New Skoda Cars Spotlight on the 2017 Kodiaq

With the launch of the 2017 Kodiaq, Skoda is looking to tap into the fast growing large SUV segment. Approximately half the auto manufacturers selling cars in Australia have a high riding, large family wagon model, and until now Skoda has been missing the boat. However, from mid 2017, the seven seater Kodiaq will be in our showrooms and heralds the beginning of an SUV model roll out for the next four years.

The Kodiaq Basics:

The new model has been named for the Kodiak bear, native to the Alaskan Kodiak Islands. The model name is spelled using a “q” rather than a “k” as a tribute to the Alutiiq people in Alaska who use the same spelling to identify the animal. Additionally, Chevrolet already has a Kodiak, which could have caused some issues.

The Kodiaq development team used the bear for their mascot and as an icon of being tough, clever and big. The model uses the MQB Volkswagen platform, so it has familial characteristics with the Volkswagen Tiguan. However, this architecture has also been used for the Skoda Superb and Octavia.

In terms of size, the Kodiaq is 4697 millimetres long, making it 40 millimetres larger than the Octavia and 160 millimetres smaller than the Superb. Outside, the Kodiaq doesn’t look that large. The angles and sharp lines create a modern, clean look, which has more of a resemblance to a station wagon rather than a conventional SUV.

Inside the Cabin:

The Kodiaq also makes use of the Simply Clever innovations used throughout the range of Skoda new cars. There are thirty of these features around the model including ice scraping tool incorporated into the fuel flap, detachable interior boot light to use as a torch and gripped bottle holders between the front seats to allow one handed opening of a bottle.

There are also integrated protection strips on the doors which flip when the door is opened to prevent bashing it on another vehicle or a wall. Another innovation that may be appreciated by parents is that you can activate Bluetooth microphone voice input to pipe it into the stereo speakers in the rear. This will allow you to get your kids attention without needing to yell.

There is also plenty of luggage space; 270 litres when the third row in place, extending to 630 litres when the only five seats are in place.

If you are considering a new car, Skoda has certainly given buyers something to seriously think about. The Kodiaq is a well thought out vehicle that is sure to provide serious competition in the segment. If you would like to know more, contact us. Our sales team would be happy to provide information about this Skoda new car or any other model in the range.