- ŠKODA Kodiaq marks the start of the brand’s extensive SUV campaign
- Transfer of ŠKODA’s design language into the SUV segment
- Largest boot in class with a volume of up to 2,065 l
- 4.70 m long, available with up to seven seats
- Towing capacity of up to 2.5 t, Trailer Assist available
- Packed with new ‘Simply Clever’ features
- Introduces new driver assistance systems to the ŠKODA brand
- State-of-the-art infotainment systems and new connectivity solutions with ŠKODA Connect
- Five engines, high performance with fuel efficiency
- 6-speed manual transmission, 6- and 7-speed DSG transmission, front-wheel and all-wheeldrive
- Optional Driving Mode Select and DCC shock absorbers
Mladá Boleslav/Berlin, 1 September 2016 – At 4.70 m long and with up to seven seats and the largest boot in its class, the ŠKODA Kodiaq is the brand’s first large SUV. From early 2017,ŠKODA’s latest model will showcase all of the brand’s strengths: characterful design, extraordinary interior space and innovative technology.
“With the ŠKODA Kodiaq, we are striking out in a new direction and opening up new markets,” says ŠKODA CEO Bernhard Maier. “With our first large SUV, we are conquering a new segment for the brand – and new customer groups. Our new addition to the ŠKODA 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 ŠKODA that has the option of always being online and thereby offering more comfort, safety and real-time information.The ŠKODA Kodiaq is at the forefront of ŠKODA’s extensive SUV campaign.”
ŠKODA Board Member for Technical Development, Christian Strube, added, “The ŠKODA 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 ŠKODA Kodiaq proves ŠKODA’s innovative capabilities, offering the technology of higher classes and therefore putting itself at the top of its segment.”
Exterior design
The brand transfers its new design language into the SUV segment with a design that reflects the car’s versatile character: the ŠKODA Kodiaq features a distinctive interplay of elegant lines, sporty contours and robustness.
All of the ŠKODA Kodiaq’s lines are clear, precise and clean-cut – this applies in particular to the distinctive, highly recessed shoulder line. Double horizontal lines on the front symbolise protection and strength. The wide, three-dimensional radiator grille is striking and the narrow, raked headlights, which flow seamlessly into the radiator grille, give the ŠKODA Kodiaq a distinctive appearance. The two double-headlights create a striking face and stand out due to their crystalline structure, which can also be seen in the rear lights. Here, ŠKODA’s Head of Design, Jozef Kabaň, and his team were inspired by traditional Czech crystal glass art, also reflected in the SUV’s highly contoured surfaces.
The long wheelbase and short overhangs point to the large interior and the wheel arches are slightly angular – a key element of ŠKODA’s SUV design language. LEDs are used as standard in the C-shaped rear light design that is typical of ŠKODA. A choice of 14 paint finishes is available – four standard colours and ten metallic colours. The appearance of the components varies according to the three trim levels – Active, Ambition and Style.
Body
The ŠKODA Kodiaq is 4,697 mm long, 1,882 mm wide and 1,676 mm tall (including roof rails); its wheelbase measures 2,791 mm. The Kodiaq is based on Volkswagen Group’s modular transverse matrix (MQB) in which strict lightweight construction plays an important role. For the body, a combination of hot-stamped metal sheets forms the ultra-strong backbone. With the entry-level TSI engine and front-wheel drive, the large SUV weighs just 1,452 kg (without driver), or 1,540 kg with the 1.4 TSI engine and all-wheel drive.
Torsional stiffness, construction, comfort and crash safety are also superior and the large SUV achieves a cxvalue of just 0.33.
Interior
The ŠKODA Kodiaq is just 40 mm longer than the ŠKODA Octavia, but offers a larger-than-average interior for the SUV segment. The large SUV’s interior length is 1,793 mm, elbow room is 1,527 mm in the front and 1,510 mm in the rear. Head room is 1,020 mm in the front and 1,014 mm in the rear. Rear legroom measures up to 104 mm.
The crisp exterior design carries on into the interior: the double lines – with their three-dimensional appearance – also feature on the instrument panel. The interior is characterised by bold vertical elements, such as the four large air vents and the large display splits the instrument panel into two equal sections for the driver and passenger.
The high-quality workmanship as well as the logical and easy-to-understand operation are typical of ŠKODA and the large circular instruments have a precise and clear design. The steering wheel is available in a choice of different versions – one of which is heated. The optional tri-zone climate control, has its own control panel for the rear seats.
