Skoda Kodiaq VS Renault Arkana
Skoda Kodiaq
Likes
- Practicality
- Value
- Safety
Dislikes
- Bit thirsty
- Could do with more oomph
- Patchy lane keeping
Renault Arkana
Likes
- Good looks
- Punchy engine
- Decent equipment list
Dislikes
- Glitchy transmission
- Firmish ride
- Not the cheapest
Summary
Skoda Kodiaq
Skoda’s Kodiaq is a relatively small fish in a large, seven-seat SUV pond. While apex predators like Toyota’s LandCruiser Prado and Ford’s Everest swallow huge chunks of category market share, it’s been lurking quietly in the shallow end.
But given it’s named after a hulking brown bear, with a particular taste for fresh fish, maybe its time has come to rise from the shallows and make a bigger impact with Aussie buyers.
That’s because after the best part of eight years in market here, the original Kodiaq has been replaced by a new, second-generation version.
Read more about
- Toyota Camry, Mazda6 and Honda Accord rival arrives with the final piece of Skoda's Octavia range falling into place
- New family performance car gets more for less: 2025 Skoda Octavia RS joins range to rival Hyundai i30 N, Volkswagen Golf GTI and Toyota GR Corolla with
- Why so many car brands lost sales in Australia during 2024 including Tesla, MG, Ram and Jeep
Skoda says it’s more space-efficient, with extra tech and spec, as well as better performance, improved fuel economy and more.
So, if you’re in the market for a sizeable, primo, three-row SUV with a unique Czech Republic twist, stay with us for CarsGuide’s Australian first drive review.
| Safety rating | |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | 2.0L |
| Fuel Type | 95 Ron Premium Unleaded |
| Fuel Efficiency | 9.2L/100km |
| Seating | 7 seats |
Renault Arkana
Renault’s Arkana coupe-style compact SUV has been hit with its first makeover, which ushers in a range of styling changes, increased equipment and new model grade names.
There are few cars like it in the compact SUV segment, where vehicles usually favour the boxier, traditional SUV wagon shape over the stylish but often internal space compromised coupe SUVs.
Renault Australia is only expecting about one per cent share of the segment or around 1500 sales a year.
Read more about
- $10,000 truth about electric cars: Tesla Model Y rivalling Renault Megane E-Tech's $10,000 price cut to be permanent
- 2025 Renault Koleos finally revealed! But what are the chances of this 'Grand' hybrid SUV coming to Australia to battle the Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5 and Nissan X-Trail?
- 2025 Renault Captur revealed, confirmed for Australian launch within a year to take on Mazda CX-3, Kia Stonic and VW T-Cross
But if you want to stand out from the crowd of Mazda CX-30, Mitsubishi ASX and Toyota Corolla Cross small SUVs then the Arkana might be for you.
| Safety rating | |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | 1.3L turbo |
| Fuel Type | — |
| Fuel Efficiency | 5.9L/100km |
| Seating | 5 seats |
Verdict
Skoda Kodiaq8/10
The new Skoda Kodiaq is an impressive, family friendly machine with a sharp design, loads of standard fruit, top-shelf safety and heaps of thoughtful touches throughout. It’s comfortable and refined, but thirsty relative to key competitors, and could do with a little more oomph, plus there are some niggles related to things like lane keeping refinement and the reversing camera. But there’s no doubt this so far low-key contender deserves a bigger share of the large, three-row SUV spotlight.
Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with travel, accommodation and meals provided.
Renault Arkana7.1/10
The Arkana is a stylish alternative in a sea of same-same compact SUVs. It's relatively well equipped and has some hidden gems in its ownership and running costs that elevate it above some of the competition.
It’s not a bad thing to steer, either, but the lurchy dual-clutch could be a deal breaker for some.
The sweet spot is the Techno, which misses out on the Esprit Alpine’s special touches but represents the most bang for your buck.
Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with meals provided.
Design
Skoda Kodiaq
The new Kodiaq’s overall proportions are similar to the out-going version, but it’s around 60mm longer, with a new headlight arrangement and octagonal grille treatment at the front.
Squared-off wheel arches are a design signature, as is the ‘dark chrome’ D-pillar with silver roof rails. The turret slopes markedly towards the rear, no doubt a contributor to the car’s slippery 0.28 drag coefficient.
At the rear, sharp C-shape LED tail-lights are split into three and the dark chrome finish is also applied to the Skoda logo type.
