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The Skoda Kodiaq continues the Skoda legacy of being the same… but different.
In this case the Czech brand has delivered a proper mid-size SUV, but with seven seats like a large SUV.
Named after the Alaskan bear that shares its name with its island namesake, the first-generation Kodiaq is based on the Volkswagen group MQB platform like most Skoda and Volkswagen products.
The range now extends from the Kodiaq Style (4X4) 132TSI which arrives at $53,290 and extends up to the Kodiaq RS (4X4) 180TSI which will set you back $70,590.
Within its first year on sale the Kodiaq range had grown to include petrol and diesel versions with a Sportline trim level sitting above the base grade. All Kodiaqs feature all-wheel drive which Skoda labels as 4x4.
The second-generation Kodiaq has a more spacious interior with a focus on higher-end technology, with larger touchscreens and an increase in soft-touch materials. Like other Skodas, the Kodiaq has an array of cabin features to enhance practicality like removable trays and bins and mounting systems in the boot and back seat.
The second-generation Kodiaq offers 910-litres of boot space with the third row folded flat, or 340L with the third row up.
The Skoda Kodiaq is a seven-seat three-row SUV.
Standard equipment in the Kodiaq range includes LED headlights, a 13.0-inch multimedia touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, a 10-inch digital instrument cluster, 18- to 20-inch alloy wheels, tri-zone climate control, keyless entry and push-start ignition, as well as a full suite of safety items.
Modern cars like the Skoda have sealed cooling systems which means they shouldn’t need regular top-ups. As the engine heats up and the coolant expands, any excess coolant is captured by an overflow tank which stores the coolant and then allows it to be sucked back into the engine’s cooling system as the car cools down. This is all perfectly normal. All of which means that if you have coolant disappearing, then there’s a leak somewhere, but don’t necessarily jump to the conclusion that the radiator is at fault.
The problem could be one of many things, including a failed radiator hose or some other piece of critical plumbing, a faulty water pump, cracked cylinder head, blown head gasket, broken overflow tank, failed radiator cap, split cylinder bore, leaking heater matrix and more. The dealership should be able to tackle this as a warranty job and will probably pressurise the cooling system and see where, if anywhere, coolant starts to appear where it shouldn’t.
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Australian customers currently have a choice of two petrol-powered Skoda Kodiaq models, both featuring 4x4 drive systems using electronic diff lock options for off-roading or low-grip situations.
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The Skoda Kodiaq towing capacity is officially listed as 2000kg of braked trailer and 750kg of unbraked trailer.
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Australian-market versions of the Kodiaq are expected to launch with an updated version of the current 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine, producing 150kW/320Nm.
The 2.0-litre petrol versions are yet to have their 0-100km/h sprint times confirmed, but seven-seat 2.0-litre diesels can sprint from 0-100km/h in 8.0 seconds in international markets.
Fuel efficiency and range figures are yet to be determined for the Australian market.