Skoda brings the second generation of the SUV bestseller Kodiaq. It offers more space for passengers and luggage and features a new operating system. There is plenty of choice under the hood, including a plug-in hybrid with a battery that is sufficient for over 100 kilometers of electric driving.
Things are currently going well in the VW Group. The new generation of the long-running Tiguan has just been celebrated. Now the Czech subsidiary Skoda is stepping up and launching its sister model Kodiaq. As with the VW Passat and Skoda Superb, the SUV twins are a joint production, have many of the same technical parts, offer a whole package of modern assistance systems and variety in the engine compartment. The biggest difference: At 4.76 meters, the Kodiaq has grown by a good six centimeters and towers over the VW by a full 20 centimeters. This creates space for a third row, turning the Skoda into a seven-seater if desired.Matrix LEDs, light strips and illuminated radiator grilleThe unmistakable shape of a typical Kodiaq has remained despite many changes in the details, and has so far impressed almost 850,000 buyers worldwide. The largest SUV in the Skoda stable now shines from two-story headlight eyes with a full LED matrix, whose modern interior is likely to attract the attention of high-tech fans during the day. The chrome-rimmed radiator grille is hexagonal, leaving a niche at the top for the new brand logo. If you want, you can even illuminate it with an LED light strip. A gag that can also be found at the rear, but here in red. This strip connects the C-shaped taillights. The view into the interior looks like a modern workplace in an open-plan office and is dominated by a 13-inch monitor, which is in in the middle, as it were, floating. It provides navigation information, contains the infotainment and accommodates the operation of numerous functions. The 10-inch digital cockpit is responsible for important data. The variety of displays is complemented by a new head-up display, which, in addition to the speed, also reflects directional instructions on the windshield.Real controllers for operationBut there are also classic rotary controllers in which three rotary switches with LED interiors enable classic hands-on operation. Climate, heating and audio volume are adjusted in this way. Chief designer Oliver Stefani: “The combination of manual and digital controls meets the wishes of many customers and is as intuitive as it is comfortable.” Future bear keepers will have to find their way around again and say goodbye to the usual gear lever. It had to vacate its usual place in the center console and moved to the right side of the steering column. Slight rotational movements control the standard seven-speed DSG automatic transmission. The procedure is familiar from VW’s ID models. Wide drive range When selecting possible drive variants, Skoda leaves the choice to the customer. Would you prefer the old-fashioned way with combustion engines that consume gasoline or diesel? Then the basic model comes into play. The 1.5-liter gasoline engine with 150 hp is a mild hybrid. This Kodiaq also has the well-known cylinder deactivation, in which two of the four cylinders are shut down when full power is not needed. The two-liter gasoline engine (204 hp) takes on the role of the powerhouse, has all-wheel drive and electronic dampers. For diesel fans there is 193 hp, also blessed with all-wheel drive. The most exciting version of the drive technology available is a plug-in hybrid. With the top model, environmentally conscious customers should be able to undertake significantly more stages of their daily tours purely electrically. The new combination of the 1.5-liter gasoline engine and a powerful electric motor is said to be good for a range of more than 100 kilometers for the first time in a Skoda SUV. There is a 25.7 kWh battery on board, which can be charged at home with 11 kW alternating current or on the go with 50 kW direct current. At 150 kW/204 hp, the total output of the front-wheel drive car corresponds to that of the powerful all-wheel drive petrol engine. Skoda is not yet revealing any details about the prices or standard equipment. Since it is a bit larger than the Tiguan, the basic version is expected to outperform its counterpart by around 5,000 euros. It offers up to nine airbags, including a central airbag between the front seats. In addition, all known assistance systems can be ordered. New to Skoda is a remote control app for the cell phone with which the Kodiaq can be steered into tight parking spaces with Bluetooth support after the driver has gotten out. Without looking into the crystal ball, it seems certain that the new Kodiaq will also fit easily into the space admission hit parade. Even if, unlike his predecessor, he has serious competition from his own family. However, this target group wants little to do with the old world of combustion engines. In addition to the coveted Enyaq electric car, Skoda fans also have to learn a new name. Next year, the Elroq will be an electric version of the smaller Karoq. (SPX)
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