THE first seven-seater from Skoda, the Kodiaq is a very well-connected car.

In one way it has to be, being part of the Volkswagen Audi Group, but in another, its 2.0 TDI 4x4 Edition version features a raft of technology that is dedicated to keep you in touch and safe wherever you venture.

This wild blue yonder inspired SUV. has a specification over and above the SE L version including light assist with high beam control, wireless phone charging and phone box, blind spot detection, black leather upholstery and more.

At £35,360 this is premium quality motoring, something you would never have associated with the Skoda name prior to its takeover by VW Audi.

In a sector packed with quality competitors Skoda goes its own way to make its mark by literally loading this car with clever ideas such as umbrellas in the front doors and a removable LED flashlight in the boot.

There is also a holder on the side of the windscreen to secure car parking tickets to and a rear-folding armrest that also incorporates a holder for two half-litre bottles. There are also pre-loaded springs to prevent the edges of the doors from scraping a wall or other vehicles.

Out of a choice of five power units the 2.0-litre TDI 190ps is a classic mix of power and economy giving a 129mph maximum speed, 0-62mph sprint of 9.1 seconds and a combined mpg figure of 49.6mpg.

Add this to a DSG seven-speed automatic transmission and 4x4 capability and you have a very advanced SUV.

The Kodiaq is the company's SUV equivalent of the Superb with the trims being somewhat similar and there is a wide model choice of two and four-wheel drive options with various petrol and diesel power options.

But the Edition is the model for those who want the lot and it certainly delivers with a massive standard specification list including a Columbus sat nav system including an eight-inch touchscreen, DAB, Smartlink, USB and two SD card readers, tyre pressure monitors and much more.

You can make it even more special by paying extra for a panoramic sunroof or a CANTON sound system. But straight from the showroom, the Edition just has the power to impress.

This is a high-riding rugged 4x4 SUV, yet the sophisticated way it handles corners at speed and the exceptional road feel through the steering suggests that you are driving a premium saloon.