Skoda’s SUV to be the most affordable seven-seater in its class

We knew as soon as it was announced that Skoda’s Kodiaq would shake up the exploding SUV market like few others. The combination of the must-have body shape, the appeal of the Skoda brand and the option of seven seats pretty much assured that from the get-go. The fact that it will dramatically undercut more or less all its major opponents on price will underline that fact.

With prices starting from €28,795 for a 1.4 TSI petrol front-wheel drive model, making it cheaper than the mechanically-identical but smaller Volkswagen Tiguan. The Skoda also has more interior space and, in basic five-seat form, a much bigger boot (although there is a larger, longer-wheelbase seven-seat Tiguan due soon).

The only comparable model which comes close to matching the Kodiaq is the Nissan X-Trail, which in basic five-seat form has prices starting from €29,995 for a 1.6 diesel model. The cheapest diesel Skoda costs €35,495 but comes with an automatic gearbox as standard.

The extra seats in the boot are a €1,000 option on all models, meaning that you can have a seven-seat Kodiaq for €29,795 if you're happy with the smallest 125hp petrol engine, or €36,495 if it has to be diesel. That compares well with the cheapest seven-seat X-Trail at €35,400 (which lacks the 2.0 TDI 150hp Skoda's standard automatic gearbox) and with the seven-seat Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento, which kick off pricing at €39,995 and €38,500 respectively.

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The basic Active trim level includes, as standard, 17-inch alloys, cruise control, Bluetooth, Climatronic air conditioning and Smartlink technology for smartphone integration with the infotainment system (which includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto).

Options

The Ambition trim level offers 18-inch alloys, keyless engine start, silver roof rails and front and rear parking sensors. The top-of-the-range Style trim level includes 19-inch alloys, keyless entry and ignition, full LED headlights, Alcantara upholstery, ambient cabin lighting, a rear-view camera and the eight-inch Columbus navigation system. Optionally, the Kodiaq can be equipped with a built-in LTE module for internet access through the infotainment system and an in-car wifi hotspot. There’s also an emergency call (eCall) function which automatically calls the emergency services once an airbag is activated to further improve occupant safety.

Speaking at an event marking the announcement of the prices, PR manager at Skoda Ireland Cathal Kealey said, "We have seen unprecedented interest in the new Kodiaq and with the competitive prices and impressive specification announced today we are confident that customers won't be disappointed."

It should be noted that there’s a €600 delivery charge on top of those prices.