The Kodiaq is a proper full-fledged SUV from the Czech manufacturer. It is the first 7-seater vehicle by the company and is based on the Vision S Concept. Christened as the “Kodiaq”, Skoda has named the SUV after an Alaskan bear. The SUV has been officially revealed in Berlin and will be launched in international markets by the end of 2015. Being India-bound, the Kodiaq is likely to reach our shores by August 2017.
In terms of design, the Kodiaq is an SUV that ticks the right boxes and is suitable to be used for business, family and off-roading. It has a bold presence with sharp and clean lines that are accentuated by its lowered shoulder line. The wide 3D grille adorns the front of the SUV and is flanked by narrow racked headlights. The tail lights will come with LEDs as standard and carry Skoda’s typical C-shaped design. The design team have taken inspiration from traditional Czech crystal class art to form the SUV’s highly contoured surfaces.
Built on the MQB platform, the Skoda Kodiaq measures 4697mm in length, featuring a long wheelbase with small overhangs which results in spacious interiors. The sharp and crisp lines of the Kodiaq make it way into the interior as well. It features a large touchscreen infotainment display positioned in the centre console which has four large vertical aircon vents on the dashboard. The SUV will come with optional 3-zone climate control with an additional control panel for the rear occupants. Being Skoda’s first 7-seater, the Kodiaq will come with 60:40 split seats for the middle row and two folding seats for the third row.
Under the hood, for the international market, the Kodiaq will be offered with five engine options. However, for the Indian market, the SUV is expected to come with a 1.4-litre petrol and a 2.0-litre diesel engine. The petrol variant has been rated by the manufacturer to produce 180PS of power with 250Nm of peak torque. On the other hand, for the diesel variant, the engine will be capable of developing 150PS of power with 320Nm of torque. The SUV will be available with a 6-speed manual gearbox and a 6 or 7-speed DSG transmission. While the lower variant will come with front wheel drive, the top spec variants will feature all-wheel drive.
When launched in India, the Skoda will make its official entry in the full-fledged SUV segment and will lock horns with the Ford Endeavour, next-generation Toyota Fortuner, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and the upcoming Volkswagen Tiguan.
The Kodiaq offers the practicality of a seven-seat SUV wrapped up in traditional Skoda values. It is a package that in SUV-hungry and style-conscious India could push aside any concerns regarding owning a Skoda. Is it really that good?
Both the cars are targeted towards totally different audiences. But the one thing common between them is that their respective customers have been waiting for them for long.
Scores 92 percent for adult occupants and 77 per cent for child occupants
Some dealerships in the country have started accepting bookings, details of the flagship SUV remain scarce
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