SKODA will unveil a new flagship version of its Kodiaq SUV at next month’s Geneva Motor Show.
The Kodiak will be badged L&K badge is a tribute to the car company’s founding fathers Laurin and Klement.
So if you fancy your next company car just a bit more upmarket then this is what you get: chrome grille, 19-inch alloy wheels and modified front and rear bumpers while the interior boasts leather upholstery and piano-black decorative trim.
The L&K brings with it a new engine range for the brand’s large SUV, now including a 1.5-litre, 150hp TSI engine while the 2.0 TSI engine’s output has increased from 180hp to 190hp.
New petrol drivetrains feature particulate filters. These will feature on all equipment versions of the Kodiaq in the future.
The latest generation 7-speed DSG auto for petrol engines and the 2.0 TDI engine with 150hp will also debut at Geneva while another 2.0 TDI with 190hp completes the engine range. The two strongest engines come with 4×4 drive as standard, and are available as an option for the other two.
The all-wheel-drive variants of L&K also have Adaptive Chassis Control DCC (Dynamic Chassis Control) as an option.
The interior is enhanced with a three-spoke multifunction leather steering wheel, optionally available in black or beige leather trim. A subtle ‘Laurin & Klement’ logo can be found on the seats as well as on the trim strips of the instrument panel, which features black piano lacquer accents.
The logo can also be seen on the home screen of the infotainment system. The standard equipment also includes an electrically adjustable driver’s seat including memory function, door sills, which bear the Kodiaq model logo, aluminium pedals, textile floor mats, a rain sensor, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, ambient lighting and the CANTON sound system.
The Skoda Kodiaq is increasingly attractive in the leasing market where monthly payments are less than rivals such as the Korean rivals, reckons Skoda.
Claimed fuel economy around the mid 50s to the gallon and emissions of around 130g/km do not make it the most economic company car choice, although a low list prices mean that BIK tax charges on petrol models start at £90-£180 for 20% and 40% taxpayers respectively while diesels are £117-£234.
