We review the Skoda Kodiaq from price to economy and all its features

[youtube //www.youtube.com/watch?v=WBLZnNGi-dg&w=433&h=315]

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It looks bigger than its 4.7-metre length and the odd, square-shaped wheel arches make the 20in wheels look strangely small, like a lumbering bear with tiny feet.

What lies beneath this big, bold motor which delivers the wow factor

But it's what lies beneath this big, bold motor which delivers the wow factor.

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Most impressive is the anti door-chipping protector, which can save you a fortune on car park bumps. The black rubber fitting covers the door's most fragile edge when the door opens and hides as it shuts.

Also impressive are the umbrellas built into the doors — Rolls-Royce style — and a detachable boot light which serves as a torch if you need to change a wheel at night.

Another trick is the ice-scraper stowed in the petrol cap, which doubles as a magnifying glass. See what I mean about Bond? With a five- and seven-seat option, the Kodiaq is pitched at larger families. Its 2.5tonne towing capacity can handle a mighty load, while storage space is huge — 2,065 litres with seats down, 720 up, make it a class leader.

Storage space makes it a class leader

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A double-panel sky-roof and generous legroom and headroom add to the luxury. Velcroheld dividers keep shopping upright, while a false boot cover flips over to reveal a foil side. Perfect for muddy boots.

The tailgate opens magically with the press of a virtual pedal or from the driving seat.

It's all been thought through.

Simply Clever, claims Skoda, and it's not wrong.

Kids will also love this SUV. Headrests have retractable side panels to make sleeping on the move more comfy.

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Built-in sun blinds and tinted glass also help little ones nod off, giving Mum and Dad some peace. The Kodiaq also drives well. I tried four versions, cutting a dash through Norwegian countryside, fjords flashing by.

The automatic was responsive and any mode but Eco packs sufficient punch. The 2-litre cracks out 0-60 in 7.8 seconds and a top speed of 128mph.

The riding position is high, but not loony-lofty and road noise is minimal.

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Then there are the gadgets, including a phone and smartwatch app to find your route then ping it to your car — and with a touchscreen dashboard it's easy to flick between phone and entertainment settings.

The Kodiaq's 22 driving assist features include a new Predictive Pedestrian function that can control the city emergency braking.

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Also neat is the automatic braking in reverse, great for spotting those pesky bollards.

Four 180-degree-view cameras can be displayed at one time.

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Bear hunters will have to wait until October, when the Kodiaq is officially unveiled, and it won't be available to Brits to buy until January.

But this is one serious new contender in the already vast SUV market.'

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