We were asked “Why the Skoda Kodiaq is the best car for towing” and the answer is very simple! It’s because The Skoda Kodiaq was recently made overall winner of the 2018 Tow Car of the Year Award by Carbuyer. A resounding victory for the Kodiaq, with a towing capacity of up to 2,000kg, proving just how superb the four-wheel drive SUV is at towing a large family caravan, a motorboat or even another car on a trailer safely and smoothly across the country. But should we take the word of Carbuyer as gospel?
Who is Carbuyer?
Yes, we should! Carbuyer is one of the most influential car review websites in the UK and help many car buyers make an informed decision when deciding what to buy when looking for a new car. It is claimed that more than 1.9m people visit Carbuyer.co.uk every month and Carbuyer provides trusted car reviews from experts and owners alike with comparisons and buying guides. The advice is practical and free from confusing jargon because the testers' expertise is backed up with technical data and designed “to replicate real life, not prove how fast we can drive around a test track”!
The 2018 Tow Car of the Year Award
The full review of the Skoda Kodiaq on Carbuyer can be Read Here, but we have edited the most important parts that we think best answers the question above, and more importantly why you should contact Sinclair Skoda and take a test drive to find out for yourself!
The Skoda Kodiaq
The Skoda Kodiaq is regarded by the motor industry as a large SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle), the sector that is perfect for towing vehicles due to their size, weight and versatility. Available with either five or seven seats the Kodiaq competes with cars like the Peugeot 5008, Nissan X-Trail, Kia Sorento, Land Rover Discovery Sport and the Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace.
Carbuyer says “While the Peugeot 5008 runs it close, the Kodiaq has a price advantage where the competition is concerned, particularly given its seven-seat status. True, you’ll need to sidestep entry-level S trim if you want this, but even with the seven-seat upgrade taken into account, the Kodiaq remains a seven-seater SUV you can have on your driveway for as little as £25,000”.
They also go on to say “It’s more than just a value proposition, though. The Kodiaq is actually rather involving to drive, for instance, with accurate steering, a decent gearbox and well-judged suspension. For keen drivers, it’s a sharper choice than the Peugeot 5008 or Nissan X-Trail, as long as you avoid the Sportline version, with huge 20-inch wheels that spoil its ride. It also has a loftier driving position than many SUVs, which has you sitting in a pleasingly upright manner and with a good view out”.
Build quality by Skoda is strong and the overall impression is of a well-engineered vehicle. Interior space in the first two rows is excellent, and while the rear two seats are more suited to children they’re a useful addition. The Kodiaq also has cavernous load space with the rear seats folded and so is an excellent choice for families.
Engine & Transmission Options
The Kodiaq has a choice of engines starting with a 123bhp 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine, though this is probably not suitable for towing, and a 148bhp version which officially returns around 44mpg which is a better choice. Other options include a 178bhp 2.0-litre petrol, which is thirstier and more expensive, while the 148bhp 2.0-litre diesel is a great choice thanks to its 56.5mpg. Top of the range is a 187bhp 2.0-litre diesel.
Four-wheel drive is optional with the 148bhp petrol engine and is standard with the more powerful petrol and diesel engines. A six-speed manual gearbox is standard with a six or seven-speed dual-clutch automatic offered across most of the range.
Kodiaq Trim Levels
There are five trim levels, starting with S with 17-inch alloy wheels, a 6.5-inch infotainment touchscreen and LED running lights, but is only available with the 1.4-litre 123bhp TSI petrol engine. The SE option includes an eight-inch touchscreen, parking sensors, a rear armrest plus cruise control, a great asset when towing, and is available with seven seats as a £1,000 upgrade.
The Sportline model has a sporty styling pack and some motorsport-inspired interior touches, while the Scout comes with a rough-road package and standard four-wheel drive for all-terrain driving. You can however specify aspects of the Scout package separately which may work out better value. The Edition model is the top of the range and enjoys leather upholstery, seven seats and wireless phone charging.
Skoda’s position as an excellent value, family-friendly SUV is further endorsed by Euro NCAP when the Kodiaq received a five-star safety rating thanks to the protection it offers occupants. While the Kodiaq has not yet featured in the Driver Power owner satisfaction survey, the Skoda brand came an encouraging second place.
Carbuyer Ratings
- 4.5 / 5 MPG, running costs & CO2 - Smaller, cheaper SUVs and SUV crossovers may be more economical, but the Skoda Kodiaq is a true family wagon with affordable running costs
- 4.5 / 5 Engines, drive & performance - The Skoda Kodiaq feels supremely competent, solid and safe on the road
- 4.5 / 5 Interior & comfort - Excellent build quality, ergonomics and a well-judged dashboard design all feature in the Skoda Kodiaq
- 4.5 / 5 Practicality & boot space - Cars don’t get much more practical than the Skoda Kodiaq
- 4.5 / 5 Reliability & safety - The Skoda Kodiaq is built using proven mechanical parts and features autonomous emergency braking as standard
Contact Us
Sinclair ŠKODA is part of the largest and most successful motor group in Wales - one with a proud heritage of looking after motorists since 1945. For more information regarding the Skoda Kodiaq simply complete our Online Enquiry Form and a member of our team will soon be in touch.