The Skoda Kodiaq is the new Skoda SUV; one of the brands of the Volkswagen Group. This new model derives from the Skoda Vision S Concept prototype, presented to the public at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show.
As is the case with the Seat Ateca and the Spanish firm, the new Kodiaq is the first vehicle for this segment in the ranks of Skoda. Kodiaq? What does it mean? The name comes from the ‘Kodiak Bear’, which lives in and around Alaska.
Big outside and inside
The exterior of this Skoda SUV is great. These are the dimensions of the Skoda Kodiaq: it measures 4.69 meters long, 1.88 meters wide and its height reaches 1.65 meters. Thanks to these measures, the interior has enough capacity to accommodate up to seven passengers.
The design of the Skoda Kodiaq is characterized by very robust forms, although it also has elegant lines and sporty contours that soften the whole and make it easily recognizable. Check out our comparison of the Skoda Kodiaq, where we pit it against the Volkswagen Tiguan.
If we look at its side view, the long wheelbase and short overhangs announce a very spacious interior. The exterior design is completed by the rear optics, with LED technology, which has the characteristic ‘C’ shaped design of the manufacturer from the Czech Republic.
You can choose between fourteen colors for the bodywork. The appearance of the exterior components varies depending on the three levels available for the finishes of the Skoda Kodiaq: Active, Ambition, and Style.
Like current SUVs, offroad capabilities are somewhat limited, although it has a ground clearance of around 190 millimeters, which gives it some off-road prowess. You can check it out in our Skoda Kodiaq test.
Skoda’s new SUV is built on the Volkswagen Group’s ‘MQB’ cross-sectional modular platform, in which lightness of construction plays a major role. Its towing capacity is estimated at a maximum load of 2,500 kilograms.
The entry version, with a TSI engine and front-wheel drive, weighs 1,452 kilograms empty (without driver) on the scale. The same motorization, associated with an all-wheel-drive scheme, remains at 1,540 kilograms.
In addition, the new Skoda Kodiaq has numerous driving assistance systems and technology, such as a semi-automatic parking system, traffic sign identifier, or a system to facilitate parking with trailers.
Equipment such as an overhead view camera from outside the vehicle, active cruise control, variable hardness suspension, blind-spot vehicle detector, and involuntary lane change alert is added. Most of this Skoda Kodiaq equipment is available as an option.
Simply Clever: the interior of the Skoda Kodiaq
In the infotainment section, the Skoda Kodiaq has new and innovative mobile services for navigation systems, information, and multimedia section. The navigation offer now includes traffic information on the route along with the Google Earth and Google Street View services.
Updating cartography, fuel prices, information on parking areas, online news, or weather information complement the range of services available.
The SmartLink app integrates the SmartGate function which, together with the Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and MirrorLink standards, allows you to extend smartphone connectivity on the navigation system screen.
The interior of the Skoda Kodiaq adds various modularity solutions: the seats in the second row can be moved longitudinally by a maximum of twenty centimeters and it also allows their backs to tilt. The third row of seats is somewhat narrow and its access is not entirely easy, although it is capable of accommodating two adults.
The trunk of the Skoda Kodiaq is remarkable, with a capacity of 720 liters (in configuration with the five-seater passenger compartment) or 270 liters (with the third row of seats unfolded). Inside the trunk itself, the Skoda Kodiaq includes individualized compartments and a removable flashlight.
In this sense, the front doors house folding umbrellas and a pack consisting of a blanket and earmuffs. There is also an ice scraper on the inside of the fuel tank cap.
Motors for any need
The mechanical options that make up the range of engines for the Skoda Kodiaq are five. All of them are available from launch. The arrival in our car market is scheduled for early 2017 (even so, the brand has been accepting orders since the end of 2016).
The range of gasoline engines for the Skoda Kodiaq is made up of three turbo engines and two different displacements: the first of them is a 1.4 TSI engine with 125 hp and 150 hp (with cylinder disconnection system in the latter engine). It is followed by a 2.0 TSI engine with a maximum power of 180 hp.
The Skoda Kodiaq diesel engine offer comes from the same block: a 2.0 TDI engine with 150 hp and 190 hp. As an option, you can choose a DSG automatic transmission and four-wheel drive. Which one is better? You can find out in this Skoda Kodiaq test.
All Skoda Kodiaq engines incorporate direct injection and comply with Euro 6 emission regulations. Likewise, all of them have start-stop systems ‘Start-Stop’ and braking energy recovery. In this article, we tell you the strengths and weaknesses of the Skoda Kodiaq.
Kodiaq Sportline and Kodiaq Scout: new finishes
The Czech manufacturer expands the range of versions of the Skoda Kodiaq in 2018. It does so with two new finishes, in addition to those already available since its launch. The first of them gives this Skoda SUV a sportier design.
It is called Kodiaq Sportline and aims to combine dynamism and sportiness, with a more differentiated design than its range brothers. On the other hand, the Kodiaq Scout is designed for those more adventurous drivers. Here you have our test of the Skoda Kodiaq Scout.
This version combines comfort and elegance, in a body that stands out for its robustness. Both the Kodiaq Sportline and the Kodiaq Scout also have specific features, exclusive equipment, and a wide range of available assistance and infotainment systems. We also can’t overlook the wide selection of ‘Simply Clever’ practicalities.
available engines
As for their engines, the Kodiaq Sportline and Kodiaq Scout are available with a choice of three engines. These include the two 1.4-liter and 2.0-litre TSI petrol engines, as well as the 2.0-liter TDI engine.
The range of available engines delivers between 150 hp and 180 hp of maximum power. All engines are offered with the DSG automatic transmission, with six or seven speeds (depending on engine).
Likewise, the 1.4 TSI engine and the 2.0 TDI engine are also offered with a manual transmission in the Kodiaq Scout finish, which includes all-wheel drive in all its engine variants; only for the 2.0 TDI and TSI of the Kodiaq Sportline finish.
The Kodiaq Scout adventurer is the only one that can be equipped with the most powerful engine in the range: the 2.0 TDI block with 190 CV of power, with a seven-speed DSG gearbox and total four-wheel drive.
Kodiaq RS: maximum sportiness
The initials RS (Rally Sport) have adorned the sportiest models of the Czech manufacturer Skoda since the year 2000. Now, in 2018, the new Skoda Kodiaq RS is introduced. This new model is the brand’s first SUV to join this exclusive circle.
With this, the Czech manufacturer transfers the 117-year history of the brand in the world of motoring and competition to a new segment of vehicles. This gesture is commemorated by a new modern RS logo, highlighted in red, on the bodywork.
The new Skoda Kodiaq RS makes its world premiere at the Paris Motor Show in October 2018. The first official images of the Kodiaq RS reveal a sportier and more powerful appearance.
The Skoda Kodiaq RS, optionally available with seven seats, is powered by a TDI engine that offers a maximum power of 239 hp. This Skoda Kodiaq RS engine is the most powerful series diesel block in the entire history of Skoda.
