Almost every modern passenger car with a “crossover” form factor body claims the title of a universal family car. But the Czech “cross” Skoda Kodiaq manages to stand out even against this more than versatile background. The AvtoVzglyad portal was once again convinced of this during a test drive of the renewed version.
When I first got behind the wheel of the Skoda Kodiaq about five years ago, I decided that this crossover would not be bought because of its super-advanced design or some great dynamics, although the car has no problems with this. And because of the overall balance of all consumer characteristics and the close, “Skodovsky” attention to detail, the importance of which is not felt during an introductory test drive through the car dealership building, but only in everyday use. Actually, that’s what happened.
Therefore, as I prepared to get acquainted with the restyled Kodiaq, I was almost 100% sure that I would meet an old acquaintance, whose character didn’t really need to be improved in principle. Unless for “it’s supposed to be” reasons, almost all automakers are renewing their looks and exterior towards the end of the life cycle of every generation of their cars. But Kodiaq is one of the few models that, as I said, does not need a facelift.
Yes, now he got new LED headlights. They hung a fanciful radiator grille, renewed the rear marker lights and improved the bumpers. But the paradox is that if you put the “old” Kodiaq and the “updated” side by side, and then invite someone far from cars to pick the one that is “better” or at least “newer”, it’s far of a fact that a fresh car will win in this impartial competition. They are both better!
And rightly so, because seriously “creating” Kodiaq’s intelligent appearance only spoils, as the famous saying goes about failed attempts to “teach a scientist”. In principle, this folk wisdom applies well to the interior of the car. Everything is in place in the interior of the Skoda Kodiaq, everything is as it should be, both in terms of ergonomics (after all, from Volkswagen “blood”) and in terms of equipment.
Digitally tidy (three design options, choose any design with a button on the steering wheel), a 9-inch multimedia color monitor (now you can connect a smartphone wirelessly), a steering wheel that has finally become a two-spoke steering wheel – everything a normal modern car owner need. Without ‘navel buzzers’ in the form of, for example, beautiful and fashionable touchscreens over the entire width of the front panel, but also without worrying about glitches that have become very smart electronics.
That’s what can really be called a real improvement in the restyled “Czech”, so it’s suspension. Kodiaq so far could be considered one of the best cars in its class in terms of handling and comfort – thanks to a rather long wheelbase (2791 mm) and, again, the origin of “Volkswagen”.
But during the restyling process, the engineers have clearly worked with the energy intensity of the suspension, with an emphasis on comfort. She now swallows small and medium-sized bumps much better. Yes, and on the “speed bumps” the car behaves much less nervously. You notice this especially when you move on the primer at high speed: the car does not steer and irritate with excessive shaking and bubbling of the suspension. Obviously, you’re not going to rally raid on the Kodiaq. But now the family reaches the dacha quickly and without regular yelling from the back seat: “Drive slowly!”
There were no thrills under the hood during the new stuff. And again, why? Turbo is now in vogue, and 1.4-litre units have no shortage of traction! With a few dents it is of course much more pleasant to accelerate, but the appetite will already be less modest. Here, as they say, you have to navigate by taste and wallet. There are also no complaints about the custom “robot”. Now he pedals much less often and is not afraid of overheating. Technical changes are therefore useless!
In general, the Czechs did not spoil their “scientist”. Even improved a little. Although they could do without, the crossover was and remained pleasant and friendly with its riders.
When I first got behind the wheel of the Skoda Kodiaq about five years ago, I decided that this crossover would not be bought because of its super-advanced design or some great dynamics, although the car has no problems with this. And because of the overall balance of all consumer characteristics and the close, “Skodovsky” attention to detail, the importance of which is not felt during an introductory test drive through the car dealership building, but only in everyday use. Actually, that’s what happened.
Therefore, as I prepared to get acquainted with the restyled Kodiaq, I was almost 100% sure that I would meet an old acquaintance, whose character didn’t really need to be improved in principle. Unless for “it’s supposed to be” reasons, almost all automakers are renewing their looks and exterior towards the end of the life cycle of every generation of their cars. But Kodiaq is one of the few models that, as I said, does not need a facelift.
Yes, now he got new LED headlights. They hung a fanciful radiator grille, renewed the rear marker lights and improved the bumpers. But the paradox is that if you put the “old” Kodiaq and the “updated” side by side, and then invite someone far from cars to pick the one that is “better” or at least “newer”, it’s far of a fact that a fresh car will win in this impartial competition. They are both better!
And rightly so, because seriously “creating” Kodiaq’s intelligent appearance only spoils, as the famous saying goes about failed attempts to “teach a scientist”. In principle, this folk wisdom applies well to the interior of the car. Everything is in place in the interior of the Skoda Kodiaq, everything is as it should be, both in terms of ergonomics (after all, from Volkswagen “blood”) and in terms of equipment.
Digitally tidy (three design options, choose any design with a button on the steering wheel), a 9-inch multimedia color monitor (now you can connect a smartphone wirelessly), a steering wheel that has finally become a two-spoke steering wheel – everything a normal modern car owner need. Without ‘navel buzzers’ in the form of, for example, beautiful and fashionable touchscreens over the entire width of the front panel, but also without worrying about glitches that have become very smart electronics.
That’s what can really be called a real improvement in the restyled “Czech”, so it’s suspension. Kodiaq so far could be considered one of the best cars in its class in terms of handling and comfort – thanks to a rather long wheelbase (2791 mm) and, again, the origin of “Volkswagen”.
But during the restyling process, the engineers have clearly worked with the energy intensity of the suspension, with an emphasis on comfort. She now swallows small and medium-sized bumps much better. Yes, and on the “speed bumps” the car behaves much less nervously. You notice this especially when you move on the primer at high speed: the car does not steer and irritate with excessive shaking and bubbling of the suspension. Obviously, you’re not going to rally raid on the Kodiaq. But now the family reaches the dacha quickly and without regular yelling from the back seat: “Drive slowly!”
There were no thrills under the hood during the new stuff. And again, why? Turbo is now in vogue, and 1.4-litre units have no shortage of traction! With a few dents it is of course much more pleasant to accelerate, but the appetite will already be less modest. Here, as they say, you have to navigate by taste and wallet. There are also no complaints about the custom “robot”. Now he pedals much less often and is not afraid of overheating. Technical changes are therefore useless!
In general, the Czechs did not spoil their “scientist”. Even improved a little. Although they could do without, the crossover was and remained pleasant and friendly with its riders.
Source: Avto Vzglyad
I’m Sandra Torres, a passionate journalist and content creator. My specialty lies in covering the latest gadgets, trends and tech news for Div Bracket. With over 5 years of experience as a professional writer, I have built up an impressive portfolio of published works that showcase my expertise in this field.