The all-new 2017 Skoda Kodiaq has been revealed in Berlin overnight with Skoda saying the launch sees it “striking out in a new direction and opening up new markets”.

THE ALL-NEW 2017 Skoda Kodiaq is the first ‘large’ SUV in the brand’s history. 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. The Skoda Kodiaq is at the forefront of Skoda extensive SUV campaign.”

Skoda Board Member for Technical Development, Christian Strube, added, “The Skoda Kodiaq offers all of our brand’s strengths: well-thought-out functionality, superior interior space and excellent value for money. The largest boot compared to the competition and the optional third row of seats alone make our new SUV the ideal companion for day-to-day demands. And when it comes to driver assistance systems, infotainment and connectivity, the Skoda Kodiaq proves Skoda’s innovative capabilities, offering the technology of higher classes and therefore putting itself at the top of its segment.”

The Skoda Kodiaq measures 4697mm long, 1882mm wide and 1676mm tall (including roof rails) and its wheelbase measures 2791mm. The Kodiaq is based on the Volkswagen Group’s modular transverse matrix (MQB) and so shares its platform with other Volkswagen Group models. Basically, this helps with economies of scale and engineering processes, but it also means the Kodiaq is constructed using a lot of strong, lightweight materials. The body is constructed from a combination of hot-stamped metal sheets to form an “ultra-strong backbone”.

And despite the fact that seven seat options are available, the Kodiaq with the entry-level TSI engine and front-wheel drive, the large SUV weighs just 1452kg (without driver), or 1540kg with the 1.4 TSI engine and all-wheel drive.

The Skoda Kodiaq is just 40mm longer than the Skoda Octavia, but offers “a larger-than-average interior for the SUV segment”. The interior length is 1793mm, elbow room is 1527mm in the front and 1510mm in the rear. Head room is 1020mm in the front and 1014mm in the rear. Rear legroom measures up to 104mm. The second row seats can be moved forwards and backwards by 18cm and are 60:40 split fold, the backrest can also be adjusted.

The boot measures 720 to 2065L (5-seater with the rear seats folded down), and can transport items up to 2.80m long. An electrically operated tailgate is available, and can (as an optional extra) be opened with the firm’s virtual pedal system. The Skoda Kodiaq with the TDI/DSG/4×4 drivetrain can tow a trailer weighing up to 2500kg with an electrically retractable tow bar (although this option is unlikely to be unavailable in Australia).

The Skoda Kodiaq will debut a lot of new or enhanced safety systems for Skoda, including: Trailer Assist which can, when the Kodiaq is towing a trailer, 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. 

The Area View system is a first for the brand: the surround-view cameras, which are located in the front and rear as well as the wing mirrors of the Kodiaq, come with wide-angle lenses and allow views of the area immediately surrounding the car to be displayed on the monitor. These include a virtual, top-down view and 180-degree images to the front and rear.

Front Assist including City Emergency Brake comes as standard and, using radar, can detect “dangerous situations” involving pedestrians or other vehicles in front of the car. If necessary, the system warns the driver and, when required, partially or fully applies the brakes. City Emergency Brake is active up to 34km/h. The optional Predictive Pedestrian Protection complements Front Assist. 

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) is also radar assisted and helps the driver to maintain the selected speed and the desired gap between the Kodiaq and the car in front. Lane Assist, Blind Spot Detect and Rear Traffic Alert help the driver to stay in lane, make changing lanes safer using the rear radar and help when manoeuvring in reverse. If the car is fitted with Lane Assist, ACC and DSG transmission, Traffic Jam Assist comes as an additional function and maintains speed and applies the brakes in slow-moving traffic. Additionally, the car will be kept in lane up to speeds of less than 60km/h thanks to the Lane Assist function. 

Driver Alert detects signs of fatigue in the driver and prompts the driver to take a break while Emergency Assist, only in combination with DSG transmission, is a further function of the ACC and Lane Assist combination. Should the danger arise that the driver is unable to drive, the system can bring the large SUV to a standstill.

