Škoda Kodiaq, which appeared in 2016, immediately became my favorite, but I found many more complaints about the second generation version presented this year. And not because the grass was greener almost a decade ago, but when choosing the best car in Lithuania then, I had no doubts about its success - a spacious, seven-person SUV with Volkswagen technology and clever Czech solutions at an affordable price seemed like an ideal car for compatriots who appreciate practical cars (I called my review at that time "Lithuanian Standard", you can find it on the Internet). However, the votes then determined that the smaller, but sharper co-platform Seat Ateca became the best. Well, "Škoda Kodiaq" was recognized as the best not only by colleagues in Latvia, but also by Poles and Czechs - in total, it won more than 40 international awards and ratings for excellent and comprehensive features. The success of the model was also confirmed by sales - the spacious and, most importantly, affordable large SUV became extremely popular. It is one of the best-selling SUVs in our country every year, and it is probably the only competitor in the market in terms of size and price (Skoda Kodiaq costs from 35,290 euros, Sixt Leasing (https://bit.ly/3XzocMH) car rental price is from 570 euros), there is Nissan X-Trail ( • 2023 Nissan X-Trail test: seven... . For example, the Korean Hyundai Santa Fe ( • 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe test ) and Kia Sorento ( • The test of the new KIA Sorento ) is much more expensive. In 2016, when testing the new Kodiaq, I was pleasantly surprised by the high-quality finish, which looked better than the common platform Volkswagen. And the quality was confirmed by the test of the used car ( like just ... ) - although it also depends on how the car is maintained, it really looked like it just rolled out of the cabin. How about the second generation Skoda Kodiaq? It is built on the updated modular MQB Evo platform, a little has grown so much, has an even more capacious trunk and, of course, the same impressively spacious interior, which can accommodate seven people. True, although the space above the third row of seats has increased slightly, Kodiaq is still better regarded as a spacious five-seater car. And a more advanced multimedia system with artificial intelligence "ChatGPT" assistant appeared - technology fans will definitely like it. From now on, this model offers for the first time the effective and efficient Matrix LED lights, the first available projection screen, the ability to wirelessly charge two phones at the same time, improved shock absorbers with adjustable stiffness - a good car has become even more advanced and perfect. But is it better? Such a question arose when seeing that there is no longer a removable light-spotlight in the trunk, the hooks for shopping can now only be folded but not pushed, the front compartment is not covered with soft fabric, there is no equipment for the driver's conversation with the passengers sitting in the back - all this had (or could have been additionally ordered) its predecessor. so it is obvious that some savings have been made. Just like not everything is perfect with the assembly - for example, I never opened the top magazine, although I just needed to push harder. Not solid. There are no big news in the engine and transmission department, except that the gearshift lever is located on the steering wheel - an obvious hint to electric cars, although I can't say that the solution is convenient (especially with the appearance of multifunction controls under the multimedia screen, which would be more convenient to turn by placing your hand on earlier here former levers). And from now on, the Kodiaq is also available as a plug-in hybrid, which promises to be able to drive more than 100 kilometers on electricity alone - I will test this model separately. All engines - both 1.5 and 2 l TSI petrol engines and 2 l TDI diesel - are equipped with an automatic seven-speed DSG transmission, more powerful versions are available with all-wheel drive. All this was also in the previous model, so it is clear that the concern needs more advanced economical conventional hybrid drives. For example, such as those offered by Toyota, Renault or Hyundai with Kia - it seems that hybrids will be relevant for quite a long time as electric mobility stagnates. See more about the second generation Škoda Kodiaq in the video.