Skoda Kodiaq SUV
- Prices expected to start at around £23,000
- Benchmark for bootspace
- Up to 5-tonne towing capacity
- Skoda Connect permanent wi-fi with hot spot, on-line news and features for the first time
- Kodiaq named after an Alaskan island
- Two and four-wheel drive versions available
- S, SE and SEL trim levels
- PHEV version planned for 2019
IT’S a big year for the revitalised Skoda brand as the 7-seater Kodiaq SUV moves Skoda into a voyage of discovery.
Business Car Manager was lucky enough to get early access to this new model almost a year ago and we’re pleased to say it has made it to production pretty much unchanged.
This means that the outside of the Kodiaq follows the style seen on last year’s Superb – clear, precise and clean-cut lines.
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Design highlights include the distinctive three-dimensional Skoda family grille although the new two-double headlights give this SUV a distinctively different look to the rest of the Skoda range.
At the side, the Kodiaq has a high waistline and like the front, there are distinctive rear lights with their crystal-like design.
Inside, we like the classy feel, high quality and simplicity of the Kodiaq’s interior. The sharp angles from the exterior stretch to the interior – even the door handles.
Our favourite part of the interior design is the dashboard which is dominated by the touch-screen infotainment system (new to Skoda) and the coloured dash trim.
The Kodiaq feels spacious too, with the tallest driver and four passengers likely to be comfortable. The extra two boot-mounted rear seats increase family practicality too. At 720-litres with those seats folded, the Kodiaq’s boot is the new benchmark for this sector of the SUV market.
On top of the touch screen navigation system, other Kodiaq technology innovations include the Area view system, which via cameras in the front and rear sections and wing mirrors, can give 180-degree view front and rear.
Other ‘surprise and delight’ details in the new Skoda SUV include an ice scraper located in the fuel flap, plus umbrellas in the front door – first seen in the Superb.
There will be the choice of five engines: two 2.0-litre diesels in 150 and 190PS power outputs. Plus three petrol TFSI engines, with 125 and 150PS versions of the 1.4 and a 180PS 2.0-litre. Transmission choices will be limited to six-speed manual or seven-speed DSG dual-clutch gearboxes.
The first Kodiaqs will hit UK shores early next year, but we will have more on the new Skoda SUV after the international first drive in November.