Aside from specific badges on the front guards, car-spotters looking out for the Sportline should tick off 20-inch rims and metallic black finish on the grille, wing mirrors, roof rails, D-pillar and diffuser as well as a horizontal light strip on the grille.
In classic Skoda fashion there are numerous thoughtful details that make life that little bit easier, including pop-out door protectors, bins in both front doors, an umbrella slotted into the driver’s door, and even a media screen wiping tool (dubbed ‘Dry display cleaner’) to keep the inevitable fingerprints under control.
The interior is dominated by a 13-inch multi-media screen and 10.25-inch ‘Virtual Cockpit’ instrument display with ventilated wireless charging pads for two phones on top of the broad centre console. And that console is broad because gear selection is via a stalk on the steering column rather than a traditional centre shifter.
But the standout feature is a trio of press and turn configurable ‘Smart Dials’ for heating and ventilation control.
The current function for each dial is shown on a digital display in its centre. Press the dial to select the chosen function and adjust by turning it. The middle dial can be customised to control up to four user-selected functions including audio volume, fan speed, air direction, map zoom and driving modes (on the Sportline).
The dials are chunky and easy to use. A super neat ergonomic master class.
Renault Arkana
This update isn’t a massive overhaul of the Arkana, rather its “refreshing and enhancing” what was already there according to Renault Australia.
And this remains true with the car’s styling. Not much has changed on the outside except for a few minor garnishes and flourishes, especially on the Esprit Alpine variant.
The coupe styling isn’t for everyone. It’s more popular in Europe than Australia but if you want to stand out from the crowd it’s a good place to start.
The Arkana has curves in all the right places and its little grille made up of little Renault badge diamonds is a welcome addition in a world of wide mouth front ends. The C-shaped LED headlights and a large Renault badge add a bit of pop to its look.
The pinched rear end has LED lighting that runs from the tail-lights to the centre badge and Arkana is spelled out in big, bold letters.
The Esprit Alpine stands out with gunmetal highlights on the front bumper and the front and rear skid plates in the same colour. It also adds a Esprit Alpine badge below the side mirror and front door sill plates.
The Esprit Alpine has 'Tricolour' stitching in red, white and blue on the door trim and steering wheel, which is complemented by blue contrast stitching on the gear shifter, seats and centre console.
Cabin quality is variable. There are some nice feeling materials used on the dash and on the door trims but below eye level there are lots of hard wearing plastics. A big slab of faux wood running along the dashboard doesn’t feel as high-quality as you would like. The quality drops a bit in the back row, which is where carmakers often try to cut costs.
Solid white is the only no cost paint colour, but it is not available on the Esprit Alpine. Metallic white, blue, black, grey and red cost $750.
Buyers can also option a black roof for a two-tone look for $600.
Practicality
Skoda Kodiaq
At 4758mm long the new Kodiaq is around 60mm longer overall than its predecessor, but the wheelbase (2791mm) has only grown by 1.0mm. Yet Skoda claims the interior, including the third row space, is more generous.
And that stacks up in the front which is roomy, functional and visually interesting with lots of room and plenty of storage. That includes big door bins, a box between the seats,with a padded, adjustable lid that doubles as a centre armrest, a lower (large) and upper (medium) glovebox, a hinged compartment near the base of the steering column, and multiple cupholders in the centre console.
Move to the second row and sitting behind the driver’s seat set to my 183cm position and there’s tons of leg and headroom, and enough shoulder room for three grown-ups to sit together with too much grumbling for medium-length journeys.
And Skoda’s helpful, common-sense approach is there in abundance with, for example, map pockets on the back of the front seats, which have a phone-sized slot stitched into them. -There are pull up shades for each window, big bins in the doors with plenty of room for bottles and more, a pull-down centre armrest with two cupholders, tablet holders in the back of the front headrests, adjustable climate controlled vents plus a ‘Jumbo Box’ on the floor for extra bottles and ‘stuff’ (removable if you need foot room for a centre passenger). Nice.
As for the more spacious third row, it’s still best to think of the two positions back there as occasional spots for up to mid-teenage kids. It’s too tight for adults on anything other than a painful and brief emergency trip.
That said, there’s oddments storage and a cupholder back there. But the second row seat doesn’t roll and fold for rear row access. It’s more a matter of slide (forward) and tilt (the backrest) to provide enough space to scramble in.
