Ever wondered if one car can handle over 2,500 miles across Europe, from German autobahns to Czech country tracks, all while packed with family and history? Our latest review dives into how the Skoda Kodiaq tackled this epic journey. Was it the ultimate road trip warrior?
Embarking on an extraordinary 2,500-mile adventure across the diverse landscapes of Europe, from the historic plains of Poland to the scenic heart of Czechia, demanded a vehicle capable of exceptional performance and unwavering reliability. This epic European Road Trip was undertaken in the formidable Skoda Kodiaq, an SUV designed to conquer vast distances with comfort and efficiency, proving itself an ideal Family SUV for such ambitious journeys. Our expedition served as a testament to this vehicle’s robust capabilities, navigating both high-speed autobahns and challenging rural paths, underscoring its versatility as a top-tier Automotive choice for extensive travel.
Beneath the bonnet, the Skoda Kodiaq boasts a potent 193hp, 2.0-litre TDI turbo-diesel engine, seamlessly paired with a seven-speed automatic gearbox. This powerhouse combination rendered the all-wheel-drive Family SUV an absolute mile-muncher, particularly on Germany’s derestricted autobahns, where its abundant overtaking power made Long Distance Driving effortless and exhilarating. Such a configuration highlights why it remains a compelling subject for any comprehensive Car Review focusing on endurance and dynamic capability.
Remarkably, the Skoda Kodiaq demonstrated impressive fuel economy throughout its extensive European Road Trip. A full tank consistently delivered over 500 miles of range, with the on-board computer regularly reporting around 46 miles to the gallon – surpassing its official figure of 44.6mpg. This efficiency, a significant advantage for Long Distance Driving, firmly underscores the continued relevance and practical benefits of modern diesel Automotive technology, often much maligned but clearly performing strongly here.
Inside, the Skoda Kodiaq prioritizes passenger comfort and practicality, essential attributes for any Family SUV. Its spacious interior, complemented by comfortable sporty seats both front and back, ensured a relaxed journey for all occupants. Furthermore, the abundance of clever cubby holes and a convenient power-lift rear hatch added to its functionality, making it exceptionally well-suited for carrying luggage and essentials required for an extended European Road Trip.
Adaptability is key for diverse travel conditions, and the Skoda Kodiaq excels with its seven distinct driving modes. While ‘Normal’ and ‘Sport’ were frequently utilized for most of the Long Distance Driving, the ‘Off-road’ mode proved invaluable. It capably navigated a challenging woodland track leading to a historic lime quarry in Vapenna, Czechia, showcasing the Automotive’s ability to handle less conventional terrains with confidence, a feature often explored in a detailed Car Review.
The dashboard of the Skoda Kodiaq features an innovative control system, utilizing three multi-purpose ‘smart’ dials. These intuitively manage a variety of functions, including climate control and the selection of the seven driving modes – Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport, Off-road, Snow, and Individual. This intelligent design enhances the user experience, providing easy access to vital controls and adding to the overall refinement expected from a contemporary Family SUV on a challenging European Road Trip.
With prices for the 5-seater range starting from £38,140 and the 7-seater from £39,000 (both in base SE trim), the Czech-built Skoda Kodiaq presents a compelling value proposition. Its blend of practicality, flexibility, and reassuring power, especially the Sportline 4X4 model in Velvet Red metallic, proved the perfect choice for our demanding European Road Trip. This Automotive offering stands out for its strong mid-range pulling power, excellent performance on faster roads, and refined manners around town, making it a subject worthy of a thorough Car Review.
The Metropolitan Police’s decision to test and soon introduce this very model into their fleet further validates its robust capabilities and reliability, reinforcing its credentials beyond just a Family SUV. This recognition speaks volumes about its performance and durability, ensuring that it is not only a comfortable choice for Long Distance Driving but also a dependable one, capable of meeting stringent professional demands.
Our journey wasn’t merely about the destination; it was also a reflection on personal history, retracing paths through central Europe. Unlike the challenging conditions faced by previous generations, our modern Skoda Kodiaq provided a luxurious and smooth passage, enabling us to explore significant historical locations with ease and comfort. This European Road Trip seamlessly combined the pleasure of discovery with a connection to the past, facilitated by an exceptional Automotive companion.
