Skoda Kodiaq
the SUV at a safe speed while it’s descending.
A ‘rough road package’ which includes a tough engine guard and underbody stone guard is also standard. Like all Skoda’s current 4x4 models – 13 of them – the Kodiaq Scout comes equipped with allwheel-drive technology based on the latest generation of the electronically controlled multi-plate clutch. Electronically, it works precisely and quickly. The control unit constantly calculates the ideal distribution of power between the front and rear axle. Loss of traction is therefore ‘virtually’ eliminated. When coasting or at low load, it’s front axle drive.
At the Lapland Driving Centre, near Rovaniemi, there are a number of tracks carved out of the snow and ice – an ideal place to see if the Scout was as well prepared as it seemed.
On the snow handling track, the benefits of the 4x4 system were clear. With most functions dialled down, the Kodiaq was pretty much like Bambi on ice. Switch them on and, as long as you weren’t going berserk, the Scout was composed and agile.
The surface was naturally extremely slippery but as soon as traction began to be lost, the electronics took over. Be sensible and, in the Skoda, you will be safe.
A series of sensors - for wheel speed, steering angle, longitudinal and lateral acceleration, accelerator pedal position, engine speed continuously evaluate the driving situation, while the all-wheel-drive electronics take all of the incoming data into account. Within milliseconds, the electronics alter the distribution of torque between the individual wheels, thereby ensuring the best distribution of power.
As soon as sensors and control units engage the rear axle due to the driving conditions – because the front wheels are losing traction, perhaps – the control unit alters the pressure on the plates.
The torque is then transferred in the ideal ratio to the rear wheels, too. At the same time, the Electronic Differential Lock (EDL), which is active on both axles on Škoda 4×4 models, also prevents individual wheels on the same axle from spinning. The spinning wheel is slowed down and more torque transmitted to the wheel with better traction.
The redistribution of the driving forces between the individual wheels is imperceptible to the driver in normal driving conditions but very noticeable in the ice and snow.
You can tell the Scout’s ‘brain’ is working hard to ensure maximum traction, even when cornering and performing in such challenging conditions. You can feel its pulling the big bear back on track.
When off-road mode is active, the Kodiaq’s infotainment screen also displays information about the terrain, including a compass, altimeter and the steering angle.
A ‘snow mode’ can also be selected when driving on such slippery surfaces. The Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) allows slightly more wheelspin. As a result, snow accumulates in front of the tyres and the braking effect is increased. At the same time, traction control (TCS) allows more wheelspin so the tyre tread grips more effectively and the gearbox selects higher gears.
The accelerator also reacts more smoothly, preventing any undesirable increase in the amount of torque. This prevents the wheels from spinning.
This was amply demonstrated by a short drag race against two-wheel drive models, which were left standing on the Finnish ice. In the snow-filled forests of Finland, the Kodiaq Scout was leader of its pack.