Skoda Kodiaq News

How confidently can you drive on hardened snow, or in icy conditions? And what about electric vehicles (EVs)? Are they better or worse? The answers very much depend on the model of vehicle in question, as well as the level of advanced driver assistance technologies (ADAS) fitted. That’s because modern vehicles are immeasurably better at steering and braking control on very low grip surfaces, and are able to react far quicker than a human ever can. A high-grip or sticky road (usually dry and warm) has a high mu (denoted by the Greek letter m), while low mu represents a low-grip, low-friction surface like ice, snow or on a wet steel plate. Before the advent of safety aids like traction control, electronic stability control (ESC), anti-lock brakes, ADAS and all-wheel drive (AWD), vehicles in low mu situations required exceptional driving skills just to keep it from veering off uncontrollably into the scenery. Basically, the driver would often become the passenger. Now, in concert with advances in tyres and chassis engineering tuning, an electronic driving mode can be chosen according to the prevailing environment and conditions, for far-safer travel. It’s all the difference between progress and ploughing into something. Just as importantly, there are degrees of electronic intervention to allow for a variety of different ways to travel over low-mu surfaces, according to the level of driver skill. Here’s where Skoda steps into the picture. To demonstrate just how far modern vehicles have come, the Volkswagen Group brand organised a demonstration for a small number of Australian motoring media on a special closed circuit on an ice field in New Zealand. To keep it interesting, both vehicle types were performance-orientated grades of popular family-sized AWD SUVs that people might reasonably be expected to drive up to snowy regions during a ski season. Or navigate an ice-storm in on a freezing night on the other side of the globe. You never know. In this case, they were the 2026 Skoda Kodiaq RS 4x4 from $70,590 (all prices are before on-road costs) and a 2026 Skoda Enyaq RS 4x4 from $76,590 – with the latter being the go-faster EV version that is also known as the vRS in other markets. They wore winter tyres, a common addition in Europe, North America and other cold-climate regions, but not so in Australia due to our temperate climate. Several revealing demonstrations were prepared, and all on ice that looked like soft snow due to flurries but, in reality, revealed a mu surface as slippery as you’ll ever likely to experience out in the real world. Here we were shown the most basic level of ice-driving car control: attempting a low-speed cornering manoeuvre, without spearing off into a snowbank, and with limited ESC intervention. This introduced us to the three basic rules we would always have to adhere to: easing in intricate steering inputs, precise throttle control and very gentle tapping of the brake pedal, to allow momentum and the laws of physics to take the vehicle through the turn. Super difficult to achieve at first, and barely at walking pace initially, the speed was increased slowly over repeated exercises, until the balance and behaviour of driver and vehicle were in unison with the road and environmental conditions being negotiated. During these, we learned to importance of understanding and controlling ice-driving understeer (where the vehicle’s front wheels lose grip and then ploughs ahead whilst cornering regardless of steering angle) and ice-driving oversteer (where the rear wheels lose grip and the vehicle’s tail slides out to eventually spin out of control). After that, there was more of the same, but this time with a series of road twists and sharp turns combined with long straight pathways, with the goal of inducing controllable oversteer where possible in order to achieve the smoothest and cleanest route through a particular driving course. Note that understeer in such conditions is never desirable as it impedes progress. Sounds fun, is cool, but not as easy as the professionals on hand make it look. Especially at higher speeds Here’s the exception to the general rule of gently-gently car control. Sat in the Enyaq RS with nothing but icy snow behind, we were instructed to straighten the wheel, select reverse and floor the throttle, before tugging the wheel left or right once reaching 60km/h, then tapping the brake as the vehicle spins around 180 degrees backwards and slows to a momentary halt, before selecting drive and powering forward. The aim here is for a seamless transition turning the car from reverse to forward in a rapid getaway situation, as per every action movie involving a heist of some sort ever made. This was the highlight of the day. After countless exercises learning to control a vehicle better on ice than we ever thought possible thanks to the advances in electronic technologies like ADAS, we were driven to another location with two Skodas with all electronic systems switched off and instructed to temporarily forget about everything we had learned that day about smart, safe yet speedy ice driving. No ESC. No traction. No ADAS. And no safety net. Instead, we were told to drive around a point in the centre of a large field, but in a constant oversteer motion where the rear was sliding out to help pivot the vehicle around. In other words, we were told to drift our hearts out! With a cool and collected professional our only safety net in the seat next to us, the only instruction was full throttle and eyes fixed on the centre point. Doing that, with foot planted firmly down on the accelerator, resulted in a long, continuous circular drifting, yet within a chosen path and without losing control. This was the culmination of very particular steering and throttle inputs, designed to create spectacular drifting manoeuvres. Since these instructions require to do the very opposite of the extremely precise steering and throttle inputs that are the core of safe modern-vehicle ice-driving techniques, we do not recommend you try this on public roads. But, in the off-chance you have a private circuit away from danger for you or any other road user, it might be the most fun you’ll ever have on ice. And the Skodas behaved exactly as instructed, without missing a beat.

