The photos appeared on a Skoda forum from Serbia
Today is a big day for Skoda, as the Czech automaker will reveal its largest SUV yet, the seven-seat Kodiaq.
But while Skoda will unveil the new model at 7 pm local time in Berlin in an event that will be livestreamed online, the first official photos showing the Kodiaq's exterior have already been leaked on a Skoda forum from Serbia.
We are pretty sure the photos are the real deal, as the car looks very similar to the VisionS concept vehicle unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year and the batch of photos also includes new shots of the interior that match those released by Skoda two days ago.
The production version of the Skoda Kodiaq looks toned down a bit compared to the concept vehicle, and could be described as a Skoda Superb wagon on stilts, from a styling point of view. It features the same design language, with a similar treatment of surfaces, as well familiar headlights and taillights. A new addition is the placement of the DRLs just under the headlamps.
While complete official information will be released later today, we already know that the Skoda Kodiaq is very practical, offering the largest boot within its class. In the standard five-seat configuration, cargo volume is 720 liters (25.4 cu ft), but with the rear seats folded down it extends to a cavernous 2,065 liters (72.9 cu ft).
The new SUV offers a seven-seat option as well as a folding front passenger seat, with the latter feature allowing the vehicle to transport items up to 2.90 meters (9.5 ft) long.
At launch in early 2017, the Skoda Kodiaq will be available with five engines – two TDIs and three TSIs. The most powerful gasoline engine is a 2.0-liter TSI with 180 PS (178 hp). Six-speed manual and DSG transmissions are available, in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations.
More expensive versions will also feature Driving Mode Select and the new Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC). Driver assistance systems on offer include Area View (surround-view cameras), Tow Assist, and Manoeuvre Assist (brakes as soon as an obstacle is detected behind the vehicle).
Photo credits: Skoda via skodaforum.rs