We have a Kodiaq 2.0 TSI 190 Sport Line 4x4 5dr DSG with 7 seats. We are delighted with it, suits our lifestyle and needs and particularly its acceleration and pulling power. However 5 seats would do us.
We are looking to replace it but sadly Skoda are not producing a vRS or Sport Line version nor as indicated earlier this year a 2 litre petrol engine version. Sadly, this leaves us with either an SE L 2.0 TDI 193 PS 4x4 DSG or possibly the SEL 1.5 TSI iV 204 PS DSG, the latter being a PHEV of course.
The PHEV version is interesting, and we can read the specifications and options for each one or of course ask the dealer, but what we do not understand or get a feel for is how the long range, on-road performance of the PHEV version compares with what we already have or its diesel equivalent today, the alternative option now. To us, we understand that the combination of electric and 1.5l petrol can give 205bhp but what happens to performance over a journey of say 150 miles? Batteries only last a finite time. Can you expect the performance (grunt) we currently get or what is the compromise? We are struggling to get a feel for this especially as the car may be heavier with the batteries and comes with a 1.5l engine - not a 2.0l version.
Any feedback would be welcome or indeed of the PHEV version of other models. Hope this makes sense…..
 

5 hours ago, Practicaldriver said:

We are looking to replace it but sadly Skoda are not producing a vRS or Sport Line version nor as indicated earlier this year a 2 litre petrol engine version. Sadly, this leaves us with either an SE L 2.0 TDI 193 PS 4x4 DSG or possibly the SEL 1.5 TSI iV 204 PS DSG, the latter being a PHEV of course.

 

https://www.skoda-storyboard.com/en/skoda-model/new-kodiaq/new-kodiaq-sportline/

https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/skoda/kodiaq/361133/new-skoda-kodiaq-vrs-exclusive-image-2024-hot-suv

 

Just because they’re not available at launch, doesn’t mean they’re not coming…

Much of the early press releases and indeed reviews stated that a 2l petrol engine was an option but according to the dealer who has spoken to higher powers said that this is not going to happen. The cynic in me says that the dealer would say that to get a sale now but it is a question we will ask the dealer, what was his source of information? 

Anyhow, the original question still remains!

Firstly not clear to me if you love your current version, why you want to replace it instead of just giving it a very good service and overhaul of worn parts.

 

Regarding the PHEV, it charges in 2 ways, plugging it in, and regeneration by using the motor as an alternator when going downhill or braking.   So yes on a flat motorway where there is no traffic and speed can be constant will gradually lose battery, but very few places in UK where this applies.

 

Of course both the 4x4 system, and the PHEV are heavier than standard version (in deadweight terms like adding a few bags of cement and carrying them around), so need to decide what you actually want, is it a sports car performance or a large vehicle, or both.     
 

 

16 minutes ago, SurreyJohn said:

sports car performance

 

Trust me, you ain't getting that out of any Kodiaq, vRS included. Definitely more 'GT' than 'sports'.

 

18 minutes ago, SurreyJohn said:

on a flat motorway where there is no traffic and speed can be constant will gradually lose battery

 

My understanding is that PHEVs either run in electric-only mode (those that can), or the battery/motor(s) act as a 'top-up' to the combustion engine... therefore, on a flat motorway with a constant (low) load (even at high speed), the electric motor won't actually be doing anything... hence why PHEVs are actually poor for long journeys (especially in this country), because you're lugging the battery/motors around for little to no benefit most of the time. They shine when they can do an all-electric journey (round town), or when you need the combined power - towing, going up mountains, etc.

Thank you for responding. Sports car performance we don't need and the Kodiaq is not designed for this market.

Why change? Management likes to change her car every 3 years. Who am I to argue though I agree, we should wait. 26,000 miles on the clock is nothing.

Our thoughts are being clarified a little, thanks again.

There is definitely a Sportline version coming later this year. It’s on the Skoda global press release and my local dealer has been told it’s autumn orders for March deliveries. Having test driven the SE L I was really impressed but am going to wait for the Sportline and get the PHEV - for our use case it’s ideal. 

Guess what, Sportline version can now be ordered. Dealer wanted a quick sale rather than say this version will be available shortly.

So what did we go for?

2025 Skoda Kodiaq SportLine (7 Seat) 1.5 TSI e-TEC 150 PS in velvet red. Delivery in February.

Why? No justification for diesel, we only do 10,000 miles. Cost, about £4k less. No need for charging points. Avoids those big, heavy batteries. Performance no longer as important as it was. Besides, when do you need it with congestion and potholes. Insurance cheaper as is road tax I believe.

We like the improved interior but what is the "felt" covered bar for in the centre console? No gear stick confuses me and the additional stalks on the steering wheel will do me a confuse at my age.

Looking forward to receiving it!

10 hours ago, Practicaldriver said:

Insurance cheaper as is road tax I believe.

 

Nope. The first year might be different, but that's all rolled into the 'on the road' price anyway. From then on, it's a flat £190/year for petrol and diesel cars these days. Plus the 'luxury tax' of £410/year from years 2-6 as the list price was > £40k.

Luxury tax is obscene. You've already paid say 40% tax on income and then you pay more because you have worked harder to earn that money. Also the threshold is arbitrary. That's life I guess, no point fretting about it.

57 minutes ago, Practicaldriver said:

Also the threshold is arbitrary.

