Skoda’s best-selling 7-seater now has a right-sized engine, featuring fuel-sipping mild hybrid tech.
Just like Baby Bear’s porridge, we dare say that it is a car just right for the extended family.
Singapore – As the world’s fifth oldest automaker, Škoda has over the years developed a respectable identity around practicality, clever innovations, and value. Today, as the automotive industry faces colossal disruptions (and then slap on sky-high COEs in our case), the Czech carmaker’s Simply Clever mantra has become quite central to setting itself apart.
Since Skoda celebrates its 130-year anniversary in 2025, nothing better shouts value and innovation than the brand’s best-selling and most versatile SUVs, the 7-seater Kodiaq.
It’s not too Beary big
The second-generation Kodiaq carries over the same design language seen on the first generation car, albeit in a softer interpretation. The new redesigned grille, finished in Unique Dark Chrome with a horizontal light strip for road presence, are easy on the eyes. LED matrix headlights in its signature four-eyed design, could give the impression of a bespectacled Kodiak bear standing proudly but politely in traffic waiting for the light to turn green.
At its sides, the SUV’s squared-off wheel arches, giving hints of an adventure-seeking soul. But in this case, you’d not be driving off the beaten path, since this front-drive variant is made to get you there, while sipping on fuel.
A tapered roofline flows toward 3D crystalline C-shaped taillights, which sit atop a well-proportioned rear. So just imagine being behind that Kodiak bear and appreciating it not skipping back and glutes day. As this is the base ‘Selection’ trim car, it is equipped with 18-inch ‘Soira’ alloys which have a less aggro vibe, compared to the 19-inch ‘Tirsuli’ anthracite units found on the fancier ‘Sportline’ variant.
In-all the new Kodiaq is easy on the eye, with just the right bulges and proportions; and it is not overly big in-size.
Just nice we might say… just like Baby Bear’s porridge.
Beauty is the colour of an interior rubbed in coffee
I mean, we are stretching it if we were to say that the new Kodiaq’s upholstery is rubbed to the right shade with coffee, but we are not far-off. The SUV’s tanned leather interior is dyed with a tanning agent, derived from coffee bean husks.
While many automakers today have shifted away from buttons, including cars from Škoda’s German parent Volkswagen, it is heartening to know that the Kodiaq has stayed off the bandwagon. Over here, Škoda has committed to a good number of physical buttons and have even evolved the design of the three climate control dials, first seen on the first-gen Kodiaq. On the current car, the Smart Dials, add even more functionality and control, via simple pushes and scrolls of the dials. Perhaps quite similarly, the Hyundai Santa Fe and KIA Sorento have also gotten their button count formula right.
The 13-inch infotainment touchscreen, which stands freely in the middle of the dashboard, is as intuitive as it is responsive. For added functionality, it now comes equipped with voice control. Both wireless versions of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are offered, therefore, the process of getting into the three-row SUV, having my phone connected, and then driving off is really quite seamless. To keep mobile devices charged, the Kodiaq is equipped with two vented wireless charging pads, which means that no one up-front would need worry about low battery issues.
Being practical also means that there is almost no shortage of storage. From its twin glove boxes, to large bottle holders with the door cards, and even self-draining umbrella holders within the front doors. Škoda has definitely thought of almost everything. And then some… Someone had even thought about the need for opening a 1.5 litre PET bottle with one hand. One of the Kodiaq’s cup holders is equipped with rubber stops, just for that. On other Kodiaq variants, you even get mechanically-actuated door guards which deploy when the doors swing open
While I am happy that Škoda has also largely addressed the interior quality issues which dogged the previous car, there is still some room for improvement. A good example would be how the glove compartment does not sit square when closed.
What about other passengers, living or nonliving?
The second row easily offers enough space to ferry three more passengers, given the Kodiaq’s generous wheelbase of 2,791mm.
The third row of seats on the other hand, are easy to access, but less easy to get comfy in. For the average-sized adult, things do get a little too snug, but thankfully, the middle bench can slide forward easily, freeing up some precious foot and knee room.
