SKODA ‘BEARS’ ALL WITH KODIAQ REVEAL
Skoda has unveiled its first full-sized SUV – the Kodiaq – and said it marks the start of an “extensive SUV campaign”.
Revealed to the media at a glitzy Berlin event, the Kodiaq is a five or seven-seater expected to take on the likes of the Kia Sorento, Hyundai Santa Fe and Land Rover Discovery Sport.
It clearly shares a lot of DNA with the likes of the Superb and Octavia hatchbacks. The sharp and crease-laden exterior mirroring other Skodas’ styling but translated into a broader, chunkier SUV form.
The new SUV is based on the VW group’s MQB platform which is shared by a huge number of the group’s vehicles, including VW’S mid-sized SUV the Tiguan.
The Kodiaq, however, is substantially larger, measuring 4.7 metres long and almost 1.9 metres wide. That’s not quite as big as some competitors but Skoda have worked hard to ensure there is plenty of space in the cabin.
A quick poke around at the launch revealed it able to accommodate four largerthan-average journalists in comfort and even the third row of seats felt relatively spacious.
Buyers opting for just five seats will get a massive 720 litres of boot space, expanding to just over 2,000 litres with the rear seats down.
As is to be expected, the interior looks and feels much like the Superb, with sharp lines and a high-quality, logically laid out dashboard. Central to the dash is the latest version of Skoda’s infotainment system which includes Skoda Connect. This suite of online apps is capable of offering real-time traffic information, Google Earth and Street view augmentent navigation plus live petrols prices, parking information, news, and weather reports.
From launch there will be five engine options. Buyers can have a 2.0-litre diesel in 148 or 187bhp outputs, offering up to 56.6mpg, or pick from two 1.4 and one 2.0 petrols. The entrylevel 1.4 will offer 124bhp, the larger one, featuring cylinder shutdown technology, will have 148bhp while the 2.0 will put out 178bhp.
The top-powered petrol and diesels will be available with a seven-speed DSG transmission – not previously available on a Skoda – while other models will get either a six-speed auto or a six-speed manual. There will also be optional drive mode selection and adaptive chassis control.
The Kodiaq looks likely to be a useful towing vehicle in higher specifications. Cars fitted with one of the diesel engines, a DSG gearbox and 4x4 will be able to tow up to 2.5 tonnes and the optional trailer and manoeuvre assist systems will help with low-speed reversing with a trailer.
The Kodiaq is slated to go on sale in the UK around April next year. Pricing – likely to be vital to its success – is yet to be announced but some sources are suggesting an entry price of around £23,000.