Skoda Kodiaq

WARNING - Skoda have confirmed in a product bulletin (sourced from Ireland) that due to a technical issue the 150 bhp 4x4 manual 7 seat variant 2017/18 of the Kodiiaq has not received type approval for the fitting of a tow bar at all. It is therefore illegal to fit one.

If you've ordered one or intend buying one in order to tow .. you can't .. for now anyway.

Luckily I may have just dodged the bullet that Skoda have shot themselves in the foot with !

The lack of towing ability on some Kodiaq variants is being picked up by some motoring journalists.

http://www.practicalcaravan.com/blog/42444-the-hottest-new-tow-cars-of-2017#VZ9djv0EYUbHYErD.99

Škoda Kodiaq
Another big SUV, but a considerably more affordable one, the Škoda Kodiaq also has the makings of a very impressive tow car.

Unlike the Discovery, I've already driven the Kodiaq and wrote a review last year. I've towed with it, too, although reversing a trailer in a hotel car park doesn't qualify me to say how well the Kodiaq will pull a caravan. But the early signs are mostly very positive.

The 2.0-litre diesel models – in particular the range-topping 187bhp version – have enough muscle for towing duties. And the Kodiaq's controlled and composed ride quality ought to deliver good stability while towing.

Five- and seven-seat versions of the Škoda Kodiaq will be available, although not with all engine and gearbox combinations. The most powerful models are seven-seat only in the UK.

Frustratingly, this means reduced towing limits (down from 2500kg to 2000kg) and a lower maximum noseweight (dropping from 100kg to 80kg) for the 187bhp diesel compared with the five-seat version sold in other markets.

And, oddly, the 2.0 TDI 150PS manual seven-seater isn't homologated for towing at all. At first I thought this must have been an error in the data given to journalists, but Škoda tells me that most customers prefer to tow with the DSG auto.

Prices start from £21,495, rising to £34,895. Order books are open, with the first cars set to arrive in the UK in April.

OP they are certainly here now, because I was invited in to try one. As I said on another thread, it was quite the best new car I have driven/tried in quite a while.  Big range of standard equipment, lots of space and a very hearty engine (Diesel) in the one I tried. - The 187 version.

Uniquely in my experience of demonstrator vehicles,  it had a tow bar fitted, a concealed one that sprung out electrically once a button was pressed in the big boot area. sadly not expecting the tow bar to be fitted I didn't have my caravan with me when i tried it but the dealer was very happy to accommodate me at a time in the future.

They claimed that the Kodiaq is the Car of the year!  Not sure how true that is, but from my experience that did not surprise me one bit.

As I said the best and least expensive car I have tried in a very long time!

TF

KESSY = Key-less entry and start system

I didn't know what that meant

The new Kodiaq Spec & Price List confirms that certain variants ( 7 seat manuals ) are not homologated for towing .. i.e. can never have a tow bar fitted. This is unbelievable for a new flagship large SUV..

Buyer beware .. 

Sadly I cannot have one.  The breed is so successful that delivery of the one that I want, the most powerful petrol version in the top spec is now out to 18 weeks, I.e delivery in September with the estimate of my big Diesel at an unacceptable price, I will not consider ordering one!

Indeed I'm going to stick with my big diesel, - perhaps even a bigger one!  What the hell, if they are going to make it so hard, I might as well enjoy myself!

TF

OK, Cut to the chase!  If someone in Gov't will tell me with some authority that i can buy a Euro 6 compliant Skoda Kodiaq running on very low emissions adblue I will order one. But it will be my last car, and I want some certainty!

TF 

It seems that Skoda have made a very sensible move and are now offering a 5 seater option in the higher speced SEL and Edition variants.

This should mean that max towing limits increased to 2300kg and a 100kg nose weight, on these 5 seaters.

Now the Kodiaq 2.0 tdi 190bhp 4x4 DSG with 5 seats could be  a very decent tow car.

Re Euro 6 I thought all new cars had to be Euro 6 compliant?  Whether or not they use adblue to achieve this  

Quite a lot of information and and advice here Skoda forum-kodiaq-owners/

I've just got a 190 Superb estate.  Not our tow car but fitted with the tow ball. Solo Engine seems powerful enough to keep up with the flow of traffic, Fit and finish seems very good.  The technology contained within it is amazing this car almost drives itself.  First car I have had with Adaptive cruise control, seems a great safety feature. I know that the Kodiak manual doesn't seem to be homolagated for towing, but rational sane person would want to tow with a manual car anyway?