There are some sharply priced new car deals available for Aussie buyers at the moment. Brands including Chery, Geely and GWM are putting forward some strong deals. Here are a few of the best ones going around. GWM has discounted some of its most popular models in Australia until October 31, 2026 as part of its 18-year celebrations.  The Haval Jolion's Premium grade starts from $23,990, down from $26,990 on drive-away pricing. The small SUV has consistently been one of the best-selling cars in Australia in 2026.  GWM has discounted its H6 mid-size SUV range. The petrol Lux grade is available from $33,990 (a $2000 price cut), while the Lux hybrid starts from $37,990 ($3000 cheaper). The Haval H6 GT is now $2000 cheaper, starting from $44,490, drive-away, while the Cannon Alpha diesel ute Ultra grade is available from $54,990 - a $4000 discount.  Geely is offering six per cent off cars purchased through approved novated lease arrangements until October 31, 2026.  This is available on its electric EX2 hatchback and EX5 mid-size SUV, as well as the Starray EM-i plug-in hybrid SUV.  The six per cent discount is applied to the vehicle price, meaning buyers must still pay for on-road costs and other applicable charges.  Applying the discount, the EX2 is available from $24,900, the EX5 $39,470 and the Starray $35,240, all before on-road costs.  Chery is offering several deals on its popular SUV range.  The brand is selling its hugely popular Tiggo 4 small SUV with a $1500 bonus fuel card until October 31, 2026. The car is available from $23,990 (drive-away).  Tiggo 4 hybrid variants are now available with $2000 cashback until October 31, 2026, reducing its starting price to $27,990 (drive-away).  Chery is offering its Tiggo 7 ($29,990) petrol and plug-in hybrid ($39,990) mid-size SUVs with a $2000 fuel card, as well as its Tiggo 8 ($41,990) petrol until October 31, 2026, both drive-away.  The Tiggo 8 ($45,990) and Tiggo 9 ($52,990) PHEVs are available with a $3000 cashback deal, equating to a discounted price of $42,990 and $49,990, drive-away, respectively. The Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class is available with substantial discounts.  The GLC 200 Special Edition is priced from $65,490 (drive-away) as the cheapest GLC model in the line-up.  The regular GLC 200 now starts from $79,990 (drive-away) compared to its original $89,000 before on-road costs pricing.  The plug-in hybrid GLC 350e is also available with a sharp deal from $98,990 (drive-away), contrasting its $99,900 (before on-road costs) retail price.  These offers run until November 30, 2026 and the car must be delivered by December 31, 2026.  Mercedes-Benz has also discounted the EQA 250+ electric SUV that is available from $65,490 (drive-away) until December 31, 2026.  Skoda is offering its Kodiaq mild hybrid large SUV from $49,990 (drive-away), essentially representing free on-road costs, with this deal matching the car's retail price.  Buyers should note the Kodiaq is not powered by a conventional hybrid set-up, rather it has a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine powering the wheels and a 48-volt battery.  The deal runs until December 31, 2026. 

