The unstable ruble exchange rate is forcing manufacturers to look for new marketing schemes or increase the level of localization. Recently, ŠKODA launched the KODIAQ crossover on the assembly line in Nizhny Novgorod, which reduced its final price by almost 700,000 rubles. Yuzhny Avtomobil found out how good the Czech bear with Russian registration is and whether it comes with a 1.4 TSI engine.
They did everything right
When the large ŠKODA KODIAQ crossover appeared on the domestic market, it immediately became a desirable car for many Russians. Big, spacious, comfortable, and even with a spectacular design. However, the first KODIAQ crossovers sold in Russia were assembled at the Czech plant in Mladá Boleslav. The imported car turned out to be too expensive for Russian buyers, and fans of the ŠKODA brand eagerly awaited the moment when Volkswagen AG’s Russian plants would begin assembling the localized KODIAQ. And the company ŠKODA itself kept the intrigue for a long time – without naming the start date of localization, prices, or trim levels. And now, finally, what everyone has been waiting for has happened.
ŠKODA KODIAQ assembled in Russia turned out to be similar in quality to the Czech car, but the price has become more attractive.
However, our people immediately begin to doubt “does the Russian KODIAQ drive?” and “is the build quality worse?” There’s no doubt about the build quality; it’s absolutely identical to Czech production. ŠKODA controls production quality at all of its factories, regardless of whether they’re located in Europe or Russia.
Of course, some Russian customers order a bare-bones KODIAQ with a manual transmission, front-wheel drive, and a 125-horsepower 1.4-liter engine, but we decided to test the most popular version, with a 1.4-liter engine producing 150 horsepower, a DSG6 transmission, and all-wheel drive. This is the one that will be in the greatest demand due to its price-to-features ratio.
Czech Republic and Russia
I’ve driven Czech-assembled KODIAQs many times before, but this is my first time in the Russian version and I don’t notice much of a difference. The trim feels identical. The build quality is no different—parts fit and are secured with the same precision and care. Even the smell of a new interior is indistinguishable; the plastic is soft and pleasant to the touch. The leather seats are like those in more expensive and premium SUVs. Our car’s driver’s seat is powered and even features memory for three drivers.
The Columbus multimedia system is located in the center of the dashboard, boasting well-designed menu graphics and an intuitive interface. It features excellent navigation, seamless operation with a phone in Bluetooth hands-free mode, 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 be particularly meticulous to distinguish the Russian-built and Czech-built KODIAQs. Well, it’s time to hit the road, I press the Start/Stop Engine button and pull out of the dealership parking lot into the city.
On the move
From the first minutes behind the wheel, I immediately notice the surprisingly light and responsive steering wheel, given that the car is almost five meters long and weighs almost two tons. You can turn the wheel with practically one finger. Driving in city traffic behind the wheel of the KODIAQ is comfortable thanks to the high driving position – you sit high up, looking far. Changing lanes is as easy as in a golf-class hatchback, despite the KODIAQ’s much larger dimensions. Lane-diving is also a pleasure thanks to the blind spot monitoring system.
Does it drive from a traffic light with the 1.4 engine? What if the air conditioning is on? It drives very well. Even though the climate control was set to maximum cooling during the test, I didn’t feel any loss of power or sluggishness. The DSG6 transmission shifts gears clearly and doesn’t hesitate. It’s safe to say that the crossover’s dynamics aren’t blistering, but quite decent for driving around the city, as well as on highways and freeways outside of it. Another observation about city driving: in traffic, no one tries to cut you off or squeeze into the lane in front of you. ŠKODA cars have a friendly image, but at the same time, neighbors in city traffic treat the Kodiaq with respect.
On the highway, the engine power is enough for overtaking. Of course, this is not an airplane and you won’t be able to pass two or three trucks in one go, but you can overtake them one by one without much risk and without having to tear the engine.
The Kodiaq is not for racing, but rather for a leisurely drive to the country house or to the seaside with the family. After all, if you are carrying the most expensive things, you don’t want to speed like a racer. Thanks to the good suspension and excellent sound insulation, there is no discomfort in the cabin; even the rustle of the tires does not penetrate the cabin. The KODIAQ’s suspension is moderately firm, and it doesn’t bob around on uneven asphalt.
But this is a crossover, and an all-wheel-drive one at that, so it’s perfectly capable of driving off-road. The KODIAQ’s ground clearance ranges from 187 to 189 mm, depending on the 5/7-seat version. Its ground clearance allows it to navigate ruts recently traversed by agricultural machinery, and it also handles gravel roads with ease—so for those who enjoy going to the country house or fishing, the all-wheel-drive crossover’s capabilities should be sufficient.
While driving on a dirt road, the road came to a stop in a ravine, and we had to reverse quite far. Fortunately, the camera makes such maneuvers easier; the parking sensors only beeped at the dangerous proximity of trees growing along the route. After reversing for almost a kilometer on a dirt road, we return to the asphalt.
The family will love it
If you take into account the fact that this car will be driven by a family person, the KODIAQ with a 1.4 TSI engine and all-wheel drive will be the optimal option. The car is comfortable, roomy, and its dynamics certainly won’t slam you into the back of your seat, but you certainly can’t call the Kodiaq a vegetable. However, if we draw a parallel with naturally aspirated engines, the KODIAQ with a turbocharged engine drives more spiritedly and consumes less fuel. This is another advantage of the 1.4 TSI engine for saving the family budget.
This is a balanced, well-rounded and modern car, and a wide range of trim levels and additional accessory packages will allow you to choose exactly the car you need, without overpaying for unnecessary features.
For example, the minimum cost of an all-wheel drive KODIAQ with a 1.4 TSI engine assembled in Russia will cost several hundred thousand rubles less than its Czech counterpart. The price difference is significant, but there are no differences, so if you want to save seriously and get the most car for your money, then the Russian KODIAQ is an excellent choice. And one more comparison: if you are planning to buy ŠKODA KODIAQ with all your money, then the two-liter all-wheel drive diesel will cost you around two million, but we will tell you about it in our next review. And if you are afraid of Russian assembly, then your fears are in vain. You won’t find any differences between the Czech and Russian KODIAQ even under a microscope.
ŠKODA AAA MOTORS CENTER
Rostov-on-Don, Teatralny Avenue, 60B/341
tel.: +7 (863) 305-00-00
www.aaamotors-skoda.ru
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