Test Skoda Kodiaq 1.5 TSI 150 CV: A Safe Bet

A few weeks after watching Skoda unveil the most radical version of the Skoda Kodiaq under the “RS” badge (a 240 CV twin-turbo diesel engine that looks excellent), we got behind the wheel of what we consider the most rational option in the range. And it’s because the largest SUV from the Czech brand suits the 150 CV TSI engine like a glove. A unit that, paired with the 7-speed DSG gearbox, elevates the Kodiaq and takes it to the top positions of an increasingly crowded segment.

The father of the Skoda SUV family led the leap in quality with which the Czech brand has been pleasantly surprising with every launch. Now, in the middle of the SUV offensive with the arrival of the Karoq and the presentation of the Kamiq, the Skoda Kodiaq still holds its ground. And much of the credit goes to this 150 CV TSI engine, which has spread throughout the entire range, not only of the Czech manufacturer but also across the other brands of the Volkswagen Group, and in all kinds of models.

This engine arrived to replace the previous petrol unit in the range, the 1.4 TSI, also 150 CV. Its different configurations form a powerful line-up to satisfy all Kodiaq customers, making it the benchmark of the segment thanks to its unbeatable value for money and outstanding dynamics in every respect.

We have lived with the model that combined this engine with the 7-speed DSG automatic gearbox – more than recommendable – front-wheel drive and 7 seats. But Skoda also offers all-wheel drive, a 6-speed manual gearbox and a 5-seat version, which can be combined with one another depending on the chosen trim, to obtain the Kodiaq that best suits each buyer.

And it also offers another diesel engine, the 2.0 TDI with 150 or 190 CV outputs. Which is the best purchase option? In our test we will try to clear up your doubts.

Skoda Kodiaq Style 1.5 TSI 150 CV

As we already told you, our Skoda Kodiaq test car was the Style trim with the 1.5 TSI 150 CV engine and DSG gearbox, front-wheel drive and 7 seats. The Style trim comes with a truly complete standard equipment list (parking sensors, three-zone climate control, virtual cockpit, 18″ alloy wheels, keyless start and entry or electric tailgate) and offers the Kodiaq at a starting price of €30,000 with the current Skoda campaign. Is there any SUV with this spec sheet at a better price? Honestly, it’s hard to beat what Skoda offers.

If we add to that a very, very interesting driving dynamic, the Skoda Kodiaq clearly positions itself as one of the benchmarks of the segment. Why? Because the engine moves the Kodiaq’s 1,625 kg with great ease, responding briskly from very low revs (once you pass 1,500 rpm) and offering a strong pushing pace whenever needed.

Here, the smoothness of the DSG automatic gearbox (as always in the VAG Group) plays a big part, responding perfectly to the driver’s right foot and adapting the engine delivery according to the driving modes available (Comfort, Normal and Sport). Modes that adjust steering precision, damping and throttle response, making the Kodiaq a truly pleasant car to drive in all kinds of situations. In addition, the 4×4 versions can fit an adaptive suspension that includes an off-road mode for an extra €920.

The cylinder deactivation technology that Skoda has implemented for this Kodiaq engine deserves a special mention. An ace up its sleeve, with which the car manages to reduce consumption by efficiently managing fuel injection. When we are in high gears and at relaxed speeds, the control unit stops injecting fuel into a couple of cylinders and the Kodiaq can keep moving with the engine running in “two-cylinder” mode until we need more torque delivery (the maximum is 250 Nm).

Specifically, this technology usually kicks in with the engine turning below 1,800 rpm and at speeds of around 100 km/h (it cuts out at 130 km/h). With this technology, Skoda reduces consumption by half a litre per 100 km (it does not exceed 5 l/100 km with half the cylinders), making the overall average consumption we recorded in our test, of 7.9 litres on a combined cycle of motorway, secondary roads and urban stretches, easier to live with.

In short, with this Skoda Kodiaq 1.5 TSI we are facing an SUV in capital letters. A vehicle that moves with ease, that holds the road well without showing body roll unless we push it to the limit, with good consumption figures and outstanding practicality (good visibility, comfortable driving position and the typical Simply Clever solutions of Skoda).

Furthermore, the 735-litre boot capacity (with two rows of seats available) is an industry benchmark. And its third row of seats, although uncomfortable for an average-sized adult, comes in handy to get out of the occasional family overbooking situation. On the downside, the need to implement wireless Android Auto connectivity, as the Czech brand is already including in its latest models.

Skoda Kodiaq Range

Leaving aside the RS version, aimed at more performance-oriented buyers, the Skoda Kodiaq range offers a wide choice of engines. As we have already said, the petrol and diesel engines can be combined with manual or automatic gearboxes and 4×2 or 4×4 drive, with the option of 5 or 7 seats. All of this, with 6 different trim levels with very specific specifications in some cases. In other words, if we want to buy a Kodiaq, we first need to think about what we want it for and what we are looking for in this SUV.

If we want a family, standard all-rounder, regardless of the number of seats and drive, the Active, Ambition and Style trims offer very varied possibilities. With the Scout trim we get a more rugged Kodiaq, with greater ground clearance for improved off-road capability and always with 4×4 traction. The Sportline focuses on sporty details that give a spicy touch to this version. And finally, the Laurin & Klement (L&K) trim raises the level of exclusivity with more luxurious equipment that puts the SUV on a par with a Premium model… without paying the price premium of choosing other brands.

This is how the Skoda Kodiaq range looks:

Skoda Kodiaq Active……………. From €23,300
Skoda Kodiaq Ambition……….. From €24,900
Skoda Kodiaq Style…………….. From €30,000
Skoda Kodiaq Sportline……….. From €28,300
Skoda Kodiaq Scout……………. From €32,500
Skoda Kodiaq L&K……………… From €33,950

And starting from these figures, which few can afford, there are two key points that will shape the buying decision. How much off-road capability we need and how much equipment we want. If we need something more rugged, the Scout version will be the most suitable. Whereas if we prioritise having the most equipped Kodiaq possible, the L&K version will be a car that competes head-to-head with Premium rivals, for quite a few euros less.

Leaving aside these two options, aimed at a specific audience, we have the two entry-level choices, Active and Ambition, which offer all the mechanical possibilities of the range and the option to add a third row of seats for an extra €1,045. In the middle of the “anti-diesel” wave and with the good performance offered by the 1.5 TSI we have tested, we can have a Skoda Kodiaq with a good level of equipment (allowing us to add some interesting extras such as safety assistants or navigation), DSG gearbox and rear-wheel drive, for around €25,000.

An SUV in capital letters, which few can afford, and whose biggest rival may be found right within the family. Because if the Kodiaq feels a little big for us… we have a very well-equipped Karoq for just over €20,000 (currently available from €19,300) that offers everything an SUV should be.

Technical specifications of this car

Off-RoadSkoda Kodiaq16 versions · from 46,800 €