The sound insulation of the cabin is simply excellent. KODIAQ is suitable for those who like to travel long distances with family or a large group. There is enough space for everyone. In city traffic, driving the KODIAQ is comfortable thanks to the high driving position – you sit high and see far. Lane changes feel like a golf-class hatchback, despite the KODIAQ’s much larger dimensions. Diving between lanes is even more enjoyable thanks to the blind spot monitoring system.
The crossover’s dynamics aren’t blistering, but they’re quite adequate for driving around the city, as well as on highways and motorways outside of it. The suspension is moderately stiff, and the KODIAQ doesn’t bounce around on uneven asphalt. It’s also safe to drive off-pavement. The KODIAQ has 189 mm of ground clearance. Its ground clearance allows it to navigate ruts recently traversed by agricultural machinery, and the KODIAQ also handles gravel roads with ease—so for those who enjoy going to the country or fishing, the all-wheel-drive crossover should be plenty capable. If you’re considering a family driver, the KODIAQ with a 1.4 TSI engine and all-wheel drive is the perfect choice. It’s comfortable and roomy, and its performance certainly won’t leave you pinned back in your seat, but you certainly can’t call the KODIAQ a slouch. However, compared to naturally aspirated engines, the turbocharged KODIAQ delivers a more spirited performance while consuming less fuel.
How much does it cost?
The starting price for the KODIAQ Active trim is 1,457,000 rubles for a five-seat version with a manual transmission, front-wheel drive, and a 1.4 TSI engine producing 125 horsepower. A seven-seat version is available with the Ambition trim. Its minimum price starts at 1,782,000 rubles, with a third-row seat costing an additional 85,700 rubles. A wide range of trim levels and configurations are available, depending on your needs and income. Even for under 1.5 million rubles, you get a spacious, roomy family crossover. The most expensive version of the Russian-assembled ŠKODA KODIAQ in the Style trim will cost at least 2,217,000 rubles, but it will have everything that crossovers and SUVs of more expensive brands can boast of, but you will not have to overpay half the price for a premium brand.
ŠKODA AAA MOTORS CENTER
Rostov-on-Don, Teatralny Avenue, 60B/341
tel.: +7 (863) 305-00-00
www.aaamotors-skoda.ru
