The Skoda Kodiaq SUV recently updated with petrol power is a very well packaged large seven-seater. With styling updates, it comes in three all-wheel-drive grades, Kodiaq Style, mid-spec Sportline and flagship RS, prices now starting from $52,990 drive-away. Skoda makes the point the Kodiaq is shorter to Hyundai’s Sante Fe, Kia’s Sorento and Mazda’s CX-8 and CX-9 yet has better front and middle seat legroom and headroom yet still with well sized boot space.

The Kodiaq the perfect family carrier with nine airbags, importantly the head airbags extending across the three rows of seats. I tested the top-spec 2.0-litre 180kW turbo seven-speed automatic RS on an extensive drive over Easter and managed 8.3L/100km with a fair amount of highway cruising. The RS at $74,990 drive-away best described as a very polished performance skewed luxury SUV with the lot.

What I really like about this model is the way its character changes in each of its six drive modes – one minute a very relaxed driver the next minute in sports mode a skyrocket with adaptive chassis control, progressive steering and changed exhaust tune. Fitted with 20-inch alloy wheels and quality 45 series Continental tyres the Kodiaq RS is stacked with innovative features – covered with a five-year unlimited kilometre warranty and sharply priced three and five year service packs.

I’m David Berthon.

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