New Skoda Kodiaq Plug-in Hybrid Comes With More Power, But Fewer Seats.
New Skoda Kodiaq PHEV offers more power, but fewer seats.
The first-generation Skoda Kodiaq was previewed as a concept car named Vision S at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2016, and the Czech manufacturer registered the name “Kodiaq” later that same year. The name refers to the largest brown bear, the Kodiak bear, living on the island of the same name off the south coast of Alaska, and the first Kodiaq SUVs were officially delivered to customers in early 2018. A lightly facelifted version of the first-generation Kodiaq was launched in April 2021, with the second-generation model arriving in 2024.
Latest-Generation Hybrid Tech.
The original Kodiaq had proven itself to be one of the smartest SUVs on the market, and it became an instant sales success thanks to its seven-seat practicality and frugal powertrain options. However, the first-generation model made do without a Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) powertrain, but it is now included in the second-generation Kodiaq model line-up, providing buyers with the opportunity to achieve an electric driving range of up to 115km from the petrol/electric power unit. Skoda’s latest-generation PHEV technology comes with substantial upgrades to both the combustion engine and electrical system, including the battery.
Three Trim Grades.
The new Skoda Kodiaq SUV is offered in three trim grades: Selection, Selection +, and Sportline – and buyers can choose between a 1.5-litre TSI 150hp petrol mild-hybrid (mHEV), a 1.5-litre TSI 202hp Plug-in Hybrid, a 2.0-litre TDI turbocharged diesel with 150hp, or a 2.0-litre TDI 4×4 with 190hp. While the PHEV version comes with a 6-speed DSG Automatic transmission as standard, all other versions get a 7-speed DSG Automatic gearbox. The Kodiaq PHEV only needs to call upon the 4-cylinder 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine in exceptional circumstances due to the fact that the 25.7kWh battery has a generous usable capacity of 19.7kWh. The battery is located underneath the rear seats, which does provide the car with a suitably low centre of gravity for a more spirited driving experience, but it does come at the expense of the 2 rear seats that come as standard in non-PHEV versions of the Kodiaq. As a result, the Kodiaq PHEV makes do with 5 seats in 2 rows, plus an enormous boot that provides 745-litres of luggage space behind the rear seats, and a massive 1,945-litre capacity with the rear seats folded down. The spacious, upmarket cabin in the new Kodiaq is ergonomically designed to appeal to all occupants, and the swooping dashboard is very well constructed, with several different materials used to add visual enticement and desirability.
Impressive Standard Equipment.
The new Kodiaq PHEV Selection comes with key standard features such as: 18-inch alloy wheels, spare wheel (with tool kit & jack), LED headlights, LED daytime running lights, LED taillights, all-weather lights, roof rails, ‘Kessy Full’ keyless entry & go, Wireless Smartlink (Apple CarPlay & Android Auto), dual wireless charging pads, Climatronic 3-zone air conditioning, digital smart dials, multiple USB-C charging points, front & rear parking sensors, rear view camera, electric tailgate, 10.25-inch digital driver information display, 10.4-inch infotainment touchscreen, Bluetooth, 9-speaker audio system, 2-spoke leather multi-function steering wheel with Tiptronic paddles, heated front seats, electric driver seat, split-folding rear seats with mechanical seat release, front & rear centre armrests with storage, 3 x ISOFIX child seat anchorage points (front passenger seat & outer rear), and trailer hitch preparation, along with a suite of advanced safety assist systems and driver alert functions. Simply Clever items that can be found in convenient locations around the car include an ice scraper in the fuel filler door, an umbrella in the driver’s door trim, ventilated wireless phone charging pads so that your phone doesn’t overheat while being charged, and neatly concealed load dividers in the boot that will help to keep movable items contained during transportation. Additional key standard equipment in Selection + trim includes leather upholstery (in Black or Cognac/Brown), 19-inch ‘Halti’ alloy wheels, Matrix LED headlights with variable light distribution, LED taillights with dynamic indicators, illuminated front grille with dark chrome grille inserts, dynamic welcome/leaving effect animation, dark tinted rear privacy glass, anodized chrome roof rails, and scuff plates in the door sills. In addition to the comprehensive array of standard equipment in entry-level Selection trim, along with many of the additional features in Selection + trim, top-spec Sportline trim also comes with 19-inch alloy wheels, panoramic sunroof, and a 3-spoke sport multifunction steering wheel with Tiptronic paddles, along with exclusive Sportline exterior and interior styling packs.
Test Car Details.
My test car was a new Kodiaq PHEV in mid-spec Selection + specification, and was finished in striking Moon White metallic paint (a €980 optional extra), with upgraded 20-inch ‘Rila’ aero alloy wheels. Effortlessly combining technology with practicality, the Selection + is equipped with many of the most popular features the Kodiaq has to offer in terms of comfort, convenience, safety and infotainment technology. The new Kodiaq has a 10% more aerodynamic profile than its predecessor, and this improves refinement within the cabin, along with enhanced fuel efficiency. The petrol engine and the electric motor work in perfect harmony to provide a seamless transition from one power source to the other. When the petrol engine does kick into life, it does so without the harsh engine roar that some PHEVs do produce in such circumstances. Indeed, even under heavy acceleration the engine sound never feels strained or intrusive. Smooth acceleration will make the petrol engine redundant for longer periods of time, and with prudent use of the throttle, it is possible to get up to motorway speeds on electric power alone. With both power sources working to their full capacity, drivers will have access to a combined power output of 202hp along with 250Nm of torque, and this results in a 0-100km/h sprint time of just 8.4-seconds, on its way to an electronically-limited top speed of 210km/h (where permitted). The 3 levels of brake regeneration, namely Low, Auto and High, can be adjusted via the touchscreen, so drivers can select the level that suits their driving style. My personal favourite is High, as it assertively slows the car to such an extent that the car is almost brought to a halt in a composed, confident way. The Kodiaq’s steering is perfectly weighted to suit the size of the car, and it rides comfortably over even the most pronounced of road imperfections. Wind and road noise are both well-contained at motorway speeds, with the Kodiaq proving itself to be an extremely proficient long-distance cruiser. Unlike many PHEVs, the Kodiaq can be plugged into a rapid charger thanks to its standard CCS port that can accept power up to a reasonably acceptable 50kW capacity. As a result, at a suitable DC public station, the battery can achieve a 10-80% fill in just 25 minutes. Home charging options consist of a 2h 30m charging time (0-100%) via an 11kW domestic wall box charger, with the same charge achievable in 11h 15m via a domestic three-pin plug.
Verdict & Price.
The latest generation of Skoda’s big-selling family SUV builds on the impressive strengths of the original Kodiaq, with more tech, spec and outright desirability thrown in for good measure. If a total of 5 seats is all you need in a family SUV then the Kodiaq PHEV may just be the only car you will ever need, but if 7 seats are an essential part of your new car requirements, then a new Kodiaq with a petrol mild hybrid or turbocharged diesel engine might just fit the bill perfectly. Pricing for the new Kodiaq PHEV starts at €57,890 for the Selection trim, with my test car specification priced from €63,290.
Visit www.skoda.ie for further information.
