It’s named after a type of Alaskan bear (albeit with a “Q” rather than a “K” to make it down with the kids).
Now Skoda has released the first range of full body images and some more details on its first large SUV.
The Kodiaq features up to seven seats, a surround camera system and claimed class leading luggage space.
Scheduled for an October debut at this year’s Paris motor show ahead of a 2017 launch, the brand’s first seven-seater SUV will become Skoda’s flagship model and enter the highly-competitive large SUV segment.
It’s got plenty to contend with, though: Kia, Hyundai and Nissan all offer large seven-seat SUVs, while cars like the Ford Edge and the upcoming Renault Koleos offer a similar footprint with two less seats.
Skoda sounds up for the fight, however. They claim the Kodiaq will strike a blow when it comes to price, costing just a little more than the new VW Tiguan despite being a much larger car.
It’s 4.7m long and 1.82m wide, with a substantial 720-litre boot in five-seat models.
Seven-seaters see that reduced to 630-litres with the rearmost chairs folded flat, but with all three rows in place there’s still 270-litres available. With all the seats down there’s a massive 2,065 litres. Passenger space is impressive, too, as even six-footers can just about squeeze into the very back, while sliding the middle row back will produce legroom that’s not far off the limo-like Superb.
There will be three trim levels, two diesel engines and three petrol units.
The Kodiaq gets plenty of Skoda’s familiar touches such as umbrellas in the doors and an ice scraper, but there are also now things like pop-out door protectors and even a ‘sleep package’ with fold-out rests for the side of your head.
Sunblinds, tray tables, a tablet display for rear-seat passengers and ambient lighting add a classy touch.
If Skoda prices it as keenly as they’re promising, expect the Kodiaq to become a familiar sight on our roads.