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By Jonathan Crouch

Introductionword count: 67

This Skoda Kodiaq broke new ground for its brand from launch in 2017 and offered a well-priced, high quality alternative for buyers in search of a stylish mid-sized SUV with seven-seat versatility. Thoughtful design, a spacious cabin, efficient running costs and a range of distinctly Skoda 'Simply Clever' features are all among this model's attractions. Here, we look at the pre-facelift 2017-2021-era models from a used perspective.

Modelsword count: 10

5dr SUV (1.4 TSI, 1.5 TSI, 2.0 TDI, 2.0 Bi-TDI)

Historyword count: 335

In the years after Skoda introduced its compact Yeti Crossover model back in 2009, many often wondered what a full-sized SUV from the Czech brand might be like. In 2017, they got their answer with this car, the Kodiaq, a contender that in true Skoda style, aimed to offer more for less. Here, you got up to seven seats for the same or less money than you'd pay for many SUVs that could only offer space for five - Volkswagen's Tiguan and upper-spec versions of SEAT's Ateca for example. We mention these two because they shared much with this Skoda - the same engine, the same 4WD system and much the same stiff, sophisticated MQB chassis. The Kodiaq though, was a more spacious, family-orientated option that was able to more directly target seven-seat mid-sized SUVs like Nissan's X-Trail and Mitsubishi's Outlander. While offering the kind of quality customers would pay much more for in something like a Kia Sorento or a Land Rover Discovery Sport. That was important. A big, spacious Skoda wouldn't have been anything especially new, but one delivering much of the kind of premium feel and up-market technology previously limited to more expensive brands was certainly going to create a lot of customer interest - and did. Need more convincing? What if we told you it's styled by the guy who did the Bugatti Veyron, it's tough enough to take on proper off road trails and it's the lightest and therefore the most efficient car in its class from its period. In short, you get the idea: Skoda certainly didn't go at this half-heartedly. And the Kodiaq was quickly improved too. In 2018, a more rugged-looking 'Scout' version was launched, followed a year later by the sporting vRS variant with a throaty 240PS Bi-TDI diesel engine. By then, the base 1.4 TSI petrol unit had been replaced by a more efficient 1.5 TSI powerplant too. In mid-2021, Skoda facelifted the entire range, but it's the pre-facelift 2017-2021-era models we look at here.

What You Getword count: 361

It turned out that Skoda's sharp, clean-cut design language translated very well into the kind of purposeful premium look required of a modern full-sized SUV. Back in 2017, the Kodiaq was just 40mm longer than the Czech brand's Octavia family hatch, yet looks far larger, with striking styling supposed to convey an impression of protection and strength. Behind the wheel, the Kodiaq design team delivered the classiest Skoda cabin yet made. Getting comfortable is easy and in the instrument binnacle large dials flank a useful central trip computer display. Much of the information this delivers can be more graphically provided by the classy centre-dash infotainment screen, provided in 8-inch form in plusher models but offered in 6.5-inch guise with lesser trim levels. Either way, an included Smartlink' system allows you to access the 'Apple CarPlay' or 'Android Auto'/'MirrorLink' systems and if you've a set-up fitted out with the Navigation/wi-fi package, you'll be able to make full use of the clever connectivity functions provided by the Czech brand's 'Skoda Connect' app. And in the rear? Well the second row bench features all the versatility you'd want from this kind of seven-seat SUV, so the backrest reclines for greater comfort on long journeys and the base slides back and forth by up to 180mm. So, what's it like in the third row? Well there, you're quickly reminded that this is an SUV, not an MPV. Overall though, the space in the very back isn't really any more restricted than it would be in any other mid-sized SUV of this kind - and uncomplaining adults joining you for short journeys will probably be quite glad of it. What about cargo capacity? With the tailgate raised, a huge aperture is revealed, complete with a usefully low loading sill. Most of the time, owners of seven-seat Kodiaq models are probably going to be using their cars with the rearmost seats folded into the floor, an action easy and simple to complete. In which case there's 630-litres of space on offer with the middle row sensibly positioned. Fold the second row bench and a class leadingly-large 2,005-litre space is revealed (or 2,065-litres in a five seat-only model).

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