Skoda Kodiaq SUV
- First large SUV Skoda
- Optional folding third row seats
- Largest boot in class
- World premiere in September
THE FIRST views of the new 7-seater Skoda Kodiaq SUV have been revealed, extending the brand’s new design style into the new model marking its entry to the fast-growing and fiercely competitive large SUV sector.
The visual emphasis of this first taster is purely on the bold exterior styling of the new car from Skoda’s head of design Jozef Kaban and his team, with the promise that it will have an interior to match when the new model has its world premiere in September.
As the design sketches show, all lines are clear, precise and sharp; the highly recessed shoulder line highlights the large Skoda SUV’s robust character. Flat, raked headlights are positioned outside the wide Skoda grille. Their crystalline structure pays homage to Czech crystal glass art.
The extensively sculptured rear section also accentuates the Kodiaq’s sporty, robust SUV character. The LED rear lights are designed in the brand’s typical C-shape. The side view is equally as strong.
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- Five and seven seats
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But the mechanical indicators comes in the statement that the long wheelbase and short overhangs point to the spacious interior and that the Skoda Kodiaq SUV “is available with two extra seats in the third row as an optional extra”, making a seven-seater.
We knew that was on the way from a briefing last autumn, when Skoda made clear that it saw its future in SUVs, and this ‘Big Yeti’ was to be just the beginning.
And from the Yeti we know that Skoda isn’t shy of producing a capable mover for all terrains and Kaban assures us this was in his brief.
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Some idea of the flagship powertrains comes from sister model the all-wheel drive Skoda Superb Estate.
And there is more than a strong hint of more SUVs to come from Skoda.
Jozef Kaban said of his design: “The Skoda Kodiaq is a pioneer for our brand in two respects. We are entering a new segment with our first large SUV above the Yeti. And at the same time, the Kodiaq is the first model with the new Skoda SUV design language. It is powerful and emotive, but also timeless.
“The Skoda Kodiaq is extremely versatile. It is exceptionally spacious and with compact external dimensions, it delivers the best overall package in its class. It is also robust, suits all types of terrain and offers the best flexibility and functionality.
“We wanted to visualise this in the exterior design as well as the interior. Form and functionality are therefore in harmony in the Skoda Kodiaq. The crystalline and striking appearance also underlines the strength and character of the Skoda Kodiaq.”
He added: “We are carrying the exterior’s wide, clear lines forward into the interior. And the emphasis here is on the harmony between form and functionality, on calm and clarity. For me, a car has to function perfectly and also radiate aesthetics.
“An interior should spark feelings of trust and well-being. From this philosophy, we have created an atmosphere that is also elegant, comfortable and functional at the same time.”
