Skoda, the Czech automaker based in Mladá Boleslav, has revealed all the details regarding the new upcoming Kodiaq, which is a 7-seater SUV.
The much-awaited world premiere of the Kodiaq happened in Berlin with a video release showcasing few images of the SUV in its production demeanor, of course under all the camouflage it deserves along with the other details. The company said that it was indeed an emotional moment for the employees at Kvasiny. The manufacturing facilities, along with the paint shop, car body construction unit and assembly line, and the logistics areas have been expanded and modernized to start the production of the new Kodiaq SUV. The Kodiaq should be available in four trims namely the S, SE, SE L, and the Edition variants.
The Interiors
Just like all the Skoda models, the cabin of the Skoda Kodiaq is elegant and modernized with an uncluttered dashboard that is divided symmetrically into two zones for the driver and the passenger. Additionally, there are four large vertically-placed air inlets which further enhance the exquisiteness of the SUV Kodiaq. The onboard monitor is flanked by the middle ones, whereas the top of the instrument panel is run around by the edges which form a trapezoid, reflecting the SUV’s bonnet. The driver and front passenger seats have been designed to offer superior comfort and are made of high-quality materials. The interiors have been made the largest possible by the Skoda engineers with an external dimension of 4.70 meters length-wise and 1.88 meters width-wise.
The Kodiaq introduces door edge protection that gets deployed automatically in order to avoid any damage to the SUV while parking. There are special headrests which are a part of the sleep comfort package for the long trips and also an electric child lock facility for extra safety.
Top Notch Infotainment System
The car-smartphone pairing has been intelligently taken up to a new level with the Kodiaq. The SmartLink platform with the Swing infotainment system comes with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, MirrorLinkTM, and SmartGate. This infotainment platform is optional for the entry-level systems but will be a standard feature for the advanced and higher-end infotainment systems. There is a Phonebox, which can inductively charge the smartphone, connects the device to the aerial roof and charges it wirelessly.
The top range Amundsen and Columbus systems come with a Wi-Fi hotspot. There is also an additional optional LTE module for the Columbus system that uses the latest and fastest mobile communication standards to establish an internet connection. The other infotainment elements originate from the Modular Infotainment Matrix conceptualized from Volkswagen Group’s 2nd- Generation technology. There are numerous interfaces which offer various functions all which are equipped with capacitive touch screens.
Under the Hood
The Skoda Kodiaq will arrive with a choice of 5 engines, namely three TSIs and two TDIs. The petrol variants come with a TSI engine of 1.4-liters capacity and have two power trims of 123 bhp and 147 bhp. Being the most powerful motor ever running on petrol, the TSI engine with a 2.0 liters capacity generates a power output of 177 bhp. The diesel variants come with a TDI engine of 2.0 liters capacity and three power trims of 113 bhp, 147 bhp, and 186 bhp. The Czech automaker will offer 3 options for the vast transmission range namely the 6-speed DSG automatic, 6-speed manual, the 7-speed DSG automatic gearbox, along with the front-wheel and all-wheel drive. The operation of the steering and accelerator, along with the DSG transmission and suspension is designed to be composed in multiple modes by using the SUV features like Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) and Driving Mode Select. The Kodiaq will be available in both 4X2 and the 4X$ drive systems for the petrol and diesel variants.
The Other Features
The Kodiaq also comes with a huge range of driving assistance systems. The new feature for Skoda is the Area View camera, which can display the immediate surroundings around the car on the monitor. When the SUV is attached to a trailer, the Tow Assist System comes into action and pulls the strings while reversing. Another new feature of Skoda is the protective function of pedestrian prediction that is complimentary to the Front Assist. The Parking Distance control feature that comes with automatic braking function, also new to Skoda, helps in providing support along with parking maneuvers. The braking system helps the Kodiaq in applying brakes automatically as soon as an obstacle is detected.
Not the one to compromise on safety, the Skoda Kodiaq comes with Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) as standard features in all its variants. The other standard features include the 17-inch Ratikon alloy wheels, the infotainment system from Swing which is touchscreen enabled, DAB digital radio system, KESSY Go, Front Assist, manual air-conditioning control, LED daylight running lights, multifunctional steering wheel wrapped in leather, and SmartLink for wireless smartphone connectivity.
With the upgraded features, the Kodiaq is presumably the flagship SUV in the portfolio of Skoda and is positioned above the Yeti. It should be out in the European markets by the beginning of 2017 and is expected to reach the Indian markets by mid-2017. The company announced that the price should range somewhere around £ 21,495 – £ 34,895 in the European market and around 17.61 – Rs. 28.59 Lakh in the Indian market.