The 2022 Skoda Kodiaq Style is the entry level that isn’t. With optional technology and luxury packages, this version of the automaker’s 7-seater flagship is truly impressive.
From the first look at the exterior, you’ll also wonder how much room seven people will have inside, as it looks relatively compact. But as we know, looks can be deceiving, and this car is no exception to that prevailing theme.
From the moment you sit in the driver’s seat, it impresses you in every way. First of all, space is something else. We got our crew of mates together on a Friday night and challenged them to fit in the car and feel comfortable, in exchange for a ride home.
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With six grown men in the car, we were apprehensive, but they were all impressed, once hooked. The room in the first two rows is spacious, with plenty of room in the middle seats. Even the third row occupant still had decent room.
Once on the road, it was time to show off. We quickly found a parallel spot and started showing the guys how this car can literally park. Remembering that this is the entry model makes this feature a real surprise.
Skoda Kodiaq Style 2022
Next, it was time to change the atmosphere of the car by playing with the 10 different colors of the interior light. There is also an automatic option, which changes the mood depending on the selected driving mode.
We also tested the second row of heated seats, along with the front ones and the steering wheel. We also deployed the front and rear air conditioning via the fully digital display. There’s also an air purification system, designed to filter out pollen and nasties.
The attention to detail quickly impressed our passengers. Skoda has done a lot with this car to make sure you feel special. Cruising home we also test the adaptive cruise control.
The system was really on point to keep the car at the right speed under acceleration and braking, and also in the middle of the lane. Adaptive Chassis Control features too, as long as you add the optional Technology Package, which adjusts ride firmness based on driving modes.
These include Eco and Comfort modes, which make the car feel a little underpowered and sluggish, but it’s good for fuel economy. Normal mode has a more regular driving feel, but Sport is where it’s at, and boy is it impressive.
Inside the 2022 Skoda Kodiaq Style
He gave the car a new lease of life. Honestly, you struggle to believe that the same car you drove in Eco mode is the one that evolves in Sport mode. Acceleration is forceful, suspension is firm, but balanced through corners. It’s enough to make you forget it’s a 7-seater SUV.
There’s also an individual mode, where you can customize your settings, and a snow setting for winter trips to Jindabyne. An Off Road button enables automatic hill descent, as well as plenty of monitors for tire angle, altitude and a compass.
The Skoda Kodiaq’s engine is a 2.0-litre TSI turbocharged petrol unit, connected to a permanent all-wheel drive platform via a 7-speed DSG gearbox. It produces 132 kW of power and 320 Nm of torque, reaching 100 km/h in 8.4 seconds.
It has a top speed of 204 km/h and returns fuel economy numbers of around 8.2 litres/100 km. What makes this car great, though, are the little things it offers, like a rubber bumper that automatically deploys when the door is opened to protect it.
There’s an optional folding tow bar, you can lock the trunk from the key, it has cornering lights, bright parking sensors and a 360-degree surround vision monitor. The main instrument cluster is digital and has a decent set of different layouts to suit everyone.
Inside the 2022 Skoda Kodiaq Style
We especially liked the GPS map with our two main dials superimposed for daily use. The leather seats (courtesy of this luxury package) are surprisingly good, and the memory function adds a little touch of high-end motor vehicle to its feel. The sound system is great too.
The Skoda Kodiaq Style starts at $53,990 drive away (depending on the color you choose, see below). Adding the Technology and Luxury packages jumps to $63,660; It’s a fun and decent SUV to drive, with a wide range of capabilities.
It can function as a long-distance cruiser, a highwayman, or a respectable off-roader. It really is a car that suits everyone’s needs. It comes with a 7-year unlimited kilometer warranty and is available in six colors.
These include Energy Blue, Moon White Metallic, Lava Blue Metallic, Graphite Gray Metallic, Sparkle Silver Metallic and Magic Pearl Black. You can build your own on the Skoda Australia website.
As always, we recommend shopping around to get a good deal, or you can visit PriceMyCar for the best price. If you want to own one and need financing, talk to CreditOne.
Inside the 2022 Skoda Kodiaq Style
Our test vehicle was provided by Skoda Australia. For more information on the 2022 Skoda Kodiaq Style, talk to your local Skoda dealer.