As an option the front seats can be heated, ventilated and adjusted electronically; the latter also includes a memory function. The ŠKODA Kodiaq’s rear seats are also extremely versatile: they can be folded in the ratio 60:40, can be moved lengthways by 18 cm as standard and the angle of the backrest is individually adjustable. Two more seats in the third row are available – the Kodiaq is ŠKODA’s first 7-seater.
As an alternative to the standard fabric seats, a fabric/leather combination and leather or Alcantara are offered. Optional ambient lighting adds an individual touch to the interior and is built into the door trims and can be set to ten different colours.
Boot
With a volume of 720 to 2,065 l (5-seater with the rear seats folded down), the ŠKODA Kodiaq offers the largest boot within its class and if the optional folding passenger seat is chosen, the SUV can transport items up to 2.80 m long. An electrically operated tailgate is available, and can (as an optional extra) be opened with the firm’s virtual pedal system. The ŠKODA Kodiaq with the TDI/DSG/4×4 drivetrain can tow a trailer weighing up to 2.5 t with an electrically retractable tow bar.
Equipment
The ‘Simply Clever’ features available in the ŠKODA Kodiaq are further proof that ŠKODA always offers ‘a little bit more car for your money’. These include door-edge protection: which deploy automatically thanks to preloaded springs when opening the car door and prevents the metal edge of the door from coming into contact with a garage wall or an adjacent vehicle. When shutting the door, the trim folds itself back in. This prevents bumps and scratches to your own car, as well as neighbouring vehicles.
Electric child safety lock for the rear doors, In-Car Communication and the sleep package headrests are available as optional extras for the first time in a ŠKODA. All in all, the ŠKODA Kodiaq provides more than 30 ‘Simply Clever’ features, seven of which are new.
Driver assistance systems
ŠKODA’s large SUV is available with a wide range of driver assistance systems.
A new innovation is Trailer Assist: when the ŠKODA 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.
The Area View system is also 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 ŠKODA 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 Brakecomes 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 21 mph. 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 ŠKODA 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 40 mph 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 ŠKODA 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.
ŠKODA Connect
With its infotainment and connectivity solutions, the large SUV from ŠKODA shows how an SUV can always be online. ŠKODA presents innovative mobile online services, navigation, information and entertainment in Kodiaq and ŠKODA Connect helps with remote access to the vehicle as well as assistance.
ŠKODA Connect is comprised of two categories: the Infotainment Online services provide more information and real-time navigation details. Care Connect provides remote access as well as assistance.
Infotainment Online includes online traffic information, which shows traffic flow on the chosen route in real time. The Google Earth services (available for the Columbus system) embed the route into a topographical view from Google; Google Street View (available for the Columbus system) displays a street view of the destination. Map updates as well as fuel prices, parking information, online news, weather information and ‘My Points of Interest’ services round off the infotainment package. Infotainment Online services are provided free of charge for the first year after purchasing a new car and are available at an extra cost thereafter.
The Emergency Call after an accident is the most important feature of the Care Connect services: the Emergency Call (eCall) is sent directly to an emergency call centre whena restraint system is deployed. This comes as standard and is integrated into the Care Connect services. It also comes with a notification function for minor accidents as well as a breakdown call. Proactive Service is also included in the Care Connect services. When this is activated, all of the required data is sent to the garage in a timely manner before a vehicle’s service.
The third Care Connect service is Remote Access. ŠKODA now also offers the ŠKODA Connect app, which can be used to access and control additional services. For example: the smartphone will alert the owner if their car is being moved by a third party in an unauthorised manner – be that too fast or outside a specified area. Using the app, the route planner can be transferred from home to the navigation system in the car.
For the first time, the SmartLink all-in-one app also integrates SmartGate in the new ŠKODA Kodiaq SUV – alongside Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and MirrorLink™. All of the popular services are available in just one app: navigational data, music and news as well as all relevant vehicle data via the car’s infotainment system.
Infotainment systems
The music and infotainment systems in the ŠKODA Kodiaq represent the latest technology, working quickly, offering state-of-the-art functions and interfaces, and feature capacitive touch displays in a glass design – they react to the touch of a finger and not just to pressure. The basic functions are easy to operate using physical buttons and control dials.
The Swing infotainment system with its 6.5-inch screen comes as standard. It can be supplemented with a smartphone Bluetooth connection and ŠKODA 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 ten speakers, including a subwoofer, and has a power output of 575 watts. As an option, the ŠKODA Kodiaq can be equipped with tablet holders that can be attached to the front headrests. The devices can be charged using optional 230 V and USB sockets.
