Why the new Skoda Kodiaq is not an EV (and never will be) - AutoReview.nl

1: no EV

While every new Chinese SUV is always and only an EV, the Skoda Kodiaq is not. In fact, there is a petrol version and two diesels without any form of electrification. These are not coming our way, but are intended for Eastern Europe, among others. Here they do not look at a gram of CO2 or particulate matter more or less. The versions that will come to the Netherlands in the spring of 2024 are all electrified (mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid).

As for an EV, walk the walk Skoda the same way as Volkswagen. This brand has the Volkswagen passat for those who want to be able to drive on petrol or diesel and the Volkswagen ID.7 for those who want an EV. Skoda's EV in the Kodiaq class is the Skoda Enyaq. In addition, Skoda says it needs the Kodiaq with a combustion engine to finance the development of EVs. In other words: the combustion engine still brings in money.

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2: with whiteboard wiper

The Kodiaq looks more chic than ever, even in real life. The second generation is longer, narrower and lower. This makes it look slimmer and more elegant overall. Smudged fingerprints don't go with that. And so you have a small whiteboard eraser to make the central touch screen smudge-free. When you're done (or don't have a cleaning mania at all), you can neatly store the screen cleaner in a designated place in the center console. Simply clever, Skoda calls it.

The interior has also undergone training in etiquette and looks more distinguished than before. With beautiful materials that feel soft and luxurious. And it no longer has to be just business black; we sat on cognac-colored chairs that also provided good support.

3: a real gobbler

The swinging Kodiaq is spacious. but the new one goes one step further. The luggage compartment is no less than 910 liters. Yes, with the rear seats folded down, you think. But no, because then it would even hold 2105 liters. To give you an idea of ​​how large the luggage compartment is, we placed a first aid bag in it (see the photo on the far right below). This seems to disappear into the sea of ​​space.

Even behind the third row of seats (if you choose the 7-person version), there is still 340 liters available. That is only 40 liters less than fits in a Skoda Fabia. The legroom in the second row of seats is exemplary. As an adult, you don't want to sit for too long in the third row of seats, but that applies to almost every 7-seater.

4: for the first time with charging port

For the first time, the Kodiaq has a charging port. That is to say: the Kodiaq plug-in hybrid. It is only available as a 5-seater (the battery is located where the 7-seater has a third row of seats) and offers a range of more than 100 kilometers. The battery will be full again in 20 minutes, Skoda promises. It's a bit of a shame that the charging port is on the front left. This is not the case for those who park neatly on the right side of the street simply clever. Moreover, if you cycle too close to the car, you may hit the open tailgate. That's pretty wide open.

5: turn and press

In addition to space, ease of use was also high on Skoda's priority list. This translates into three large rotary knobs located below the central display. You set the temperature with it, but when you press it, the function changes and you suddenly control the seat heating. We tried it out and are enthusiastic. If only more brands did this.