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By Jonathan Crouch

Skoda's Kodiaq gets PHEV tech. Jonathan Crouch takes a look at the iV model.

Ten Second Reviewword count: 43

Skoda has finally worked out how to package its Kodiaq large family SUV with PHEV tech. It hasn't yet worked out how to do so with seven seats. Still, if you don't need that, this capable Kodiaq iV Plug-in Hybrid's worth a look.

Backgroundword count: 108

Though Skoda is currently very focused on its EV technology, the Czech brand knows it must also provide more credible Plug-in Hybrid options to its customers, given the increasing number of them that aren't quite ready for a full-EV step. That's just what's offered by this Kodiaq iV, the first Plug-in Hybrid Kodiaq in this successful SUV model line's history. This model gets what the Volkswagen Group calls its 'second-generation' PHEV system (rather than the rather limited 'first generation' set-up that featured on earlier Octavia and Superb iV models). Which means, primarily, a much bigger 25.7kWh battery, allowing for an impressive EV range. Let's take a closer look.

Driving Experienceword count: 260

With this MK2 Kodiaq, probably the biggest news on the engine front is the availability for the first time of a PHEV drivetrain. The iV Plug-in Hybrid model in question use a sizeable 25.7kWh battery pack which is supposed to be able to offer EV driving range of up to 71 miles. The engine that cuts in at the end of all that is broadly the same 1.5-litre TSI four cylinder unit as by the mild hybrid model but with the PHEV, this 150PS powerplant is mated to six rather than seven-speed auto transmission and works in concert with a 118PS electric motor, contributing to a total system output of 204PS. Which doesn't sound a great deal to propel over 1.9-tonnes of Czech real estate. Still, you won't notice the disparity unless you find yourself driving in the kind of manner a typical Kodiaq owner probably never would. And the drive stats are competitive enough - 62mph in 8.4s en route to 130mph. Replicating those stats would involve selecting 'Sport' mode (rather than 'Hybrid' or 'Normal'). You don't buy a Kodiaq prioritising engaging driving dynamics, but nevertheless, Skoda promises these should be improved as a result of this second generation model's switch to the VW Group's latest MQB Evo platform, a lightly evolved version of the MQB chassis used before. There's the option of a redeveloped 'DCC Plus' Dynamic Chassis Control adaptive damping system which now uses two-valve technology to control suspension rebound and compression (replacing the old single-valve system). Expect ride quality to be significantly improved as a result.

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