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The Kodiaq is Skoda's first ever full-size, seven-seat SUV and it kicks off an onslaught of new crossovers and SUVs from the Czech brand. While the name sounds like a play on a certain famous photography supplies firm's name, it's actually named after an Alaskan species of bear. The Kodiaq will be offered in five- and seven-seat forms with boot space varying from 270 litres with all seven seats in use to a ginormous 2,065 litres with all the rear seats folded down.
What will its rivals be?
There's one key rival for the Skoda Kodiaq and that's the Hyundai Santa Fe, a seven-seat SUV that's loved by Irish buyers. It's not the only show in town of course, as the Kia Sorento is built on the same mechanicals, is just as spacious and comes with an even longer warranty. Less obvious alternatives include the Land Rover Discovery Sport, Honda's CR-V, the Mitsubishi Outlander, Nissan's X-Trail and perhaps even the Subaru Forester. Lots of competition there, but the Skoda appears to be more spacious than them all and will be priced keenly.
Any tech info?
New to Skoda is Trailer Assist: when the Kodiaq is towing a trailer, the system can take over steering when reversing slowly. Additionally, while reversing, the new Manoeuvre Assist will brake as soon as an obstacle is detected behind the vehicle. The system is controlled using an enhanced function of the rear parking sensors.
Also optional is the Skoda Phonebox, which can inductively charge smartphones (only certain models, obviously) and boost their phone signal by connecting them to the car's aerial.
Skoda will debut its Care Connect service on the Kodiaq too, featuring Emergency Call as standard in the case of an accident. This system also has something called Proactive Care, which sends the car's data to the designated Skoda garage ahead of service time.
What will the range be like?
Skoda has not yet confirmed pricing for the Irish market, other than to say it will be 'competitive'. To us, that means circa €35,000 as a starting point. It's expected that Skoda will stick with its tried and tested trim level names of Active, Ambition, Style and L&K, though that has yet to be announced. We do know that there will be two 2.0-litre TDI diesel engines at launch to choose from (150- and 190hp), plus a few petrol options that are unlikely to be popular here. In 2018, a less expensive 115hp diesel engine will come on stream. Depending on version, the Kodiaq can be front- or four-wheel drive and there are six-speed manual or automatic gearboxes.
Expectations?
We expect the Skoda Kodiaq to be a huge hit. Large SUVs are gaining in popularity and Skoda has already carved out a name for itself as purveyor of well-priced, well-equipped and simply good family cars. Hyundai, Kia et al should be very worried indeed.