After a painfully long and drawn-out teaser campaign, Skoda has finally pulled the veil off the all-new Kodiaq large SUV.
As we already know, Skoda will be offering the Kodiaq in five- and seven-seat configuration, thanks to its 4.7-metre length. It will also offer a towing capacity of up to 2.5 tonnes, making it perfect for family holidays.
In terms of the new information, Skoda confirms the Kodiaq will be offered with a 1.4-litre and 2.0-litre TSI turbo-petrol. These produce 92kW/200Nm and up to 132kW/320Nm. In the diesel mix there’s a 2.0-litre TDI producing 110kW and 340Nm, and a 140kW and 400Nm version.
Skoda promises a consumption average as low as 5.0L/100km, while the most powerful diesel accelerates from 0-100km/h in 8.6 seconds. This lineup gives buyers a wide variety in terms of performance and economy.
These will be offered with the choice of a six-speed manual, or six-speed DSG auto and seven-speed DSG auto, depending on the engine option. The entry-level TDI is offered with front- or all-wheel drive, while the entry TSI is only offered with front-wheel drive.
The Kodiaq is expected to be quite a popular model in the market, offering buyers an economical and European alternative to the mostly-Japanese and Korean offering in the seven-seat crossover market at the moment. In a statement, Skoda CEO Bernhard Maier said:
With our first large SUV, we are conquering a new segment for the brand – and new customer groups. Our new addition to the Skoda model range is truly as strong as a bear: it makes the brand even more attractive thanks to its concept, striking design and as the first Skoda that has the option of always being online and thereby offering more comfort, safety and real-time information.”
Skoda Australia is set to launch the new model locally during the middle of 2017. Finer details, including the exact variants we will be offered, are yet to be confirmed.
