2017 Skoda Kodiaq

With a length of 4.70 m, up to seven seats and the largest boot within its class, the Skoda Kodiaq is the Czech car manufacturer's first large SUV. From early 2017, Skoda's latest model will present itself with all of the brand's strengths: a design that is full of character, extraordinary interior space, practical intelligence and innovative technology that can otherwise only be found in higher vehicle classes. The Skoda Kodiaq marks the beginning of Skoda's extensive SUV campaign.

"With the Skoda Kodiaq, we are striking out in a new direction and opening up new markets," says Skoda CEO Bernhard Maier. "With our first large SUV, we are conquering a new segment for the brand - and new customer groups. Our new addition to the Skoda model range is truly as strong as a bear: it makes the brand even more attractive thanks to its concept, striking design and as the first Skoda that has the option of always being online and thereby offering more comfort, safety and real-time information. The Skoda Kodiaq is at the forefront of Skoda's extensive SUV campaign."

Skoda Board Member for Technical Development, Christian Strube, added, "The Skoda Kodiaq offers all of our brand's strengths: well-thought-out functionality, superior interior space and excellent value for money. The largest boot compared to the competition and the optional third row of seats alone make our new SUV the ideal companion for day-to-day demands. And when it comes to driver assistance systems, infotainment and connectivity, the Skoda Kodiaq proves Skoda's innovative capabilities, offering the technology of higher classes and therefore putting itself at the top of its segment."

Exterior design

The Skoda Kodiaq is an all-rounder: the SUV is suitable for business, as well as family and leisure use - and drives off-road with ease. The brand transfers its new design language into the SUV segment with a design that reflects the car's versatile character: the Skoda Kodiaq features a bold interplay of elegant lines, sporty contours and robustness, which make it easily recognisable.

All of the Skoda Kodiaq's lines are clear, precise and clean-cut - this applies in particular to the distinctive, highly recessed shoulder line. Double horizontal lines on the front symbolise protection and strength. The wide, three-dimensional radiator grille is striking and conveys the robust character. The narrow, raked headlights, which flow seamlessly into the radiator grille, give the Skoda Kodiaq a distinctive appearance. The two double-headlights create a striking four-eyed face and stand out due to their crystalline structure, which can also be seen in other features such as the rear lights. Here, Skoda's Head of Design, Jozef Kabaň, and his team were inspired by traditional Czech crystal glass art which is also reflected in the effective interplay of light and shade on the SUV's highly contoured surfaces.

In the side view, the long wheelbase and short overhangs point to the large interior. The wheel arches are slightly angular - a key element of Skoda's SUV design language. LEDs are used as standard in the rear lights; the rear lights also feature the C-shaped design that is typical of Skoda. A choice of 14 paint finishes is available - four standard colours and ten metallic colours. The appearance of the components varies according to the three trim levels - Active, Ambition and Style - which are offered in the Skoda Kodiaq as optional extras.

Body

With its dimensions, the Skoda Kodiaq is at the upper end of the compact car segment. It is 4,697 mm long, 1,882 mm wide and 1,676 mm tall (including roof rails); its wheelbase measures 2,791 mm. The Kodiaq is based on Volkswagen Group's modular transverse matrix (MQB) in which strict lightweight construction plays an important role. For the body, a combination of hot-stamped metal sheets forms the ultra-strong backbone. With the entry-level TSI engine and front-wheel drive, the large SUV weighs just 1,452 kg when empty (without driver), or 1,540 kg with the 1.4 TSI engine and all-wheel drive.

Torsional stiffness, manufacturing precision, drive comfort and crash safety are also superior. Thanks to its highly aerodynamic finesse, the large SUV achieves a cx value of just 0.33.

Interior

The amount of space is typical of Skoda: the Skoda Kodiaq is just 40 mm longer than the Skoda OCTAVIA, but offers a larger-than-average interior for the SUV segment. Achieving extraordinary interior space from the exterior dimensions available once again proves the brand's excellent engineering prowess. The large SUV's interior length is 1,793 mm, elbow room is 1,527 mm in the front and 1,510 mm in the rear. Head room is 1,020 mm in the front and 1,014 mm in the rear. Rear legroom measures up to 104 mm.

The large SUV's interior is also protective and robust. The crisp exterior design carries on into the interior: the double lines - with their three-dimensional appearance - also feature on the instrument panel. The interior is characterised by bold vertical elements, such as the four large air vents. The large display splits the instrument panel into two equal sections for the driver and passenger.

