Skoda Kodiaq is the first conventional SUV Skoda and also the first SUV 7 places the Czech brand. It will arrive in early 2017 and we have already conducted.

In the absence of small details and definition of finishing equipment, we had the opportunity to test the new Skoda Kodiaq. He has not been in Alaska, whence its name in honor of a family of bears, whose population also receives the same name (ending with “k” instead of “q”), but west of Norway, near Alesund, those responsible for Skoda qualify as the most similar to “Kodiak” Alaska European environment.

The sensations about him New Skoda has been very positive Kodiaq, especially for its driveability, his simplicity and their solutions’ intelligent” ‘, Called’SIMPLY CLEVER, they really are. The first that striking are its exterior dimensions, it is bigger than a compact SUV but does not become elephantine, with 4.69 meters in length, 1.88 m wide and a long wheelbase of 2.79 meters. Its design is simple and meets standards Skoda, but it adapted to the new needs of a type of vehicle like this, in terms of ruggedness and space, but without being overdone in any case. It keeps the style headlamps crystal effect, which may be LED at higher variants range, and include fog lights located in an elevated position, almost touching the main light clusters. The hood also has a pronounced rib in a “V” which enhances the image and enhances the relief. The same applies to the gusset walking body from headlight to the later, the latter with three-dimensional shapes, which can be mixed with incandescent and LED lights or LED’s full.

Thanks to the Skoda Kodiaq generous dimensions, have been able to develop versions of five and seven seats with the same body and luggage capacity unusual. To get an idea, with five seats 720 liters cubic, reaching 2,065 if the rear seatbacks fold down. In the case of the variants of seven seats, luggage capacity with all seats occupied, it is 270 liters, similar to that of a Skoda Fabia; 630 liters when folded down the backs of the third row, and 2005 liters in the case of shooting down the backs of the last two rows.

Skoda Kodiaq: plenty of space inside

Further, the seats of the second row of Skoda Kodiaq can slide lengthwise 17 cm and the central seatbacks may recline and fold in proportion 40:20:40 to distribute the space between cargo and passengers. Dispose of controls at trunk to make folding backrests and adds new features to allow both opening and closing the tailgate with just the foot below the bumper.

All interior dimensions of Skoda Kodiaq They are remarkable, with a width at shoulder height of 1.48 m and 1.45 m in front behind, and 1 m for the height of the head in front and in the middle row. Further, access to the third row is very good, as the central bench is moved to join the back of the passenger seat. Without being places for adults traveling long distances, quite comfortably and allow enough slack for small or medium sizes.

Skoda Kodiaq: variety of gasoline and diesel engines

Range engines equating Skoda Kodiaq contemplates new versions 1.4 to 2.0 liter gasoline and Diesel. And will be available 1.4 TSI two variants 125 and 150 hp, the former as version access range, only the front axle drive and six-speed manual transmission, which provides a maximum torque of 20 mkg. The next step, also 1.4, but with 150 hp and 25.5 mkg torque will be available with all-wheel drive, well with six-speed manual transmission or automatic dual-clutch gearbox DSG, also six gears. The third petrol variant will be a 2.0 TSI 180 HP and 32.4 mkg torque, equipped with a new combustion system which will be offered exclusively with DSG and permanent four wheel drive.

In the case of Diesel engines of the Skoda Kodiaq, both versions 2.0 and four cylinders, but configurations TDI 150 and 190 hp, respectively. The first one will be offered in both front-wheel and all, with manual or automatic DSG double-clutch gearbox, while the stop range version TDI, 190 hp and 40.8 mkg, is available only with 4×4 and automatic DSG seven relations. In this case, the benefits are a highlight, with a maximum speed of 209 km / h and an acceleration of 0 to 100 km / in 7.8 seconds. So far they have provided no official data on fuel consumption and emissions, although Audi engineers ensure that these aspects have been especially careful in Skoda Kodiaq.

Among the features that respond to driving should emphasize the special set-up point DCC Dynamic Chassis Control, which has three operating modes, Normal, Sport and Comfort, plus a mode “Snow”, varying the parameters of performance of ABS, ASR, ACC and active control decreases, places the address and DCC in Normal mode. Offroad mode can run at a speed below 30 km / h, automatically disconnected if this figure is exceeded.

