ŠKODA has revealed the preliminary details about its highly anticipated Kodiaq premium SUV, along with some images of the vehicle that, unfortunately, still has camouflage on. You’ll only be able to see through the camouflage when the Kodiaq will purportedly make its global debut at the 2016 Paris Motor Show in October. It goes on sale at the beginning of 2017.
Like its prologue, the Vision S concept, the Kodiaq will be 4.7 meters long, and ŠKODA says that it’ll be a “versatile all-rounder” with the largest boot capacity within its class, which is rated at 2,065 litres for the five-seater version. The option of a third row of seats will also be available, while adjustable rear seats will come as standard, with backrests that can be tilted as required.
“Our new ŠKODA Kodiaq SUV is a great all-rounder”, said ŠKODA CEO, Bernhard Maier. “It combines an active sense of vitality with the brand’s classic qualities – a high degree of functionality and an outstanding amount of space. As always, in the design process we have focused on offering a little bit more car, and as a result, the best vehicle in the segment. In addition, with its emotive design, the ŠKODA Kodiaq is a strong presence on the road.”
On the outside, the ŠKODA Kodiaq introduces an interesting new safety feature called door-edge protection that deploys automatically to avoid damaging the vehicle in garages or car parks. Inside, there is an electric child safety lock for the youngest passengers, as well as a sleep comfort package with special headrests for long trips.
Infotainment
The Kodiaq’s infotainment systems are derived from Volkswagen Group’s second-generation Modular Infotainment Matrix. Offering numerous functions and interfaces, all will come equipped with capacitive touchscreens.
The top-of-the-range Columbus and Amundsen systems come with a WiFi hotspot. As an optional extra, there is an LTE module for the Columbus system – which establishes an internet connection using the fastest mobile communications standard currently available. Passengers can use this to browse online content and send emails using their mobile phones or tablets.
The new mobile online services from ŠKODA are compatible with LTE, and are divided into two categories: the Infotainment Online services provide information and navigation, and the Care Connect services provide breakdown and emergency assistance.
An eCall emergency button, which will be required for all new cars in Europe from 2018, is already now part of the Care Connect service. Other online services run via the ŠKODA Connect app. They can be used to check, configure and find a car from afar via a smartphone.
The SmartLink platform, with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, MirrorLinkTM and SmartGate, is optional for the entry-level Swing infotainment system but a standard feature for the more advanced infotainment systems. A Phonebox with inductive charging connects the smartphone to the roof aerial and charges it wirelessly.
Driving Assistance Systems
The ŠKODA Kodiaq features a wide range of driving assistance systems. The Area View cameras, new for ŠKODA, display the car’s immediate surroundings on the monitor. When a trailer is attached to the SUV, the Tow Assist system takes over manoeuvring when reversing slowly. The new predictive pedestrian protection function compliments Front Assist. Parking Distance Control with braking function, also new, provides support with parking manoeuvres – the Kodiaq brakes automatically as soon as it detects an obstacle.
Engines
When the Kodiaq launches at the beginning of 2017, it will be available in a choice of five engines: two TDIs and three TSIs. The most powerful petrol engine, the 2.0-litre TSI will have a power output of 180 PS. A range of transmission options will be available – six-speed manual gearbox, DSG transmission, front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. The car also features Driving Mode Select and Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC). Using these, operation of the steering, accelerator, DSG transmission and suspension can be configured in multiple modes.
The new ŠKODA Kodiaq will get an off-road mode, which, at the touch of a button, adjusts all the relevant systems – engine management, assistance systems, electronic chassis systems, such as ABS and ESC, as well as the suspension if combined with the optional DCC – automatically to adjust to off-road conditions.
Price range?