New Skoda Kodiaq review: could the big SUV be best-in-class?

It's hard to think of a car that has as much potential to appeal to Auto Express viewers in 2017 as the new Skoda Kodiaq. This is the brand’s entrant into the hugely popular mid-size SUV sector, so we jumped at the chance to get behind the wheel for a very early first drive on UK roads. Would our expectations be buoyed or dashed? James Batchelor finds out...

[laszlodemeter]

I really like this guy. He makes some nice reviews. Reminds me of Quentin Wilson from old Top Gear. With those jokes and voice as well. He is a likeable person. Don't be rude people!

Great job mate, keep up with the good work!

[xrabkurdx]

"This guy" is growing on me. I don't mind him anymore. (This is the nicest comment/compliment he's gonna get...probably).

[CryptoChangingTheWorld]

This is fantastic value and it looks upmarket! Great review and I loved the old Skoda adverts, very funny indeed.

[sweetfreedomGB]

Great very early review and a great effort from Skoda.. Shame we have to wait so long here in the UK..

[abhas]

can't wait to buy it by not even looking the car in flesh.. i love the car

[Lecruque]

Well done James. Your reviews improved massively!

[Blindusek]

James, im following your Review across Youtube for a while now and i must say, your doing a very good job! Keep it up!

[kazimierzg]

James, you have come a long way from the early days when your reviews weren't very good. You matured like Skoda did, from being awkward and flimsy, to a more audacious and likeable style. Kudos

[pashton]

James may be like the love child of Jimmy Carr and Quentin Wilson, but his reviews are getting better and better. Nice review James, and the Skoda looks like a winner! Look forward to your next review

[xmerxmer]

Nice review.. you're getting better.
Nice car as well, my 2nd favorite after the 3008/5008.

[CB-xtie]

Great review - easily the most unbiased and informative person for genuine car buyers to refer to.

[ahmadawawdi]

James is doing really good keep going 👌👌
And his replays for the haters are funny 😂😂

[TheRorymcloughlin]

I was thinking Quentin Wilson too when I clicked first :-) but without the ego and certainly more articulate, great job James

[timppa]

I can't understand why people hate this guy so much.

[johnbriggs]

I was very impressed by your review and it convinced me to go to Skoda dealer for a test drive. We liked it so much that we bought one! We bought the 1.4T petrol 4x4 7 seat dsg. The car is so smooth for a 1.4 with the dsg box. The quality and style impressed me too. I've had VWs for years and my other car is a Passat cc 3.6 V6 4x4 dsg. The quality is certainly comparable and is better equipped than my cc all be it a 2008 model. Try skoda, try the Kodiaq! You'll be surprised just how impressed you are by it.

[jhkl]

brace yourselves, spyshots showed that the incoming new skoda yeti IS the current tiguan built by skoda, if this kodiaq has an amazing price/features/size ratio, i think the next yeti is going to be even better

[MrStevenAttila]

I agree with him on the design of the interior. It looks good.

[AndrewKNI]

Great review. Really informative and great photography. Impressive car too.

[leem]

Great review James, one of your best yet. The Kodiaq is a sure winner. I've a bmw 2 series GT would like something little bit bigger so can't wait to see it in person!

[AbdulBasit-inhh]

Picked up my Skoda Kodiaq SE L 2019 couple of days ago. It's absolutely brilliant. Wonderful drive, loads of tech and so practical.