Skoda Kodiaq India-bound SUV revealed

The covers are finally off! Here’s what the new full-sized SUV from Skoda has in store

Prior to its global unveil at the 2016 Paris Motor Show next month, Skoda has officially taken the wraps off its upcoming SUV Kodiaq. This new SUV will compete against the likes of the new Ford Endeavour, Toyota Fortuner, Hyundai SantaFe and the Chevrolet Trailblazer. Thanks to the Yeti, Skoda has had presence in the SUV scene but this is the first time that they are bringing in a 7-seater SUV.

Design

This new SUV gets its name after an Alaskan bear, Which Skoda believes it shares a lot of characteristic with. The Czech car maker has done well to retain its family design cues and yet make the Kodiaq as aggressive as a full-sized SUV should be. The tallish flat bonnet smoothly leads into the large butterfly grille, on either side of which are smart looking horizontally stacked headlamps. Its when you look at the Kodiaq in profile does it really show its massive size thanks to the large optional 20-inch wheels and the sloping roofline. The Kodiaq’s design is somewhat reminiscent of the Superb, especially the sharp shoulder line and the tail lamps.

Size

Talking about the Superb, the Kodiaq too is based on Volkswagen groups modular MQB platform that also underpins the Octavia. As far as dimensions are concerned the Kodiaq is 4,697mm in length, 1,882mm wide and has a wheelbase of 2,791mm. Interestingly, its dimensions as well as its wheelbase are smaller than the Superb.

Interior

Skoda had already released a few photos of the interior of the Kodiaq yesterday. The interior of the new Kodiaq is washed in black. The dashboard is dominated by the large central touchscreen that is accompanied by aluminium air-con vents. In fact, this new dashboard design will form the base for all future Skoda SUVs. The vertically stacked dashboard sports a large panel on the passenger side which will continue on to the doors. Bu the highlight of the Kodiaq is the amount of space that Skoda has been able to make despite its compact dimensions and the sheer versatility of the seating layout. The second row seats get a 40:20:40 split while the third row gets a 50:50 split, allowing varied permutations and combinations for better luggage carrying capacity.

Features

The Kodiaq is expected to come heavily loaded with features. The infotainment system will get Apple CarPlay as well as Android Auto apart from Bluetooth, USB connectivity. It will also come with 360-degree camera, hands-free tailgate operation, on board Wi-Fi and more. Leather upholstery, separate zone climate control for passengers at the back, park assist and cruise control are some of the other features that the Kodiaq is expected to come with.

Engine

In the international market, the Kodiaq will come with five engine options out of which only two will be offered in India. The India-spec model will come with the 2.0-litre diesel powerplant that will either come in the 147.5bhp / 340Nm tune or in the more powerful 187.7bhp / 400Nm version. This unit will either come mated to a 6-speed manual or a much-loved DSG autobox. There is also a possibility of Skoda brining the Kodiaq with the 2.0-litre TSI unit. The gasoline powered Kodiaq will make 177bhp and 320Nm.

India launch

Skoda will all set to showcase the Kodiaq at the Paris Motor Show in October. The Czech brand will then launch the Kodiaq in the international market in early 2017. In India though, the 7-seater SUV is expected to be launched in the second half. Expect the new Skoda Kodiaq to be priced between Rs 25-30 lakh.

Also Read: Skoda India confirms Kodiaq & Octavia RS for 2017, overhauls aftersales policies