The high-quality workmanship as well as the logical and easy-to-understand operation are typical of Skoda. The large circular instruments have a precise and clear design. The steering wheel is available in a choice of different versions - one of which is heated. The optional three-zone Climatronic, which has its own control panel for the rear seats, is another feature which is often only found in higher vehicle classes. The electro-mechanical parking brake is activated by pressing a button.

Numerous comfort features are available for the front seats. As an option, they can be heated, ventilated and adjusted electronically; the latter optional extra also includes a memory function. The Skoda Kodiaq's rear seats are also extremely versatile: they can be folded in the ratio 60:40, can be moved lengthways by 18 cm as standard and the angle of the backrest is individually adjustable. Two more seats in the third row are available as an optional extra - the Skoda Kodiaq is Skoda's first 7-seater.

As an alternative to the standard fabric covers, a fabric/leather combination and leather or Alcantara covers are offered. The decor is available in five designs. In darkness, the optional ambient lighting adds an individual touch to the interior. It is built into the door trims and can be set to ten different colours.

Engines

Five powertrains, two TDI and three TSI engines, make up the engine range at the launch of the Skoda Kodiaq. They have capacities of 1.4 and 2.0 l, and power output ranges from 92 kW (125 PS) to 140 kW (190 PS). The diesel and petrol engines feature turbocharged direct injection and fulfil EU6 emission standards. All engines also feature a Stop-Start system, brake energy recovery and a powerful thermo-management system, contributing to low consumption despite the mighty power delivery.

The 2.0 TDI is available in two versions. The first version generates 110 kW (150 PS) and 340 Nm. The top-of-the-range version delivers 140 kW (190 PS) and puts 400 Nm on the crankshaft. On average, the entry-level TDI consumes 5.0 l of diesel (131 g CO2/km) per 100 km. The most powerful diesel engine accelerates the large SUV from 0-100 km/h in 8.6 s and reaches a top speed of up to 210 km/h.

The range of petrol engines consists of two 1.4 TSI engines and one 2.0 TSI. The entry-level version of the compact four-cylinder generates 92 kW (125 PS) and 200 Nm of torque. Its NEDC consumption is 6.0 l per 100 km, which corresponds to 140 g CO2/km. In the more powerful version, the 1.4-litre exerts 110 kW (150 PS) and 250 Nm of torque; its ACT system - Active Cylinder Technology - shuts down the second and third cylinders when the load and engine speed are low. The top-of-the-range 2.0 TSI petrol engine features a new combustion process for high efficiency. Power output is 132 kW (180 PS), torque is 320 Nm.

Transmission

The Skoda Kodiaq is available with various transmission technologies. Depending on the engine, there is a 6-speed manual gearbox or DSG transmissions with six or seven speeds.

The new 7-speed dual-clutch transmission is making its debut at Skoda. It is a variant that has been designed for powerful engines with torque of up to 600 Nm. The DSG transmission is a very compact construction and enables quick and comfortable gear changing.

The driver can operate the 7-speed DSG in the automatic D and S mode, or control it manually using the gear lever or the steering wheel paddles. When Eco mode is selected in the optional Driving Mode Select, the car is taken out of gear: as soon as the driver takes their foot off the accelerator at a speed above 20 km/h, drive is disengaged - the Skoda Kodiaq is coasting.

Both top-of-the-range engines - the TDI with 140 kW (190 PS) and the TSI with 132 kW (180 PS) - are coupled with the 7-speed DSG and all-wheel drive. This combination is new at Skoda. The manual 6-speed transmission and 6-speed DSG are the options for the 1.4 TSI with 110 kW (150 PS) and all-wheel drive; front-wheel drive is coupled with the 6-speed DSG. The entry-level diesel with all-wheel drive is offered with the manual 6-speed transmission or the 7-speed DSG; the front-wheel-drive version is offered solely with the 7-speed DSG. The entry-level TSI is available with manual 6-speed transmission and front-wheel drive.

The all-wheel-drive system with electronic control is available for most engine variants. It delivers a big increase in traction, stability and driving safety - even off-road.

The centrepiece of the all-wheel drive is an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch. The all-wheel-drive system works intelligently and quickly. The control unit constantly calculates the ideal driving torque for the rear axle; loss of traction is virtually eliminated due to a control system that is dependent on driving status. When in overrun or at low load, drive is via the front axle, which saves fuel.