Plug-in hybrids are here to stay.  That’s the opinion of Skoda Australia director Lucie Kuhn, who believes that while plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) may be a so-called ‘bridging technology’ towards fully-electric cars, the ‘bridge’ could last at least a decade. PHEV sales have risen sharply in recent years, making a comeback after many brands that previously offered the technology abandoned it in favour of a focus on fully-electric vehicles (EVs). But PHEVs, which use an internal combustion engine to support an electric powertrain, have been given a second chance thanks to longer electric-only driving range and a push from Chinese brands, such as BYD and Chery, that have made them more affordable. Under Kuhn’s leadership, Skoda Australia has introduced the Kodiaq PHEV with plans for the Superb PHEV wagon to follow soon. She believes this is the right time to introduce PHEV options, primarily because of the slow uptake of EVs in Australia. “Yes, I think so, and we actually had this observation also from Europe, where time has shown that the transformation hasn’t proceeded as fast as we all expected. And it's actually the same situation we observe here also in Australia,” Kuhn said. “Especially in a country with some relatively high geographical distances, I think we still will have a relatively big portion of customers still not being fully ready to go on their fully electric journey and rather go for some interim solution, a kind of solution that provides them a confidence that they can drive the car on a daily basis, on an electric mode, and when they go a little bit more further for some holidays or longer trips, then they can simply switch on the combustion engine and keep going.” Skoda has managed to, unintentionally, coincide the launch of the Kodiaq PHEV perfectly with a sudden spike in fuel prices, further enhancing the appeal of the large SUV that can drive up to 110km on battery and return a claimed fuel economy of just 1.9L/100km. But Kuhn still believes there is a barrier for buyers to overcome with EVs, and the introduction of more PHEVs will help bridge the gap between pure internal combustion engine options and the electric future. Exactly how long the bridge will be is unclear, but Kuhn is confident it won’t be a short-term solution. Instead she said it could last a decade or longer, assuming the Federal Government remains supportive of the technology. “ I think it's first a mental barrier, to overcome this and change this way of thinking and go fully electric. But it might also be driven legally. So the legislation is also something what will decide finally if the PHEV will be a long term technology,” Kuhn said. “Right now we consider it as a bridging technology, but we are speaking a long bridge, like 10 years at least. This is how long it will be minimally. But of course if at some point the government says I don't know, like Europe said, from 2035, no more combustion engines at all, or actually nothing that produces some pollution, then of course it's logically the end of the PHEV technology as well. But currently we don't have this, let's say, kind of global statement, it's currently only in Europe, but also Europe might reconsider, this kind of decision and maybe even bring it a little bit more forward there. The time will show, but the bridge in Australia is really long, at least 10 years.” Currently PHEV models generate credits for car makers under the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard and will continue to do so for another five years. Whether the government chooses to extend that stance will ultimately determine the viability of PHEVs in the Australian market.

Skoda's Kodiaq mild hybrid large SUV has just been priced ahead of its launch in Australia next month.  It will start from $49,990 (drive-away) for the five-seater variant and $51,990 (drive-away) for the seven-seater.  The mild-hybrid version is also now the cheapest Kodiaq on sale, coming in less than the petrol variant, making it the new entry-level to the range.  It comes in cheaper than many of its key rivals, including the popular Toyota Kluger, which is hybrid-only, but unlike the Kodiaq hybrid comes as standard with all-wheel drive.  The Kodiaq hybrid is the only variant of the range to not feature an all-wheel drive system, opting for a front-wheel drive set-up instead.  It is also cheaper than a comparative hybrid Hyundai Santa Fe or Kia Sorento, demonstrating its competitiveness as a semi-premium option in the segment. According to Skoda, the five-seat variant of the Kodiaq hybrid has up to 828 litres of luggage space. The mild-hybrid gets a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine and 48-volt electric set-up, which produces 110kW and 250Nm.  The 2.0-litre turbo-charged engine found in the non-hybrid version further up the range produces 150kW and 320Nm. Skoda’s Kodiaq upper mid-size SUV range has gone through a serious revamp recently, with the brand also adding a plug-in hybrid late last year.  The range-topping go-fast Kodiaq RS also recently had its price bumped up to take it beyond the $70K mark, now starting from $70,590, before on-road costs.    2026 Skoda Kodiaq hybrid pricing    2026 Skoda Kodiaq hybrid engine and efficiency   2026 Skoda Kodiaq hybrid standard features Other features include: Heated front seats Power adjustable driver’s seat with memory functionality Electric tailgate 45W fast wired phone charging Roll-up sunshades for rear side windows Rain-sensing wipers Satellite navigation Keyless entry and start Leather steering wheel   2026 Skoda Kodiaq hybrid safety The Skoda Kodiaq was awarded a five-star ANCAP safety rating.  Standard safety features:  9 airbags Front and rear parking sensors Lane keep assist Adaptive cruise control Rear-view camera Rear traffic alert Forward collision warning Traffic sign recognition   2026 Skoda Kodiaq hybrid dimensions   2026 Skoda Kodiaq hybrid warranty  The Skoda Kodiaq hybrid comes with a seven-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty. 

