Skoda Kodiaq VS Mazda CX-8

The space inside the Kodiaq feels enormous no matter which seat you’re in, with a tall roof and plenty of width. Up front, there’s a commanding view of the road, while adjustability for the seats seems extensive (although we only tested a high-spec car with electrically adjustable seats).

The new screens offer sharp software which is much better laid out than before. This makes it relatively easy to find all the functions of the car, although the resolution is so high some shortcuts can be a little hard to jab at.

The real win here is the new set of three rotary dials set below the screen in place of the touch-based sliders in other VW Group products. The two outside dials control the temperature of the climate zone, or it can cycle through the heating and ventilation for the outside seats. The centre dial controls fan speed, drive mode, or volume. It’s even customisable so you can remove functions you don’t want if you’re tired of having to press it a few times to get the function you want.

There’s no shortage of storage up front including large door pockets, cupholders in the centre console, and a massive rubberised tray for the wireless charger which disappears below the rotary dials up front.

The centre console is now enormous and features a set of floating trays that can be removed. These feature conveniently-sized brackets for quick access to keys or wallets, and included here is a little suede-style cleaning block for the touchscreen. It’s part of Skoda’s signature ‘simply clever’ features and I must say I’ve never seen it before, so props to the brand for including something new.

The rear seat is, of course, enormous, offering me plenty of room at 182cm tall behind my own driving position. Unfortunately, this car’s platform requires a significant raise in the floor below the centre seat position, which eats into legroom for centre passengers.

Back here, there’s also plenty of amenities. In the car we tested, which is reflective of what high-spec cars in Australia will be equipped with, there's a rear climate zone (rare for the segment) with an independent controller, adjustable air vents, USB-C ports, and even built-in sunshades and heated outboard seats.

Unfortunately I couldn't test the third row in our brief time with the car, although the second row is on rails, so the amount of room on offer isn’t fixed at any rate. Check back for our Australian launch review for a better analysis of the third row.

With the third row seats folded the boot offers an impressive 910 litres of space, or an ambitious 340L with the third row up. It also has its share of ‘clever’ touches, like velcro cargo dividers, an included cargo net (in addition to the sliding cover), and bag hooks on either side.

The CX-8 is a very practical family hauler because there's ample room in all three rows. Yes, even adults will be able to squeeze into that third row without too many complaints!

All rows enjoy well-cushioned seats and up front they are electrically adjustable, but unfortunately, only the driver's side has lumbar support.

The middle row can slide forward manually or by using the electric button found on the side of the seats... but doing it yourself is way faster.

They do slide far enough forward that you won't embarrass yourself too much when you have to clamber into the third row. Where the seats have a 50/50 split-fold and manual adjustments (accessed via the boot).

In the first two rows there are lots of individual storage options but the front enjoys the most. The middle console is deep enough to be useful and I like the dual opening lid. Each row gets a couple of cupholders and drink bottle holders, too.

The charging options are great, with each row getting two USB-C ports and the front getting a wireless charging pad and 12-volt socket.

All of the controls and dials feel within easy reach and the 10.25-inch touchscreen multimedia system graphics are clear.

You can use it as a touchscreen or opt for the rotary dial but switching between the two was awkward for me. Especially, since the touchscreen function is disabled when you are using the wireless Apple CarPlay. This also has wired Android Auto, for those users. 

The amenities are practical throughout with a dark headliner, three-zone climate control and heated outboard seats and retractable sun-blinds in the middle row.

Good news for families because there are five top-tether points across the back rows and ISOFIX child seat mounts on the outboard seats in middle row, in case you need them.

You can fit a 0-4 rearward facing child seat and it shouldn’t impact on front passenger comfort. 

My six-year old found it super easy to get in and out of this car because of the 205mm ground clearance and wide door apertures. He enjoyed the high seating position, too, but was disappointed he couldn’t see out of the sunroof!

The boot space is a bit cramped with all three rows are in use at 209L but folding the third row opens up a more respectable 775L - perfect for the average family and its stuff!

The loading space is level, with the temporary spare tyre and clever storage compartments housed underneath. There is a retractable cargo blind and net, luggage anchor points and a 12-volt port, too. 

And, as always, I love a powered tailgate, which this has!