Skoda Kodiaq Sportline review finds blend of European style and smarts

Having a strong European family lineage, the Skoda Kodiaq Sportline seven-seater has just got better with a raft of new features as part of a midlife refresh.

Volkswagen remains a household name, yet the company’s umbrella encompasses a wide range of brands.

Premium names such as Audi, Lamborghini, Bentley and Ducati all fall within the group, along with Spanish brand Cupra which is about to make its Australian debut.

Another VW company which has forged its reputation Down Under is Skoda. While it’s one of the five oldest car manufacturers in the world, the Czech-born brand remains one of Australia’s most underrated marques.

Helping launch Skoda onto consideration lists five years ago was the Kodiaq big SUV. The range has just been revised and the 2022 line-up includes three grades, the entry-level Style, range-topping RS, and our test car – the mid-rung Sportline.

The 2022 model koda Kodiaq Sportline with all-wheel drive.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

KEL: Some years ago we tested the Kodiaq over several months. Sliding back into the cabin was like a familiar pair of jeans – I’d forgotten about the various extra inclusions and the driving dynamics.

GRANT: Skoda does the small things outstandingly well. Attention to details such as umbrellas embedded in the doors, the plastic covers which protect the door edges every time they are open, rear sunblinds and a picnic rug in the boot add up to a lasting impression.

KEL: Feeling sporty with nice finishes, I really like the look inside and out. I think you can see the Audi lineage.

GRANT: The biggest change came to the top-spec RS which now comes with a turbo petrol engine rather than a bi-turbo diesel. We drove the Sportline which is likely to be the most popular with a starting price of less than $58,000.

KEL: While the design and layout are essentially the same, it was good to see it now has keyless entry on all four doors, the phone charging pad and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

GRANT: Another upgrade for 2022 models is the driver’s “virtual cockpit” which gets a modern makeover. This Sportline also gets some flashier extras compared to the Style, like body-coloured lower door mouldings and bumper, 20-inch alloys, glossy black grille and LED headlights.

Upgrades to the driver’s instruments are part of the improvements for the 2022 Skoda Kodiaq Sportline.

THE LIVING SPACE

KEL: The dual glovebox, small bin in the doors and a big console, it’s one of the best for family functionality.

GRANT: And most importantly dual cupholders for the coffees. Having a three-spoke flat-bottom steering wheel and the figure-hugging leather-trimmed seats adds extra sporting flavour.

KEL: Another must for me is heated seats, I liked how it also had the ventilation option for warmer days to help cool things down quickly.

GRANT: Our experience was altered by the inclusion of the “Luxury Pack” which stings you another $3700. But that includes heated seats functionality for those in the back as well as electric seat adjustment for the passenger and three-zone aircon.

KEL: While it still has seven seats, it doesn’t feel like a big SUV.

GRANT: Shorter than key rivals such as the Kia Sorento, Hyundai Santa Fe and Mazda CX-9, it’s surprisingly spacious in the front two rows. Those back two seats are handy for occasional use. They are best left to kids or smaller adults.

Standard kit for the 2022 model Skoda Kodiaq Sportline include a bodykit and 20-inch alloys.

THE COMMUTE

KEL: Getting away from the lights the power is predictable, but probably not as athletic as I was anticipating.

GRANT: The four-cylinder turbo petrol engine is a smooth unit although short on serious firepower. Those wanting prowess need to shell out an extra $17k for more mumbo in the RS.

KEL: I was happy enough with the Sportline, it feels confident and well planted and I was pretty impressed with its performance in wet conditions.

GRANT: All-wheel drive is standard. The seven-speed automatic trims through the gears with ease to offer linear acceleration.

KEL: Traffic was also made easier with the usual radar cruise control and lane keeping functions which can do all the driving for you when in traffic snarls.

GRANT: Those functions were courtesy of the $2900 “Tech Package”. So combined the two optional extra groups deliver what I’d expect nowadays, albeit you have to spend the additional $6600.

Figure-hugging sport seats are among the standard kit in the Skoda Kodiaq Sportline.

THE SHOPPING

KEL: I’m guessing that also included the surround view camera and rear cross traffic alert function that warns if oncoming vehicles are approaching when you’re reversing?

GRANT: Correct weight. All brilliant technology which makes easy work of those confined carparks where the concrete pillars have a habit of closing in around the car.

KEL: Our weekly grocery shop of about 15 bags was all swallowed by the boot.

GRANT: With the rear pair of seats folded there is more than 750L of space, with all seven in use it reduces to 270. But it’s awesome to have the handles in the boot that drops the second row to deliver a load area of more than 2000L – which makes easy work of bikes and boards.

Two rear seats are best left to kids or small adults in the Skoda Kodiaq Sportline.

THE SUNDAY RUN

KEL: The three driving modes made incremental differences, and Sport ensured things were more responsive.

GRANT: Comfort and Normal personalities are for daily duties. Each mode makes changes to braking, acceleration and turning responses, with Sport the pick for attacking the twisties – but this is another feature which is part of the Tech pack.

KEL: Some SUVs have a tendency to feel benign and lifeless, but I didn’t have that impression with the Kodiaq.

GRANT: It handles the mundane and curvy stuff with equal proficiency. Precise steering and limited body roll in corners broadens its appeal for those who step off the highway … although gravel or smooth dirt tracks are probably as far as you’d want to push things off-road (and there is only a space-saver spare).

Kel and Grant Edwards.

THE FAMILY

KEL: Having seven seats is always a great option to include the grandparents on trips or extra friends.

GRANT: The curtain airbag extends to cover the entire third row – many rivals fall short in that realm.

KEL: Being a European model I’d be concerned about ongoing costs.

GRANT: Warranty coverage is five years, but there are options for prepaid or pay as you go servicing plans. A seven-service pack is $2700, or a five is $1800. Both transferable if the Koadiq is sold.

KEL: Our average fuel consumption finished at 9.4L/100km.

GRANT: That was more than a litre above the official figure from Skoda and it required premium unleaded.

Fuel consumption during our test of nearly 1000km in the Skoda Kodiaq Sportline returned an average of just less than 10L/100km.

THE VERDICT

KEL: When people ask me about my favourite cars I always talk about the Kodiaq, especially the umbrellas. For my lifestyle it’s a perfect family fit which combines style, substance and smarts.

GRANT: Despite a range of accolades the Kodiaq remains underrated. The headline price for the Sportline is enticing, but those who want improved comfort and safety should budget an extra $6600 for two packs which deliver the consummate product.