Engines
Five powertrains, two TDI and three TSI engines, make up the engine range at the launch of the ŠKODA Kodiaq. They have capacities of 1.4 and 2.0 l, and power output ranges from 92 kW (125 PS) to 140 kW (190 PS). The diesel and petrol engines feature turbocharged direct injection and fulfil 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 versions. The first version generates 110 kW (150 PS) and 340 Nm. The top-of-the-range version delivers 140 kW (190 PS) and 400 Nm. On average, the entry-level TDI consumes 5.0 l of diesel (56.5 mpg and 131 g CO2/km) per 100 km. The most powerful diesel engine accelerates the large SUV from 0-100 km/h in 8.6 s and reaches a top speed of up to 130 mph.
The range of petrol engines consists of two 1.4 TSI engines and one 2.0 TSI. The entry-level version of the compact four-cylinder generates 92 kW (125 PS) and 200 Nm of torque. Its NEDC consumption is 6.0 l per 100 km, which corresponds to 47.1 mpg and 140 g CO2/km. In the more powerful version, the 1.4-litre exerts 110 kW (150 PS) and 250 Nm of torque; its ACT system – Active Cylinder Technology – shuts down the second and third cylinders when the load and engine speed are low. The top-of-the-range 2.0 TSI petrol engine features a new combustion process for high efficiency. Power output is 132 kW (180 PS), torque is 320 Nm.
Transmission
The ŠKODA Kodiaq is available with various transmission technologies. Depending on the engine, there is a 6-speed manual gearbox or DSG transmissions with six or seven speeds.
The new 7-speed dual-clutch transmission is making its debut in a ŠKODA and has been designed for powerful engines with torque of up to 600 Nm. The DSG transmission is very compact and provides quick and comfortable gear changes.
The driver can operate the 7-speed DSG in automatic mode, or control it manually using the gear lever or steering wheel paddles. In Eco mode the ŠKODA Kodiaq will coast at speeds above 12mph when the driver takes their foot off the accelerator.
Both top-of-the-range engines – the TDI with 140 kW (190 PS) and the TSI with 132 kW (180 PS) – are coupled with the 7-speed DSG and all-wheel drive. The 1.4 TSI with 110 KW (150PS) and all-wheel drive is available with either the manual 6-speed transmission or 6-speed DSG; front-wheel drive is coupled with the 6-speed DSG. The entry-level diesel with all-wheel drive is offered with the manual 6-speed transmission or the 7-speed DSG; the front-wheel-drive version is offered solely with the 7-speed DSG. The entry-level TSI is available with manual 6-speed transmission and front-wheel drive.
The all-wheel-drive system with electronic control is available for most engine variants. It delivers a big increase in traction, stability and driving safety – even off-road.
The centrepiece of the all-wheel drive is an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch which works intelligently and quickly. The control unit constantly calculates the ideal driving torque for the rear axle; loss of traction is virtually eliminated due to a control system that is dependent on driving status and when in overrun or at low load, drive is via the front axle, which saves fuel.
Chassis
The MacPherson front struts consist partially of aluminium; the steel four-link rear axle absorbs the longitudinal and transverse forces separately. The power steering, using an efficient electro-mechanical drive, ensures exact contact with the road and works in close harmony with several assistance systems in the ŠKODA Kodiaq.
In the Active and Ambition trim levels, the large SUV from ŠKODA comes equipped with 17-inch wheels as standard; 18-inch wheels are standard in the Style trim level. The range of optional extras extends to polished 19-inch wheels.
The brakes – with large ventilated brake discs at the front – are strong and stable. When cornering quickly, the electronic differential lock XDS+, which is a function of the Electronic Stability Control (ESC), makes handling even smoother and safer for both front- and all-wheel drive.
As an optional extra, ŠKODA is making Driving Mode Select available in its large SUV. 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. Here, electric valves control the work of the shock absorbers depending on the situation. Combined with Driving Mode Select, the system adapts to the driving style of the driver and manoeuvres the driver safely on the road. Using DCC, the driver can choose between Comfort, Normal or Sport modes.
Off-road mode can be selected by the simple touch of a button (optional for the all-wheel-drive versions in combination with Driving Mode Select). Here, the chassis, engine management and brakes adjust their operation specifically to rough terrain. This mainly involves pulling away, traction and deceleration. In off-road mode, Hill Descent Assist helps the driver to safely master driving downhill over rough terrain by braking appropriately.