Skoda Kodiaq: All You Need To Know
The Czech automaker’s debutant 7-seater SUV looks promising with Volkswagen Group's MQB platform, the tech on board, and its design.
The Czech automaker’s debutant 7-seater SUV looks promising with Volkswagen Group's MQB platform, the tech on board, and its design.
Skoda has revealed its flagship and first-ever 7-seater SUV, the Kodiaq, in Berlin, Germany. The Kodiaq made its concept debut at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show and the production version has been teased a lot of times. The large Czech SUV is expected to hit European roads in early 2017, while its Indian launch will most likely happen around the festive season of 2017. Let us see what the 2017 Kodiaq has to offer in terms of design, features and mechanicals.
Design and Chassis
The design of the Kodiaq stays true to its concept – the VisionS – and it looks unmistakably like a Skoda. The SUV is based on the Volkswagen Group’s modular transverse matrix (MQB) platform, and it stretches 4,697mm in length, 1,882mm in width and is 1,676mm tall. The Kodiaq features a wheelbase of 2,791mm.
Since the Kodiaq is using VW’s lightweight modular MQB platform, the SUV weighs relatively less. The entry-level petrol variant with front-wheel drive tip the scales at 1,452kg – and 1,540kg with all-wheel drive – while the range-topping diesel with four-wheel drive weighs 1,761kg.
Speaking of the design elements, the front fascia features a twin headlights setup similar to the pre-facelift Yeti, but are narrow and raked. The headlights are closely flanked by the three-dimensional radiator grille, making its front facade look sharp and elegant. The tail lamps feature standard LED lighting and get C-shaped graphics similar to the rest of Skodas. Additionally, both the lights of the SUV feature a crystalline structure inspired by the Czech crystal glass art, similar to that of the Skoda Superb.
The SUV comes standard with 17-inch wheels and 18-inchers are available in the range-topping trims, while 19-inch polished alloy wheels are optional.
Interiors and Features
Though the cabin shares most of its features with the latest third-generation Superb, the overall design is typical SUV-ish with large AC vents and boxy layout. The steering wheel, instrument cluster, and AC controls are shared with the brand’s flagship sedan, the Superb.
The Kodiaq will be available in 5-seater and 7-seater versions globally, but it is most likely to be offered only with the latter option in India. The 5-seater version offers a boot space of 720-litres, and 2,065-litres with the rear seats folded down. It also comes with an electrically operated tailgate, and can (as an optional extra) be opened with the firm’s virtual pedal system.
In terms of the infotainment system, the Kodiaq comes with Skoda’s latest capacitive touchscreen-based units, which come standard with Apple CarPlay, Google Android Auto, and MirrorLink support. A 6.5-inch unit is standard in the Kodiaq, while it also offers bigger 8-inch units with navigation. The top-of-the-range infotainment system offers features such as a 64GB flash memory and a DVD drive along with an optional LTE module (4G), and owners can also add a WLAN hotspot (optional).
The Kodiaq also offers optional wireless charging for smartphones supporting the same. The optional ‘Phonebox’ charges a smartphone inductively and also connects it to the car's aerial – both processes occur wirelessly.
Like the Superb, the Kodiaq will also feature a Canton Sound System. The unit in the Kodiaq is rated at 575 watts and features ten speakers, including a subwoofer. The optional ambient lighting is built into the door trims of the SUV and can be set to ten different colours.
In terms of safety features, the Kodiaq, in India, will get similar features as the recently launched Superb. The Kodiaq is most likely to come with 8 airbags along with most common electronic aids. The SUV will also offer optional Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC), which will be available in the Superb as well in India in 2017. The DCC controls the work of the shock absorbers depending on the situation, in conjunction with the available driving modes – Comfort, Normal or Sport. Moreover, it also comes with an Off-road mode, which is optional for the all-wheel-drive versions, in combination with the existing driving modes.
Engines and Transmission
The 2017 Kodiaq will have five engine options globally. There are two petrol engines on offer – 1.4-litre and 2.0-litre TSI – along with a single diesel – 2.0-litre TDI. Transmission options include 6-speed manual and 6- and 7-speed DSG automatic transmissions.