The 2025 Skoda Kodiaq 2.0 TDI 4x4 impresses the UK's Metropolitan Police with its reliable braking performance and suitability for emergency service duties.
2025 Skoda Kodiaq 2.0 TDI 4x4 Gains Seal of Approval From the UK's Metropolitan Police
The latest Skoda Kodiaq added to the UK’s emergency and police vehicle fleet has successfully passed the Metropolitan Police's demanding brake test, earning approval for active duty. This tested model is the Kodiaq SE 2.0 TDI DSG 193 PS 4x4, equipped with a 193-PS diesel engine and all-wheel drive.The Metropolitan Police's brake test simulates repeated high-speed stops, replicating the intense demands police vehicles face on UK roads. This achievement highlights Skoda’s commitment to dependable and robust vehicles, reinforcing the Kodiaq’s suitability for various real-world emergency scenarios.
A Brief Overview of the Kodiaq
The Kodiaq is Skoda's largest production model, a three-row SUV built on Volkswagen Group’s MQB platform. Launched in 2016 at the Paris Motor Show and refreshed in 2023, the second-generation Kodiaq is manufactured in the Czech Republic and India, offering a range of turbocharged engines including 1.5- and 2.0-liter four-cylinder options.Transmission choices include six- or seven-speed dual-clutch gearboxes, and the Kodiaq lineup includes a plug-in hybrid variant— the Kodiaq iV—featuring a 1.5-liter TSI engine combined with electric power, enabling an all-electric range of over 70 miles (112 kilometers) under WLTP standards.
The plug-in hybrid’s battery supports DC fast charging at up to 40 kW, allowing a 10 to 80 percent charge in about 26 minutes in ideal conditions. Using an 11 kW AC charger, a full charge takes roughly 2 hours and 30 minutes. The Kodiaq iV delivers 204 PS (201 hp) and 350 Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque.
For those preferring traditional powertrains, a mild-hybrid version of the 1.5-liter TSI is available, producing 150 PS (148 hp) and 250 Nm (184 lb-ft). Higher trims feature a 2.0-liter TSI engine without hybrid assistance.
The high-performance vRS (RS in Europe) variant packs a 2.0-liter turbocharged petrol engine delivering 265 PS (261 hp) and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft), making it the most powerful Kodiaq as of August 2025. However, the economical and dependable 2.0-liter TDI diesel engine remains the preferred option for many buyers.
Notably, the tested Kodiaq offers a spacious interior with 910 liters (32.1 cubic feet) of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 2,105 liters (74.3 cubic feet) when the rear seats fold flat, making it highly practical for daily and professional use.