No power outlet back there, either, but there are three USB-Cs in the front (one near the rear view mirror for a dashcam), plus another two USB-Cs and a 12-volt socket in the centre row.
Boot capacity is generous and class competitive at 289 litres (VDA) with seven seats up, 749L with five seats up and a whopping 2035L with the second and third rows folded.
In the boot there are numerous thoughtful touches like extra storage wells, bag hooks, a 12-volt power outlet, a luggage net, and of course, the power tailgate.
There’s a space-saver spare under the boot floor, and you’ll be able to tow a 2.3-tonne braked trailer (750kg unbraked).
Renault Arkana
The Arkana isn’t a family SUV, but rather is pitched at younger couples and empty nesters.
Up front there is great forward vision with a higher seating position than hatchbacks and sedans. Electronically adjustable seats and a manually moveable steering wheel means there’s a good seating position for pretty much everyone.
The seats are comfy and the multimedia screen and climate controls are easy to reach. The centre console has a wireless device charger, two USB-A charging ports and a 12-volt socket to keep various devices juiced up.
Two cupholders take up most of the space with minimal storage space leftover. There are decent sized storage bins in the doors and a little net in the passenger seats footwell to stop small items rolling around.
Back seat passengers have their own air con vents and USB charging ports, which is a welcome addition.
In the rear pew is where the Arkana’s stylish coupe-like design dents its practicality. The sloping roof shrinks the windows and reduces headroom, which makes it feel a bit gloomy compared to more boxy-shaped SUVs that makes it no-no for smaller kids.
The boot is a decent size, but it’s longer and lower than other SUVs, which is the price you pay for looking good.
Price and features
Skoda Kodiaq
On the way to making an impact on the category big guns, Skoda will hope to steal sales from large SUV middle-order players like the Hyundai Santa Fe (from $53,000), Kia Sorento (from $50,680) and Mazda CX-80 (from $54,950).
Offered in three grades from launch, the Select kicks off the range at $54,990 before on-road costs, with new standard equipment highlights including 19-inch alloy wheels, heated seats, a 13-inch media display, nine-speaker audio, digital radio and metallic paint.
That comes on top of upgraded three-zone climate control, a power-adjustable front driver’s seat (with memory), leather trim, a power tailgate, keyless entry and start, a 10-inch digital instrument cluster, wired and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, privacy glass, rain-sensing wipers, LED head- and tail-lights, LED ambient lighting and heaps more.
The Sportline ($58,990 before on-roads) adds dynamic indicators, 20-inch rims, sports front seats, synthetic leather and synthetic suede trim (with grey contrast stitching), Sportline glossy black exterior elements, aluminium finish pedals and a heated steering wheel.
An optional $4000 Ultimate Package adds Dynamic Chassis Control (including adaptive dampers), Canton 12-speaker audio, a head-up display, heated rear seats, park assist, surround-view cameras, hands-free tailgate opening, progressive steering, hill-descent control and a power-adjustable front passenger seat.
Then an initial batch of 100 Launch Edition cars ($63,490, BOC) is based on the Select, adding power-adjustable and massaging front seats, a heated steering wheel and rear seats, Dynamic Chassis Control, auto parking, a surround camera view, matrix LED headlights, Canton audio, a head-up display and a panoramic glass sunroof.
Well and truly in the right price ballpark with an impressive standard features list at every level. It’s also worth noting a sporty 195kW Kodiaq RS will be arriving in September.
Renault Arkana
Initially Renault is launching with just two variants, the mid-tier Techno and top-spec Esprit Alpine, which replace the formerly named Intens and R.S. Line variants.
Despite the update, prices remain the same with the Techno starting at $41,000, before on-road costs, and the Esprit Alpine from $45,000.
An entry-level Evolution grade will arrive later to take the place of the old Zen variant. Expect it to be priced from $37,500.
The Arkana isn’t the cheapest compact SUV on sale with lower starting points for the Hyundai Kona, Kia Seltos and Mazda CX-30 ranges. It is cheaper than the hybrid-only Toyota C-HR and its French rival, the Peugeot 2008.
The two model grades are fairly well stacked with gear to justify the price, though.
Techno shoppers can expect 18-inch alloy wheels, which swell to 19-inche on the Esprit Alpine and all variants have LED head and tail-lights.
