I spoke earlier about the Skoda Kodiaq seven seat SUV – I drove the entry  2.0-litre 132kW seven-speed automatic Style model at $53,990 drive-away. A very well packaged and safe all-wheel-drive family SUV, highly equipped for the money but how does it drive. The four-cylinder turbo engine with a healthy 320Nm of torque offers a robust performance even with a full load on board. Quick off the mark especially when you move the gear selector to Sport mode. Consistent with the Volkswagen Group’s dual clutch transmissions there is some hesitancy when moving from rest but the transition between ratios is just so smooth.  And with nicely weighted steering, all-wheel drive and reassuring brakes the Skoda Kodiaq is a delight to drive, especially on the open road where its settles down nicely the result of a nice level of torque. In the recent rain its surefootedness with all-wheel drive made it a very satisfying driver. It does require more expensive 95 octane fuel but I achieved a reasonable 8.7L/100 with a combination of suburban and out of town driving. Warranty – all Skoda’s sold from September 1 gain a welcome 7-year /unlimited kilometre factory warranty. Kodiaq high points: engine performance, excellent interior functionality and instrumentation and a high level of spec. I’m David Berthon

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.