It’s got a great range and a design update, but can the new Skoda Kodiaq plug-in win over diesel buyers?

The new Skoda Kodiaq Skoda’s new Kodiaq is here and it’ll be interesting to see how the first plug-in version of the SUV fares against the traditional two-litre diesels. It costs from €57,890. The range starts from €53,970 for the two-litre TDI, 150hp version.

Seven seats are standard. The only five-seater is the plug-in hybrid ­version. The new SUV is 61mm longer (4,758mm total length) and has up to 75 litres more than the outgoing model.

The plug-in hybrid has a 204hp system output and a claimed “electric-only” range of 100km, making it one of the best in its class. As diesel engines have accounted for 96pc of Kodiaq sales here, it will be fascinating to see how the two diesels (two-litre, with 150hp; and 193hp with 4x4) fare. The diesels can be used with HVO (hydrotreated vegetable oil) or exclusively one of the two fuels, HVO can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 90pc.

There is a new 13in infotainment display, while the brand’s smart ­dials debut in a Skoda. They are physical for easy access to essential functions. Join the Irish Independent WhatsApp channel Stay up to date with all the latest news.