Crossovers continue to enjoy increased popularity among Russians. The Russian representative office of ŠKODA, keeping an eye on demand, offers us an increasing number of different variants of its KODIAQ. The Czechs are placing a lot of emphasis on it in Russia. They have managed not only to significantly reduce the cost of the Russian-assembled crossover, but also to offer a variety of performance options. One of them is the all-wheel drive diesel Kodiaq, which Yuzhny Avtomobil got to test.
A year has passed since the ŠKODA KODIAQ crossover appeared on the Russian market. The first cars were a kind of pill that whet the appetite of buyers. Big, family-friendly, spacious, and even available in a seven-seater version. Take it with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, diesel or gasoline. It’s not a car, it’s a fairy tale. The only problem was that not all Russians could handle the Czech bear, or rather, afford it.
The first KODIAQ models were imported from the Czech Republic, so the starting price was around two million, while the top-of-the-line diesel all-wheel drive model would have cost almost three million. Naturally, ŠKODA fans swarmed the showrooms, drooling over such a wonderful crossover. A few months ago, they had renewed hope: the KODIAQ went into production in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia, and now prices have become very attractive, even for the two-liter all-wheel drive vehicle we’re testing today.
An Alternative to Gasoline
Of course, the most popular ŠKODA KODIAQ in our country will now be the gasoline all-wheel drive vehicle with a 1.4 engine. There will also be those who prefer the two-liter power unit, but diesel fans will also be satisfied. Diesel-powered vehicles remain very popular in the SUV segment, as noted by ŠKODA.
When we tested the Kodiaq with a 150-horsepower petrol engine, we noted its decent dynamics, and it turned out to be less gluttonous than we expected. However, practically the same can be said about the diesel KODIAQ with a 2.0 TDI engine and a seven-speed DSG gearbox.
However, despite the fact that the diesel has 90 Newton meters more torque, overall it turns out to be more economical than the petrol version. Of course, both cars are similar in their behavior, but at the same time they are completely different. Thus, in terms of dynamics, the diesel KODIAQ is slightly, but still inferior to the petrol version.
The diesel car accelerates to 100 km/h in a little over ten seconds. However, the focus isn’t on incredible performance, but fuel efficiency. For comparison, the diesel Kodiaq returned just under seven liters per hundred kilometers during our test, while the gasoline version is rated at 8.4 liters. Furthermore, due to its greater torque, the diesel version will handle rough terrain better than its gasoline counterpart. While driving, the car displays fuel consumption-reducing tips on the screen and even shows when you’re coasting without consuming diesel, highlighting such moments with a special indicator.
There are no questions about the diesel’s ease of operation, as the intelligent gearbox does everything for you.
Even the manual versions are equipped with a start-up assistant, which eliminates the possibility of rolling back, and the engine control unit automatically applies the gas when starting off if the driver doesn’t do so. As a result, even an inexperienced or novice driver can comfortably get going in the Kodiaq. Furthermore, if you plan to tow a trailer in the Kodiaq, the diesel version is preferable due to its longer engine life. The Kodiaq with diesel and DSG is easier to operate and would be preferable for an inexperienced driver. Furthermore, the car can be equipped with adaptive cruise control, which allows you to follow other cars and cruise at a leisurely pace, confident that the car will brake or accelerate automatically at the right moment. This feature is especially convenient in city traffic.
Handling is Škoda-like. The Kodiaq responds smoothly to the very first millimeters of steering input, and is as easy to control as the more compact Octavia or even the Rapid. The crossover is large, but its dimensions are easy to feel thanks to good visibility, parking sensors, a rear-view camera, and a blind spot monitoring system.
Everything for the family
ŠKODA KODIAQ is built on the modular MQB platform with McPherson struts at the front and a multi-link suspension at the rear on all versions. The Volkswagen Tiguan crossover is also based on this platform, but the Kodiaq is noticeably larger than its German relative. The ŠKODA KODIAQ in our configuration also has two folding passenger seats in the trunk. Although only children can fit there, this is another advantage of the KODIAQ as a car for a large family. The Isofix anchor system is available not only in the second row, but also on the front passenger seat. In general, the seven-seater version will compete not only with crossovers, but also with minivans.
At the same time, you are driving a large all-wheel drive SUV, and not some kind of minibus. Moreover, if you fold all the seats, the KODIAQ will be no less spacious than a van. The second row of seats is adjustable longitudinally, increasing the trunk volume to a maximum possible 1,980 liters. With a seven-seater configuration, 270 liters remain for luggage.
A bid for leadership
In general, the Russian K ODIAQ has every chance of breaking into the top five best-selling crossovers in the country and even displacing the Tiguan. With similar technical features, engines, transmissions, and suspensions, the top-of-the-line Kodiaqs are more attractively priced, while the Czech model boasts significantly more performance than the German model. The diesel all-wheel drive KODIAQ is designed for those who shop smart and approach their car selection with the same care. In fact, for the same money that you would spend on a Tiguan, the Czech brand ŠKODA offers you a little more, as well as convenient operating solutions in the Simply Clever style.
ŠKODA AAA MOTORS CENTER
Rostov-on-Don, Teatralny Avenue, 60B/341
tel.: +7 (863) 305-00-00
www.aaamotors-skoda.ru
