Skoda Kodiaq review

The 148bhp 1.5 TSI 150 petrol is our favourite Skoda Kodiaq engine, delivering a good balance of cost and performance. With 0-62mph in 9.8sec, it should have enough pace for most large SUV buyers, and is slightly quicker than the Peugeot 5008 1.2 Puretech 130. It does lack the low to mid-range gutsiness of the diesel versions though, and you have to rev harder when it's loaded up.

With that in mind, the 148bhp 2.0 TDI 150 diesel engine is stronger from a pure performance point of view. It's gutsy enough to haul up to seven people around with little drama and pu lls effortlessly from low speeds. If you plan to do any towing with your Kodiaq, there's also the more powerful 197bhp 2.0 TDI 200, which will easily pull a caravan up a steep hill.

The optional adaptive suspension, which Skoda calls Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC), is available on four-wheel drive models from SE L trim and above, and lets you stiffen or soften the ride at the touch of a button. It does improve the ride in the softest setting, but it's still not brilliant on patchy roads. DCC is an expensive option, and we don't think it's worth the extra.

Large SUVs have a tendency to sway around quite a bit through corners, but the Kodiaq is remarkably composed compared with the C5 Aircross, the X-Trail and the Kia Sorento. It remains fairly composed during fast direction changes and there’s plenty of grip too, although it can't match the ability of the smaller, lower and lighter Audi Q2 and Seat Ateca to scythe through bends.