Finally, we now have a look at the Kodiaq in the flesh: Indeed, the Kodiaq is a big SUV: It is 4,700 mm long, 1,882 mm wide and 1,676 mm high.  The Kodiaq uses the largest version of the VW Group’s MQB chassis technology built for the European market. The VW Tiguan XL is the only car in the group which will have the same wheelbase.

The new MQB chassis makes the car also relatively light, thanks to the use oif the latest lightweight construction techniques. It puts 1,452kg on the scale in FWD, with the 4WD only adding 80 kgs.

Frugal power

The Skoda Kodiaq will be available immediately with a range of two diesel engines and three petrol units . The diesel engines are the well proven  2.0-litre four-cylinder units, offered in two versions, – 148bhp with 340Nm and a more powerful 187bhp version with 400Nm or torque. The petrol engines start with the 1.4-litre with 123bhp and 200Nm, a more powerful 1.4 with cylinder deactivation technology and good for 148bhp and 250Nm, and a 2.0 litre with 177bhp and 320Nm.

The most powerful diesel and petrol engines are available only in combination with four-wheel drive and a seven-speed dual-clutch DSG gearbox. The more sedate diesel and 1.4-litre engines are available only with the DSG when in front-wheel-drive lay-out, but one can order them also with DSG or six-speed manual coupled with four-wheel drive.

In the interior one finds the new Skoda world with elegant and timeless design, with even vertically placed ventilation openings. One can opt for the Bolero version with a 8.0-inch display, instead of the standard 6,5 inch unit. The phone box incorporates inductive wireless charging for smartphones.

There is always a lot of luggage space in Skoda’s, and this Kodiaq offers will all the seats folded slightly more than 2,065 litres…

As you can expect, the whole range of Driver Assistance Systems can be had, including surround view cameras, becoming now the class norm in this segment.

We just let you have here a brief look at the exterior of this Kodiaq, which we will be keen to drive soon…

Kodiaq was a city in Alaska…for one day

The Alaskan city Kodiak renames itself for announcement of ŠKODA’s all-new SUV… indeed, how would you react if a carmaker from another continent came to your city and proposed changing its name? Surprised? Bemused? Or perhaps delighted that, finally, your hometown was getting some long-overdue recognition worldwide? Well, on May 6th, 2016 Kodiak, Alaska became for one day Kodiaq, to coincide with the official announcement of the all-new SUV…

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