 

Indeed. It hasn't risen since implementation, and given the purpose of road tax, there is absolutely no logical reason to base any aspect of it on vehicle value anyway.

 

But... as you say, no point fretting - them's the rules.

I still think the iV makes sense, but only if you have the capability to charge at home overnight.

 

50-70 miles on electric only would likely see the petrol engine only being used on weekends.

On 03/10/2024 at 21:45, Practicaldriver said:

So what did we go for?

2025 Skoda Kodiaq SportLine (7 Seat) 1.5 TSI e-TEC 150 PS in velvet red. Delivery in February.

Why? No justification for diesel, we only do 10,000 miles. Cost, about £4k less. No need for charging points. Avoids those big, heavy batteries. Performance no longer as important as it was. Besides, when do you need it with congestion and potholes. Insurance cheaper as is road tax I believe.

We like the improved interior but what is the "felt" covered bar for in the centre console? No gear stick confuses me and the additional stalks on the steering wheel will do me a confuse at my age.

Looking forward to receiving it!

Handed over on 1 March 2025 and isn't it different from our old one! Love the colour. There was a problem connecting to Skoda's server, probably crashed due to all the new cars being registered that day, but by Sunday pm working OK. First impression is that it's slower as you would expect, noisier even but it is an impressive bit of kit  making the old car look dated. 

No regrets so far but early days....

On 03/03/2025 at 12:03, Practicaldriver said:

Handed over on 1 March 2025 and isn't it different from our old one! Love the colour. There was a problem connecting to Skoda's server, probably crashed due to all the new cars being registered that day, but by Sunday pm working OK. First impression is that it's slower as you would expect, noisier even but it is an impressive bit of kit  making the old car look dated. 

No regrets so far but early days....

I have a 1.5 e-tec after my last 2 being a 200tdi and a 190tsi.

I don't feel the 1.5 is in any meaningful way slower in everyday driving. It is however a little bit shouty if you make it work hard. Refined in everday tootling though.

Not once have I thought the 1.5 was underpowered despite lacking the extra power of the others. The dsg box compensates well.

There is no doubt that it is a little noisier than our previous model. This is particularly noticeable on automatic cruise control. When the car accelerates, engine noise is quite obvious but in manual control it is not too bad and the car keeps up well in busy traffic. Fuel economy is better and my car washer says it is easier to clean with fewer gaps and voids.

We do like it.

This thread is probably dormant now, but anyway…

I took delivery of Kodiaq PHEV in early April. I really wanted the 193bhp diesel, as my mileage is 30,000 plus a year. But, company car tax would have been obscene. So, I opted for the PHEV.

Overall, the car is brilliant and I have no big complaints, apart from the brakes being a bit spongy.

What has been a huge relief is the fuel economy, which I was worried about as I do a lot of motorway driving. Having had almost two months of driving, I’m averaging 88 mpg. I do charge the battery overnight (on a cheap rate of 7p per kw). I’m normally away for one night a week and don’t charge on those occasions (public chargers are a rip off). I also put it in hybrid and eco mode most of the time.

So, if you can charge at home, put it in eco and hybrid mode, then the PHEV is a suitable replacement for a diesel, even for high mileage drivers.

One niggle - it always defaults to electric and normal driving modes, and doesn’t remember your last driving modes. REALLY annoying. Maybe a software upgrade will change that……

As the original poster I will feed back our experience after 3 months use. A reminder, we went for a 2025 Skoda Kodiaq SportLine (7 Seat) 1.5 TSI e-TEC 150 PS.

On our holiday in Derbyshire we averaged 46mpg there and back. Slightly less up and down the dales. Handled the hills well but as expected, noisy when accelerating hard. Its length can cause issues and you are always thinking about scraping the tyres.

However, as a passenger I am starting to loath the thing. If we overlook the tendency to apply emergency brakes for no reason and potentially causing an accident, the speed camera announcements are intrusive though they can be turned off. Then the speed camera recognition accepts the green advisory speed limit and not the legal limit. Messages and warnings are based on the advisory limit. Then as a passenger you want to change some settings but you are not allowed to because it assumes you are the driver and shouldn't be distracted! The in house navigation system is an example. Android navigation is better in this respect! I am still not convinced about the speed control system which drives into corners too fast, the ride being uncomfortable. Could be the wife of course!

As a practical day to day runner, with 2 large dogs, we are delighted with it. As a passenger, well, I am not impressed.

On 03/10/2024 at 21:45, Practicaldriver said:

So what did we go for?

2025 Skoda Kodiaq SportLine (7 Seat) 1.5 TSI e-TEC 150 PS in velvet red. Delivery in February.

Why? No justification for diesel, we only do 10,000 miles. Cost, about £4k less. No need for charging points. Avoids those big, heavy batteries. Performance no longer as important as it was. Besides, when do you need it with congestion and potholes. Insurance cheaper as is road tax I believe.

We like the improved interior but what is the "felt" covered bar for in the centre console? No gear stick confuses me and the additional stalks on the steering wheel will do me a confuse at my age.

Looking forward to receiving it!

The felt bar is for cleaning the infotainment screen. I would never have guessed either, but my dealer knew..

As for the gear stick and additional stalks, they look complicated but you soon get used to them. The only thing I don’t like is the rear wiper switch position.