Step inside and the Techno grade has black leather and synthetic suede accented seats, which upgrade to more premium synthetic leather and suede upholstery with contrast blue stitching and Alpine badging in the top-spec grade.
The front seats are heated in both grades and the Esprit Alpine has a heated steering wheel, too.
On the tech front both variants have a 9.3-inch portrait-shaped multimedia display paired with a 10.25-inch digital driver display.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto wireless smartphone mirroring is standard.
The Esprit Alpine version ditches the six-speaker stereo in the Techno for a booming eight-speaker Bose system and it adds a sunroof.
Under the bonnet
Skoda Kodiaq
All new Kodiaq launch variants are powered by the same 140kW/320Nm ‘140TSI’ 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine driving all four wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch auto transmission and two coaxial (wet) multi-disc clutch packs.
It’s the same direct-injection unit used in numerous other Volkswagen Group products such as the Audi A4 and Q5.
Renault Arkana
The Arkana keeps the 1.3-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine from before. It makes 115kW and 262Nm and is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch auto that drives the front wheels.
That’s plenty of grunt for a car this size, but it’s let down by a glitchy transmission that hesitates a lot at lower speeds and doesn’t do its best work when asked to hustle, either.
Efficiency
Skoda Kodiaq
Skoda’s official fuel consumption figure for the Kodiaq 140TSI, on the combined (urban/extra-urban) cycle is 9.2L/100km, emitting 209g/km of CO2 in the process, which is a reminder we’re dealing with a roughly 1.8-tonne, three-row, seven-seat SUV powered by a 2.0-litre engine.
Minimum fuel requirement is 95 RON premium unleaded and with a 58-litre tank theoretical range is around 630km.
Start-stop is standard and on test over several hundred kilometres in the Select and Sportline, we saw an average of around 8.5L/100km, but that was majority highway and B-road running. Expect low 10s and above in the city. Not horrendous but not spectacular.
Renault Arkana
Efficiency is the name of the game with the Arkana’s little turbo engine. The French brand claims it drinks 5.9L/100km on the combined (urban/extra-urban) cycle but we averaged 7.5L/100km on our circa two-hour country road drive according to the trip computer.
The higher speed twisting and turning country roads we drove on aren’t conducive to low fuel use, though.
It has a 50-litre fuel tank and only requires cheaper 91 RON petrol, which is rare for little turbo engines that usually have premium tastes.
Driving
Skoda Kodiaq
Skoda claims the Kodiaq will accelerate from 0-100km/h in 7.9 seconds and while there’s enough power for overtaking and easy cruising, it’s no powerhouse.
Peak power of 140kW arrived high up in the rev range (4200–6500rpm) but maximum pulling power (320Nm) sits in a broad band from 1400–4100rpm, which is just where you want it around town and on the highway.
The seven-speed dual clutch auto delivers quick, smooth shifts and steering wheel paddles (standard on the Sportline) add extra involvement if you want or need to shift ratios yourself.
Suspension is by MacPherson-type struts at the front and multi-links at the rear, and ride comfort is good, with B-road imperfections and high-frequency bumps not upsetting the car unduly.
The combination of the Select’s 19-inch rims, shod with 235/50 Hankook Ventus S1 evo rubber, is comfy, although the Sportline on 20-inch alloys, wearing 235/45 Hankook Ventus evo SUV tyres, is much the same.
We drove a Sportline fitted with Dynamic Chassis Control (as part of the optional Ultimate Package) and in ‘Comfort’ the adaptive damping set-up is overly soft, to the point where the car lopes and feels floaty over undulating sections.
Switch to ‘Sport’ and it’s too firm on anything other than a billiard table smooth surface. Surprise, surprise, ‘Normal’ is the just-right Goldilocks setting.
Pushing a little harder through some back road corners, the AWD system with automatic torque distribution does its thing seamlessly, while the electrically assisted rack and pinion steering is nicely weighted and accurate with good feel.
What doesn’t always feel so good is the lane-keeping assist system making abrupt, intrusive corrections. Not all the time, but often enough to furrow your brow.
Braking is by discs all around, ventilated and clamped by dual-piston callipers at the front, and solid with single-piston sliding callipers at the rear. They proved progressive and strong over several hundred kilometres on the launch drive program.
Under the heading of miscellaneous observations, this car’s ergonomics are top-notch. All buttons, switches and controls are intuitive and easy to use.