Crew Protect Assist, available in a choice of two variants, closes the windows and sunroof, and tensions the seat belts automatically in the event of an impending accident. If you have an accident, the Multi-Collision Brake, which comes as standard, prevents any further uncontrolled movement of the Kodiaq. The camera-based Travel Assist with Traffic Sign Recognition displays speed limits and other road signs as images on the in-car computer as well as the navigation system.

The Skoda Kodiaq will be available with a raft of new infotainment and communication systems, but it’s unlikely Australian models will be available with the full suite.

The Swing infotainment system with its 6.5-inch screen comes as standard. It can be supplemented with a smartphone Bluetooth connection and Skoda SmartLink. SmartLink supports the use of Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and MirrorLinkTM in the car. When the customer connects their phone to the USB port, the relevant setting is shown on the infotainment display.

The optional Bolero infotainment system features a high-definition 8.0-inch touchscreen, including the In-Car Communication (ICC) function. The hands-free microphone records the driver’s voice, and transfers it to the back seats via the rear speakers.

The Amundsen navigation infotainment system builds on the capabilities of the Bolero system with a navigation function as well as a special display mode for driving off-road or even in narrow car parks. The top-of-the-range infotainment system, the Columbus navigation system, adds a 64-GB flash memory and DVD drive. An optional LTE module facilitates high-speed online access in the ŠKODA Kodiaq. Using a WLAN hotspot (optional), passengers can use their mobile devices to surf, stream and send emails at their convenience.

The optional Phonebox charges a smartphone inductively using the Qi standard and connects to the car aerial – both processes occur wirelessly. The Canton Sound System features 10 speakers, including a subwoofer, and has a power output of 575 watts.

It’s unlikely Australian delivered cars will have the full suite of infotainment offerings, although we won’t know for sure until we get closer to the local launch.

The Kodiaq will be available with five powertrains, two TDI and three TSI engines. They have capacities of 1.4L and 2.0L, and power output ranges from 92kW to 140kW. The diesel and petrol engines feature turbocharged direct injection and meet EU6 emission standards. All engines feature a Stop-Start system, brake energy recovery and a powerful thermo-management system, contributing to low consumption.

The 2.0 TDI is available in two variants. The first generates 110kW and 340Nm. The top-of-the-range version delivers 140kW and 400Nm.

The Kodiaq is available with three transmission choices. Depending on the engine, there is a 6-speed manual gearbox or DSG transmissions with six or seven speeds.

Like other Volkswagen Group all-wheel drive product, the system is only active in low grip situations and so, in general driving, is driving only the front wheels.

As an optional extra, Skoda is offering its Driving Mode Select in the Kodiaq. It allows the driver to adjust the operation of the engine and DSG management, power steering, air conditioning and other systems in Normal, Eco, Sport and Individual modes. The all-wheel-drive versions also offer Snow mode, which adapts the operation of the ABS, ASR and ACC (if fitted) systems, as well as the engine management and electronically controlled, all-wheel, multi-plate clutch to slippery road conditions.

Adaptive Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) is also available as an option, and is integrated into Driving Mode Select. Electric valves control the work of the shock absorbers depending on the situation – there are three modes offered: Comfort, Normal or Sport modes.

All-wheel drive models with Driving mode select offer an Off-road function which really just helps to adjust engine revs, brakes and throttle response as well as traction controls. For those wondering if this will be an Everest and similar competitor, we’d have to say probably not. For start it’s not as physically big (it’s Hyundai Santa Fe size) and it doesn’t offer low-range. More than its approach and departure angles are low compared to full 4WD competitors, with the approach angle measuring 19.1-degrees and the rear 15.6-degrees. Ground clearance is 187mm for both petrol and diesel models.

Local pricing and final specification hasn’t been announced for the Skoda Kodiaq, but European sales are expected to begin later this year.