You wont believe this is a Skoda

It’s an incredibly brave thing to launch a newcomer into the really competitive large seven-seat off-roader sector - so you have to take your hat off to Skoda’s new Kodiaq.

The suits at Skoda have never been backward in the bravery department and the Kodiaq is a surprisingly good arrival in the sector, with a much smaller price tag than a lot of the competition.

And if you’re now thinking that means Skoda bosses have been cutting corners to become more competitive you can think again because this model is dripping with quality accessories normally associated with a much more expensive market.

There’s a choice of five engines; three petrol and two diesel. Power outputs range from 125PS to 190PS, with customers able to choose between two or four-wheel drive and manual or DSG transmissions.

All engines feature Stop-Start system, brake energy recovery and a powerful thermo-management system that contributes to low consumption.

The petrol line-up consists of two 1.4 TSI units, one with an output of 125PS and another with 150PS and ACT (Active Cylinder Technology). The former is available in two-wheel drive manual form only, while the 150PS version can be specified with a manual 4x4 transmission, two-wheel drive DSG and 4x4 DSG.

The range-topping 2.0 TSI petrol unit delivers 180PS and drives through a seven-speed DSG 4x4 transmission.

The diesel line-up features a pair of 2.0 TDI units with outputs of 150PS and 190PS. The 150PS version can be specified with a manual 4x4 transmission, two-wheel drive DSG and 4x4 DSG, while the 190PS unit is fitted with a seven-speed DSG 4x4 transmission only.

The Kodiaq is available in 24 different variants from launch. The range comprises three familiar trims; S, SE and SE L along with a new Edition grade that celebrates the arrival of the brand’s first ever seven-seater SUV.

All models in the range are equipped with LED daytime running lights, alloy wheels, leather multifunction steering wheel and air-conditioning. Front Assist, DAB digital radio, touchscreen infotainment systems and SmartLink are also standard across the line-up.

On test was the SEL 1.4 TSi 150PS DSG with a top speed of 122mph, 0-62mph in 9.7sceonds, combined fuel figures of 44.8mpg and C02 emissions of 143g/km and a staggering amount of standard equipment for a car with a price tag of £28,650.

Standard equipment included 19inch alloys, seven airbags, Alacantra upholstery, black roof rails, boot net programme, care connect, chrome windo supports, 8inch touchscreen including all the technology that any man could possibly need, cornering LED front fog lights and drive mode selection.

There was an electrically operated boot, and door mirrors, LED lighting all-round, headlight washers, heated front seats, infotainment online, a neat leather multi-function steering wheel, keyless entry, rear parking sensors, sunset glass and tyre pressure monitoring.

Area View, which uses wide-angle surround-view cameras located around the car to create a virtual, top-down view and 180-degree images to the front and rear, metallic paint, space saver spare wheel and a floor mat set added nearly £4,00 to the overall price of the test car but at £32,435 it is still a better option than many in the sector.

The Kodiaq is a genuine seven-seater providing the rear seat passengers are either midgets or children. The sliding centre row of seats make it easier to adapt and the seat splitting arrangements allow you to make use of every inch of space. You won’t carry much luggage with all the seats in use though.

But it’s the quality inside the cab that makes the Kodiaq stand out from the crowd, clearly benefitting from the hand-me-downs from cousins in the VW family. And the driver is soon made to feel at home with plenty of seat and steering wheel column adjustment available to find the correct position.

There’s some tough opposition nuts to crack out there from the likes of Kia, Hyundai, Nissan and even Land Rover but the new Kodiaq sits right up there as a main contender in the sector.