By Maggie Barry on 2019-01-26 - Experienced car journalist.
Skoda Kodiaq
SportLine
SKODA'S SUV offensive continues with the layering of its SportLine finish onto the top of the range Kodiaq SUV.
It was only recently the company unveiled its rootin' tootin' Kodiaq vRS at the Paris Motor Show, an SUV with a 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel engine delivering 237hp, a top speed of 137mph and completing the0-62mph sprint in just seven seconds.
But while we may marvel at a seven seater SUV with those vital statistics, many of us actually just need something practical - although we wouldn't mind at all if it looked a bit more dynamic.
Enter the SportLine, the trim that puts the dash in dashing and looks suitably impressive on the Kodiaq.
It adds neat little black touches to the exterior like the bold roof rails, the window trims, the door mirrors and the new 3D grille.
The front bumper is deeper with a sport bumper at the rear and the whole lot sits on big 20-inch Vega Anthracite alloy wheels.
There are also SportLine logos on the sills and the car so that everyone knows how special you are - less yummy mummy than evil mama.
Inside the Kodiaq SportLine gets Alcantara sports seats, a leather trimmed steering wheel and gear knob and there are aluminium sports pedals. A carbon fibre-type finish stretches across the dash which houses the large 9.2-inch colour touchscreen.
Skoda has always been renowned for the space in its cars and the Kodiaq SportLine is no different.
There are three rows of seats with the rear seats folding down for extra space, the middle row does that 60/40 split which is handy for lugging stuff if it's long, and if you need the middle row seats for passengers then they have an 18cm(7-ins) slide on them.
I drove the 2.0-litre TDI diesel with the automatic gearbox and all-wheel drive in the most powerful engine tune with 190ps. There are other options in the SportLine trim however, like the 1.4-litre petrol and all models come with all wheel drive.
The big diesel engine was more than capable of hauling this big car along but what was surprising - in a good way - was just how quiet it was, remarkably so.
All SportLine models also come with a Drive mode selection so that you can choose Comfort, Normal or Sport depending on the terrain, your mood or your company.
The SportLine sits in just below the range topping Edition trim but is generously packed with tech like wi-fi and an electronically operated boot.
Rear parking sensors, cornering LED foglights, front assist, a multi collision brake, cruise control and many more systems and features all add to the useability of this ca which surprisingly sits well under the £40,000 mark.
And of course being a Skoda it comes with a host of ‘Simply Clever' extras. These are the odd little presents Skoda stash in the car for that moment you remember you've forgotten your umbrella - and find one in the door, or need a light and discover a torch in the boot.
Skoda Kodiaq SportLine
Price: £37,590
Mechanical: 190ps, 1,998cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving four wheels via automatic gearbox
Max Speed: 129mph
0-62mph: 8.8 seconds
Combined MPG: 49.6
Insurance Group: 23
C02 emissions: 152g/km
Bik rating: 34%
Warranty: 3yrs/60,000 miles
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