One of the key selling points of the previous Kodiaq, was its versatility; offering owners quite the useful 270 litres of cargo space with its third row deployed, and between 560 to 765 litres in five-seater mode. Despite sitting on related MQB family architecture, and having quite the similar footprint, the new Kodiaq offers 340 litres with the third row deployed, or 70 litres more. To give you even more context, almost the same amount of trunk space of this Volkswagen T-Cross. In 5-seater mode, cargo room expands to 845L, which is 80 litres more than its predecessor.
Would a right-sized powertrain be not too little and just right?
Škoda Singapore has simplified engine options this time around, reducing powertrains to just two – the fabulous EA888 for the Kodiaq RS, and for the regular Kodiaq variants, they are powered by the group’s proven 1.5 litre 4-cylinder turbocharged mild hybrid (MHEV) engine, paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, driving the front wheels. This is the same engine which can be found in the Skoda Octavia Liftback, and Combi, the Volkswagen Golf, Tiguan and the Audi A3; all of which are now in a lower Category A COE-friendly state of tune.
As for the Kodiaq, the engine delivers what was originally intended – 150hp and 250Nm (which was what the current-gen Octavia, Golf and A3 originally produced). Given its kerb weight of 1,740kg and the need to haul up to seven passengers and their luggage, it is clear that there can be no such thing as a Cat A Kodiaq… I mean VW was already stretching it with the Tiguan.
Given its heft, this translates to the Kodiaq completing the century sprint in a leisurely 9.9 seconds. But overall I feel that delivery is quite adequate. To help the Kodiaq along, the MHEV’s belt-driven starter-generator provides a boost of between 12-19hp and around 50Nm during acceleration. But also thanks to the MHEV tech, the engine is designed to “sleep” upon coasting. It also has Active Cylinder Technology (ACT), which shuts-off cylinders two and three, when the engine is on idle, or when you’re cruising. On two combined runs, I managed 15.5km/l, which is close to official 15.2km/l. Getting the hang of how the powertrain responded, I managed a combined 17km/l.
If you’re in the mood for a more spirited drive, the Kodiaq’s 150hp and 250Nm ensures that it is up to the task. When overtaking, the 1.5 litre delivers the goods with sufficient grunt. Of course there is still considerable weight you are lugging around, which can make itself felt when transitioning from one turn to the next.
In typical Škoda style, the Kodiaq’s driving characteristics are relaxed. This is further augmented by the seats, which are designed with distance driving comfort in mind. Steering feedback is on the lighter side, but still with enough feedback for you to remain confident that you’re in control. There is a refined atmosphere created in the cabin for you to settle in and enjoy a leisure drive.
I am also glad, especially in this day and age, where manufacturers are vying for a 5-star Euro NCAP, the Kodiaq’s safety assist systems are not overly intrusive. The front and rear sensors come in handy when parking, especially for anyone who isn’t accustomed to driving 7-seaters and might find its size tricky.
Final thoughts
There’s a lot to love about the Kodiaq. It’s built with serenity in mind, not speed. It’s essentially Škoda in its element, focusing on the segment of customers it wants to target, before the Kvasiny engineers shoot straight and true in that direction. Sure, the third row can be a little squeezy, but it’s not like this is the only 7-seater (or should I say 5+2-seater) with this hiccup. Overall, the car is cosy for relaxing, easy for driving, and has plenty to offer for S$229,900 (accurate to time of publishing).
If you find this entry-level Kodiaq isn’t torque-y or race-y enough, Skoda has got you covered with the Kodiaq RS.
Text: Titus Tang
Edits: Clifford Chow
Photos: Clifford Chow
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Huge improvement on quality versus the previous car | Interior quality could still be a bit better |
| Versatile and comfortable | Not a fan of that twist-style gear selector |
| Economical engine |
2024 Skoda Kodiaq 1.5 eTSI 7-Seater
| Drivetrain | Petrol-electric mild hybrid |
| Layout | 1,498cc, inline 4 |
| Power / torque | 150hp / 250Nm |
| Transmission | 7-Speed Dual-Clutch |
| Efficiency | 15.2km/l |
| Fuel Capacity | 55 Litres |
| 0-100km/h | 9.9 seconds |
| Top Speed | 205km/h |
| VES Band | B |
| Dealer | Škoda Singapore |
| Price | S$229,900 with COE and VES |
| Verdict | The new Škoda Kodiaq is a better version of its previous self. |