Large SUVs are the big, spacious heroes of suburbia, favoured by families with more than a couple of kids and picked for their adventurous and sporty looks when probably a people mover would do. Of course, there are the large SUVs that aren’t just tough looking but incredibly capable off-road, too.  Then there are those which are fully electric, and bring supercar acceleration to something that feels like the size of a small house. As part of our ongoing 2026 CarsGuide Car of the Year awards, here are our top 10 large SUV model ranges from the sub-$100K category in alphabetical order and why they made the cut. Our top three, including the category winner, will be announced February 6. Chinese carmaker Chery brought its flagship Tiggo 9 seven-seater SUV to Australia in late 2025 and in one grade only - the Ultimate. CarsGuide reviewers found the Tiggo 9 to be outstanding value for money, but also standing out is its ‘Super Hybrid’ system which offers a large battery, fast charging and a long combined range with excellent fuel efficiency. Add to this a superbly comfortable ride and you can see why the Tiggo 9 has made our shortlist.   Hyundai’s Santa Fe quickly became an Aussie family favourite after it was launched here 25 years ago. Loved for being spacious and affordable, this large SUV became safer, better to drive and more refined over the years until we come to today’s fifth-generation model, which is the best yet. The Santa Fe is a three-row large SUV available in both petrol and petrol-hybrid powertrains.  It has some fierce rivals in this large and affordable SUV segment, but CarsGuide reviewers loved the way it combines practicality and value for money with style and refinement that can withstand all the spills and rough treatment delivered by families.   So much kudos needs to go to Kia for launching its largest SUV ever - the EV9 - as an all-electric model only. A brave move that even made the EV9 unique in its segment as the first fully electric, seven-seat, upper-large SUV on the market. CarsGuide reviewers found the EV9 to be practical, superb to drive with outstanding levels of comfort and performance, and while it can be pricey there’s large fast charging batteries, with long ranges and vehicle-to-load power capability. Add to all this the futuristic chiselled looks and you have an SUV that’s bravely different, and beautifully fit for purpose. The Land Rover Defender is iconic. Famous for being the choice of transport for decades of hardcore adventurers to royalty and everyone in between, not many SUVs can combine prestige and off-road prowess like the Defender.  The new Defender is a far more luxurious affair than the early Land Rover Series 1 from the 1940s that started the whole off-road SUV thing, but the blocky looks are still reminiscent of its agricultural ancestor. CarsGuide reviewers found the Defender to be comfortable and great to drive, with excellent practicality but fuel consumption can be high and towing capacity less than rivals. Available in a short- and long-wheelbase, with a choice of powerplants from supercharged V8s to hybrids the Defender is an exceptional go-anywhere luxury SUV. The Polestar 4 is a prestige electric coupe-style SUV that arrived in Australia in 2024, causing chins to wag due to its complete lack of rear window, and a digital review mirror. The rear window controversy was good publicity for the brand which arrived in Australia in 2022 with its Polestar 2 sedan but had seemingly gone off the boil with the arrival of a multitude of new Chinese electric SUVs. At 4.84m end to end, the Polestar 4 is about a finger’s length longer than the Tesla Model Y, but more expensive and would see its rivals as Audi’s Q6 e-tron Sportback and BMW iX3.   CarsGuide reviewers found the Polestar 4 to have an impressive driving range, excellent performance, great styling… but that lack of back window and the digital rear view mirror, not so great.  The new-generation Skoda Kodiaq arrived in 2025, bigger and more refined than the previous version, even if the styling appeared to have barely changed.  CarsGuide reviewers found this seven-seater to be practical with excellent cabin storage and packed with loads of standard features, making the Kodiaq excellent value. Superb to drive with great handling and a comfortable ride, the Kodiaq is the alternative to more mainstream rivals such as the Mitsubishi Outlander or Toyota Kluger.   Toyota’s seven-seat large SUV has also been on the shopping list of Aussie families since 2003 and while there’s more rivals to pick from than 20 years ago, the Kluger remains popular. CarsGuide reviewers found the Kluger to be spacious, practical, effortless to drive and with a fuel efficient hybrid powertrain, it is also outstanding value for money and comes with low servicing costs and Toyota’s reputation of reliability. Aussie Klugers are made in right-hand drive at Toyota’s Indiana plant in the United States.   Toyota’s LandCruiser 300 Series is a legend in its own time, acclaimed worldwide as one of the most capable large off-roaders, that’s comfortable, and with an exceptional reputation for reliability. With rivals such as the Nissan Patrol and Land Rover Defender, CarsGuide reviewers found the LandCruiser 300 Series to not only be great off-road, but also have good on-road manners, too. Reviewers noted, however, the high price tag and the need for better off-road tyres. The new-gen Toyota LandCruiser Prado arrived in late 2024 amid high expectations given the popularity of the previous models The new Prado had a completely new retro cool look, but also a higher price tag.  Still CarsGuide reviewers found the Prado very effective off-road and a big improvement over the previous gen with an increased towing capacity of 3500kg. But CarsGuide reviewers also found the Prado to be underpowered and not as good value for money as a Ford Everest or Isuzu MU-X.    Volkswagen's Touareg is a large, luxurious SUV that’s closely related to Audi’s Q7 but without the higher price. While all Touareg’s are five-seaters only, CarsGuide reviewers found it to be practical, full of sophisticated tech and refined in design and quality. A plug-in hybrid in the sporty R grade is available but CarsGuide reviewers found energy consumption to be high and EV driving range to be low.