The twisting column-mounted gear shift stalk, an increasingly popular placement, takes a bit of getting used to, but once you’re familiar it’s great.
A 12.0m turning circle is sizeable, even for a car of this size, and we noticed a distorted view from the reversing camera, especially when manoeuvring close to other cars.
The Kodiaq is impressively refined and quiet in terms of engine, tyre and wind noise.
The standard ‘Comfort’ seats are great, as are the Sportline’s grippier sports seats (and they’re still easy to get in and out of), while soft-touch materials around the dash and doors enhances the cabin’s premium feel.
Renault Arkana
The Arkana is a bit of a mixed bag on the road. Its engine is a nice little unit but the dual-clutch auto deflates the drive experience.
At lower speeds it hesitates and then gives too much oomph all at once, which can result in some wheel spin. It means you need to be mindful at T-intersections and when turning across traffic and feather the pedals.
This is a symptom of most dual-clutch autos but the Arkana’s is less sophisticated than say ones fitted to Volkswagens, and the Arkana doesn’t have the meaty power and torque bands of performance cars. A conventional torque converter auto would suit it better.
The Arkana does some of its best work at higher speeds, where the dual-clutch is more decisive and it's an admirable highway cruiser.
It isn’t a bad operator through the bends where it exerts excellent body control to minimise rolling. This is complemented by nice steering that is well weighted and accurate. Pedal feel is excellent with no woody or doughy feel to them.
The suspension is on the firmer side and you’ll feel some harsh bumps, especially over consistent smaller ones that it will crash over.
Its rear torsion beam suspension set-up is less sophisticated than the multilink arrangements found in an increasing number of competitors in the segment.
Road noise is noticeable at higher speeds. There's a fair bit of wind noise, too, but it was an especially windy day on our test drive.
The Arkana isn’t a sports car but is a stylish SUV for punting around town and facilitating weekend getaways, but there are other compact players that answer this brief better.
Safety
Skoda Kodiaq
The second-gen Kodiaq has been given a maximum five-star ANCAP assessment and there’s a swag of new or upgraded crash-avoidance tech on board, including a head-up display with traffic sign recognition, predictive adaptive cruise control, upgraded lane assist with adaptive lane guidance, improved AEB with pedestrian and cyclist detection, turn assist, traffic sign recognition, recalibrated driver fatigue detection and traffic jam assist.
If, despite all that, a crash is unavoidable, there are nine airbags fitted, including a front centre bag to minimise head clash injuries between driver and co-pilot. And standard multi-collision brake helps reduce the chance of secondary impacts after an initial crash.
There are three top-tether points for child seats across the middle row, with ISOFIX anchors on the two outer positions.
Renault Arkana
The Arkana holds a maximum five-star ANCAP rating, but it is based on the 2019 crash test of the Renault Captur, with which it shares much of its underpinnings. This rating is due to expire in late 2025.
There are six airbags and a range of active driver aids included as standard and the update adds a 360-degree camera view to all grades.
This joins auto emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, radar cruise control and speed sign recognition.
A lot of carmakers just tick the box for active driver aids but don’t think of the calibration. Not Renault. The driver aids barely interjected during the launch drive and only chirped up when needed, which is a welcome reprieve from the overly touchy and nannying sensors found in other cars.
Ownership
Skoda Kodiaq
The Kodiaq is covered by Skoda’s seven-year/unlimited-km warranty, which is ahead of the mainstream five-year warranty pack, although a little short of some, like MG and Mitsubishi at 10 years.
Scheduled servicing is every 12 months/15,000km, which is the expected norm for the category, and costs are still being fine-turned.
That said, you can expect pre-paid service pack pricing of around $2750 for seven years, or an average of roughly $393 per service, which is on the money for the category.
Renault Arkana
There is one part of Renault’s ownership credentials that others can’t match.
Its service intervals are every 12 months and a whopping 30,000km, which is double the industry norm of 15,000km.
If you need to do big kays such as a sales rep or rideshare driver might this will be extremely important.
Five years or 150,000km of capped price servicing visits costs $2385, which is one the expensive side compared to Honda, Hyundai and Toyota but is in the ballpark of similar-sized Kias and Volkswagens.
Renault covers the Arkana with a five year/unlimited km warranty - par for the course in the mainstream market - and five years of roadside assistance.