Skoda’s highly anticipated mid-sized SUV has been officially named the Kodiaq, as expected. The new SUV has been named after an Alaskan grizzly bear named ‘Kodiak’. The difference in the last letter, as one would imagine, is also deliberate. According to Skoda, the Alutiiq, the natives of the Alaskan region, call the bear Taq uka ‘aq and the letter Q at the end represents animal names. So, essentially, the name ending in Q creates a distinction for the distinctive new Skoda SUV.
The new SUV, based on the VW Group MQB platform will be the largest in Skoda’s portfolio, though it would still not be as big some other monsters in the VW Group family. Larger than the Tiguan, and smaller than the Touareg from VW, the Kodiaq looks smart and appealing if the Vision S Concept that previewed it is something to go by.
The full-sized, 4.7 meter long, seven-seater SUV will be shown officially in the second half of 2016. It will make its debut at the 2016 Paris Motor Show with deliveries to dealers taking place in early 2017.
The teaser image released by the car maker shows the new SUV with its namesake bear in the background. The images released also state that the new SUV conveys ‘strength and protection’.
Under the hood, the new Kodiaq SUV is expected to get a variety of four cylinder TDI diesels and TSI petrol engines. Transmission duties will be taken care of by a 6 speed unit on the manual front and latest gen DSGs for automatic versions. The SUV will be offered with a 4×4 option too.
While the Kodiaq will be introduced in Europe in early 2017, expect the handsome looking machine to reach India only by late 2017.
Does the Kodiaq come across as a better option than the current crop of Fortuner / Endeavour / Santa Fe for you? Do share your thoughts with us.
