Skoda Officially Unveils All-New 2017 Kodiaq SUV

Named after the largest brown bear species, the Kodiaq boasts a cabin that’s roomier than a den

The wait is over for Skoda’s first ever seven-seat SUV, as the automaker has just released full details about the Kodiaq during an event in Berlin that was live streamed online.

We already knew what the Kodiaq looked like thanks to a set of photos that leaked online earlier today, so now we’ll focus on the fresh information. Named after the Kodiak bear that lives in Alaska, the new SUV is the brand’s first seven-seat model, offering an optional third row of seats.

Based on VW Group’s modular transverse matrix (MQB) platform, the Kodiaq is 4,697 mm long, 1,882 mm wide and 1,676 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2,791 mm. These figures translate into a generous interior space and a class-leading cargo volume – 720 liters in standard five-seat configuration and up to 2,065 liters with the rear seats folded down.

Practicality is a huge component of an SUV and the Kodiaq boasts 60:40 split-folding rear seats which can also slide 180 mm and have adjustable backrests. The new SUV also comes with 30 “Simply Clever” features, 7 of which are new. These include door-edge protection, electric child safety lock for the rear doors, In-Car Communication, as well as sleep headrests.

At launch, the Kodiaq will offer five EU6 engines: two diesels and three gasoline units with capacities of 1.4 and 2.0 liters and outputs ranging from 125 PS to 190 PS. All units feature a Stop-Start system, brake energy recovery and a thermo-management system.

There are two versions of the 2.0 TDI, one with 150 PS and 340 Nm and another with 190 PS and 400 Nm of torque. The entry-level unit averages 5.0 l/100 km and emits 131 g/km CO2, while the range-topping engine allows the Kodiaq to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.6 seconds and reach a top speed of 210 km/h.

Gasoline engines include two 1.4 TSI units and one 2.0 TSI unit. The entry-level 1.4-liter engine delivers 125 PS and 200 Nm of torque, averaging 6.0 l/100 km (140 g/km CO2), while the more powerful version produces 150 PS and 250 Nm of torque. This engine features cylinder deactivation. Finally, the 2.0 TSI has 180 PS and 320 Nm of torque.

Depending on the engine, gearboxes include a six-speed manual or DSG transmission with six or seven speeds. The Kodiaq features an optional all-wheel drive system available for most engine variants.

Available technologies include the Driving Mode Select and Adaptive Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC). Finally, driver assistance systems include the Tow Assist and Manoeuvre Assist for towing, Area View (surround-view cameras), Front Assist with City Emergency Brake, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Assist, Blind Spot Detect, Rear Traffic Alert, Driver Alert, and more.