The Czech manufacturer’s flagship SUV has been given a makeover – and plug-in hybrid tech. By John Challen.

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What is it IS IT? Large SUV

HOW MUCH? From £36,645

ECONOMY? 42.8-53.2mpg (PHEV: 534.7-691.5mpg)

EMISSIONS? 131-174g/km

Having sold more than 55,000 Škoda Kodiaqs since the car was launched back in 2016, the UK ranks as the second biggest European market in Europe for the Czech manufacturer’s flagship SUV. The majority of those models are seven-seaters, with just 10% of drivers opting for the five-seat format.

With the arrival of the new Kodiaq comes plug-in hybrid technology (with up to 75 miles of EV driving), more interior space and a redesigned interior and exterior. Part of the interior overhaul sees physical buttons and dials retained, the latter being reimagined as ‘Smart Dials’ that enable quick access to multiple functions. The increased roominess has been helped by a car that is 61mm longer than its predecessor, with 15mm more headroom for third-row passengers and an extra 80 litres of space to fill in the boot.

Other upgrades that have been made to the new Kodiaq include improved aerodynamics, adaptive suspension, a repositioned gearshift (now situated next to the steering wheel), pneumatic massage seats and wireless phone charging for two devices. Škoda wouldn’t be Škoda without some ‘Simply Clever’ solutions and the new Kodiaq has plenty. Examples include a handy infotainment display cleaner, a sustainable ice scraper and redesigned door protectors.

Trim-wise, there are two grades at launch (Sportline will follow later in 2024) – SE and SE L – with drivers having the choice of five different interior designs (Loft; Lounge; Suite; Suite Black and Sportline). As you might expect, even the baseline SE Kodiaq is well equipped, with standard kit including LED front and rear lights; heated front seats; keyless start; 13- inch satellite navigation touchscreen and 10.25-inch Virtual Cockpit.

SE L adds in 19-inch alloy wheels into the mix (up from the SE’s 18-inch items), as well as: LED Matrix headlights with adaptive front light system; perforated black artificial leather and real leather; electrically adjustable driver’s seat; elec- trically operated boot and keyless entry and start/stop system.

New Kodiaq also benefits from improved assistance systems, including turn assist and remote park assist. Standard safety systems across the board on all models include front assist with braking reaction to vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists; blind spot detection with door exit warning; and front cross traffic assist.

Powertrain options for the Kodiaq cover standard petrol, mild-hybrid petrol, PHEV and diesel. The petrol units are both 1.5-litre TSIs, the first with 150hp and 250Nm of torque and the plug-in hybrid version taking things up a notch, offering 204hp and 350Nm. The two diesel options are both 2.0-litre engines, the first with 150hp and 360Nm of torque, the other (deployed in the 4WD version of the car) providing 193hp and 400Nm. The most fleet-friendly option is almost certainly going to be the PHEV option, with its 5% BIK rate for 2024/5, with seven seats. The Volkswagen Group’s DSG auto- matic transmission technology is deployed across the board.

Starting with the foundations of an already impressive vehicle, the new Kodiaq to a new level in terms of refine- ment, interior quality and spec and over- all driving dynamics. For a big car, it is relatively nimble and, while the powertrain options have been reduced, there’s probably something for everyone. We didn’t get to sample the fleet-friendly PHEV version but, judging by Skoda’s efforts elsewhere with hybrid technology, the company will have another winner on its hands.

IN BRIEF

Key fleet model: SE L

Pros: Interior space, practicality, high spec

Cons: Higher prices; maybe too big for some

Seven-word summary: Spacious seven-seat SUV with super spec

Also consider: Hyundai Sante Fe / Nissan X-Trail / Kia Sorento