Jess Durling and the Škoda Kodiaq

As a mother of two, Jess Durling’s weekends are always packed with activities.

First on the agenda was a playdate at the beach with friends. Wasting no time, she loaded the kids into the Kodiaq, eager to tackle the day’s adventures. As she cruised through the neighbourhood streets the drive felt effortless and smooth, setting the tone for the day ahead. For Jess, flexibility is key when it comes to last-minute plans. With a quick flick of the seatbacks, there was more than enough room to fit in the extra passengers, without sacrificing comfort or space. The spacious boot also easily accommodated their friends' dog, Pepi, alongside all their beach gear - scooters, picnic rugs, beach toys, and bags.

And it wasn’t just about fitting in more people or items. The middle seats offered ample room for tall adults - something Jess, a 6-foot-tall woman, could personally vouch for. "I could definitely see how comfortable this would be on long trips," she mentioned.

Next on the agenda was a visit to the local op shop. The Kodiaq’s comfortable suspension made the motorway drive a breeze, providing a rare sense of calm amidst the usual chaos. Jess, feeling surprisingly at ease, decided it was the perfect time to dust off her long-neglected sewing machine. After scoring a chic valence at the shop, Jess was especially grateful for the hands-free boot - her hands always seemed full, so this feature was a true game-changer.

The afternoon then shifted to a bit of creativity as Jess spent time sewing an adorable vest for her daughter. But there was no rest for the weary; more errands awaited, it was time to head to the kids swimming lessons. The Kodiaq’s built-in sunshades and automatic door protectors were a huge hit. They combined safety and fun in a way that felt luxurious yet practical - exactly what Jess needed for her young family. It was also super easy for the kids to put them up and down themselves which is always a win.

The day’s biggest surprise, however, came when they were heading out of the swimming pool. As Jess climbed into the driver’s seat, she discovered the hidden gem of the Kodiaq: an umbrella neatly stored in the driver’s door. Not only did it provide quick shelter from the rain, but Jess was also impressed by how easy it was to stow back in place, even while wet as it dried and drained within the door. Jess said, "Whoever thought of putting an umbrella in the door is a genius. There were lots of clever storage spaces and it felt like everything had its place”.

Jess and the kids wrapped up their busy schedule with a picnic by the water. For once, she didn’t have to worry about her phone running out of battery with dual wireless chargers and the Kodiaq’s smart link feature.

As the sun began to set behind the city, with the kids laughing and playing, Jess took a moment to reflect on the day. It had been filled with both adventure and errands as many weekends are, but the difference was how easy it had been. The Kodiaq, with its thoughtful design and family-friendly features, had made the whole weekend feel just a little more relaxed than usual. Spacious, easy to drive, and full of handy details, the Kodiaq had earned its place as the perfect family car. For Jess, the weekend had been a breeze.