This is not an off-road use, but the dimensions Offroad announcing the Skoda Kodiaq allow certain practices off-road, it has an angle of 22º, a ventral angle 19.7 °, 194 mm of ground clearance and exit angle 23,1º. For users who use trailer, Kodiak can drag up to 2.5 tons and optionally it provides parking assistance system with a trailer, which greatly facilitates handling.

Skoda Kodiaq: very easy to drive

During the brief touchdown conducted in Norway, we had the opportunity to drive the 4×4 version 2.0 TDI 190 hp with automatic DSG 7 speed. The first thing that struck us was the driveability, because at no time Skoda Kodiaq feels heavy or bulky. The most powerful diesel offers good dose of power from idle and supported by the DSG, makes delivery is very smooth and progressive. The steering wheel paddles help to harness the engine brake with perfect cuts and automatic mode transitions are made quickly and smoothly, both in sport mode as in normal mode.

Also a precise steering and quick contributes to choose the path with ease, It is modifiable through DCC (more or less power), as happens with the throttle response and suspensions, which vary greatly among sport modes comfort or. By noise we can not judge very accurately, as “muletos” proven three-dimensional camouflages possessed something that raise the decibel level and interiors still unfinished with final materials. However, it did not seem particularly noisy even in a small area off-road with steep slope loose stone.

Skoda Kodiaq: 30 solutions “Simply Clever”

Many of them are known from other models Skoda, but worth noting some of them, especially practices. Striking the door protection system to avoid bumps and chips, which automatically pulls out a rubber protector is set on singing when opening the door and retracts to close, being completely invisible from the outside. It has also drawn attention the electric rear door lock to prevent children from accidentally opening them. Of course, two umbrellas, one in each front door and as a curiosity, a “sleep package” a flat bag which is housed in front of the sidewalk in which is a folded blanket and inflatable pillow neck …

Further, microphone communication system acting on the rear speakers, trunk lid and with reversible specific accommodations for the blind ocultaequipajes, you cupholders that blocks the bottle so that it can be opened with one hand, folding tables can holder after the front seatbacks, athermal glass, opening and closing windows with a long press on the remote remote key … and even heated steering wheel if desired.

Skoda Kodiaq: driving aids, up to 22 attendees

In electronics and connectivity, Skoda has pulled the house out the window, applying the latest technologies available driving aids, comfort, entertainment and assisted services. So, the new Kodiaq may have side and rear cameras that allow a vision of the environment to improve security, system Parking assistance control function, braking automatically detect an obstacle on the road when traveling at a speed below 30 km / h. Nor forgets Active cruise control, lane departure assistant, declines control system, etc.. As for connectivity, it highlights the high level applied in the model, from the Volkswagen modular platform with navigation systems based on Google Maps, capacitive screens 8 “(middle of next year will include a larger, 9.2”).

Offered various online systems, both information and navigation and some assistance and support capabilities. Emergency service if necessary or accident with notice of the exact spot where the mishap, accident severity, number of people involved has occurred, etc.. you can also receive notifications via connection to the mobile to know the exact point where the car is, if it is open or closed, the available autonomy, as well as acting as an access point connection 4G with eight devices. The first year is free of charge and the system calculates that the following could cost around 120 euros / year in Europe, depending on the operator.

The system is capable of acting communications protocols SmartLink, carplay Apple, Android Auto, MirrorLink and SmartGate. In addition, the inductive charging device connects to the Smartphone roof antenna to improve signal transmission and reception and recharges the mobile to leave only on the surface area for this purpose.

You can also send a route or an appointment from your phone, locate gas stations, restaurants or parking very easily. Even have a destination overview of Google Street View.

In principle it is planned to structure the range in three different levels of finish, very similar to the Skoda Superb Combi prices, ie between 27,000 and 45,000 euros.

You may also like

Ateca Seat, Skoda and VW Tiguan Kodiaq: the most anticipated SUV

Skoda 4×4: the new Kodiaq Scout and Yeti

Compare up to three cars at once

All new car prices