Skoda has given a hybrid twist to two of its leading models.

Europe's latest family hybrid has arrived.

Skoda's large SUV goes PHEV at a sharp price.

Chinese auto giant Chery may have kick-started the Chinese push into the Aussie new-car market, but in recent years a slew of other challengers from China have joined it. How’s this for a laundry list of newcomers within the last few years? BYD, Deepal, Foton, Geely, a ramped up GWM Haval, JAC, Jaecoo, LDV, Leapmotor, MG, Omoda, Smart, XPeng and Zeekr, with Aion, Avatr, GAC, Jetour, Lepas, Lynk & Co, Skywell and others waiting in the wings. Phew! Talk about an onslaught… and that’s not even taking into account other arrivals like Cupra from Spain, a reinvigorated Mahindra from India and a reborn Smart from Germany (via China). So, as an established competitor in this market do you adopt a siege mentality, pull the doona over your head and hope it all goes away or embrace the fluidity and look for opportunity in chaos? Clearly Skoda Australia Director Lucie Kuhn is an opportunity seeker because when recently asked about the dynamics of the current market, she told CarsGuide, “The Chinese will be with us. We can’t avoid it. “I think it is obvious that for every OEM in the Australian market right now the situation will be quite challenging.  “But it will be for everyone, it’s not only for Skoda. It will also be for the big players a challenge to face mainly an influx from China. “It’s a matter of how you take this topic. Do you perceive it as a threat or an opportunity?” she said. And Kuhn sees Skoda’s relatively small scale as a potential advantage. “When you operate in rather niche volumes the threat of getting somehow harmed is smaller than maybe for the brands that have really significant market share. “The Chinese will grow pretty strong and get their market share; this is obvious. The next three years will be intensive for everyone.”  And when asked if the brand’s ‘clever’ positioning still does enough to stand the Czech brand apart with so many new players coming in, her position is clear. “We believe so. I think in (the next three years) we have something to offer, to empower the brand, to increase the awareness, to offer this European value, consistency in products, safety, servicing, the customer experience that is around it.  “I am quite sure that we will keep going and growing our sales, as well,” she said. And with a recent product refresh up and down the local Skoda range her confidence appears to be well placed. New products coming into the local Skoda portfolio include the recently launched MY26 Kodiaq (now with a flagship RS version), updated Octavia RS, fourth-gen Superb and the just-arrived Elroq compact EV SUV arriving in tandem with the updated Enyaq medium EV SUV. And soon enough they will be joined by the city-sized Epiq EV SUV and a production version of the large three-row Vision 7S, both confirmed for Australian sale by 2027.

Skoda Australia has added the finishing touch to its new, second-generation Kodiaq line-up with confirmed pricing and specification for the RS performance flagship version of the large, seven-seat SUV.