Skoda’s Kodiaq moment

Forget about the wretched Estelle from the late 70s/early 80s, which could apparently be doubled in value by merely filling it with petrol. These days, Skoda offers plenty of quality cars like the Golf-based Octavia, the loveable Yeti, and the cheeky Citigo; they even make an admirable attempt at luxury with the 5 Series-sized Superb.

However, for some time, there has always been a large SUV-shaped hole in Skoda’s range. Until now.

This is the Kodiaq, which will take on the Nissan X-Trail and Kia Sorento when it goes on sale in the UK around April 2017.

Prices won’t be confirmed until its public unveiling at the Paris Motor Show in October but it could seriously undercut the competition with a £22,500 starting price.

Stretching for 4,697mm long, 1,882mm wide and standing at 1,676mm tall, the Kodiaq will not only be Skoda’s first full-size SUV, but also its first ever seven-seater (although a five-seat model will be available too as well as a coupe version eventually).

Offering up to 2,065 litres of boot space with the rear seats down, the Kodiaq will provide more interior space, technology and value for money than its rivals. At least that’s what the bosses at Skoda reckon.

The Kodiaq’s angular styling has been heavily influenced by the VisionS concept from earlier this year, but there are many details that tell you it’s a Skoda, such as the spread-winged front grille and the ‘lion nose’ running down the centre of the bonnet.

Inside, all Kodiaqs come with a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Mirrorlink, however, buyers can upgrade to a larger eight-inch option while top-spec models come with in-car Wi-Fi and a 360-degree camera for those trickier parking moments.

Its engine range will comprise a pair of 2.0-litre TDI diesels, two 1.4-litre TSI petrols and a 2.0-litre petrol, all linked to either a six-speed manual or a DSG semi-automatic with six- or seven-speeds.

This should adequately cater for frugal and long-distance drivers as well as those that just need something to potter about in with the occasional tip-run.

However, a high-performance 233bhp vRS prototype is also in currently being tested and could reach UK roads by late 2017, all being well .

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