There’s a lot to like about the new Skoda Kodiaq, but it’s a good tow car rather than a great one.

The Kodiaq failed to cope with crosswinds as well as the likes of the Jaguar F-Pace and VW Tiguan, and while it behaved well enough for most of our test drivers at 60mph, it wasn’t as well tied down at 70mph.

Perhaps the noseweight of just 80kg did the Kodiaq no favours (a maximum of 100kg would be more typical for an SUV of this size).

However, the Skoda impressed in other ways. The 30-60mph time of 12 seconds shows the strength of the 2.0-litre engine, and the stopping distance of just 10.2m is very impressive.

The Kodiaq handled the hill-start test well, too, easily pulling up the 1-in-6 gradient.

In everyday driving, the Kodiaq handles very neatly, and although the low-speed ride can feel a bit lumpy it’s always well controlled.

There’s some wind noise from around the mirrors, but otherwise the Skoda is quiet and refined at speed.

Inside, Skoda has put together a practical and flexible cabin. There’s not as much room for those in the third row as you’d find in a Kia Sorento, but the middle seats can slide forward on runners to free up some more legroom for those in the back.

With seats six and seven folded into the floor, there’s a huge boot with plenty of space for all our holiday luggage.

The Skoda has another trump card to play: price. It costs around £4000 less than the VW Tiguan with the same engine and transmission.