India-bound Skoda Kodiaq Displays at 2016 Paris Motor Show

The first ever full-size SUV from the Czech auto manufacturer, Skoda Kodiaq has been globally premiered at the 2016 Parish Motor Show. While this true SUV will go on sale in the European market by the end of this year, the rest international market will receive it on a later date in 2017. Once launched, the company will be battling it out against the likes of Hyundai Santa Fe and the Land Rover Discovery Sport.

Named after the Alaskan bear, Kodiak (there is also a city in Alaska with the same name), the 7-seater SUV is based on the MQB platform which help in reducing the overall vehicle weight, and as a result of it, the base variant of petrol-powered FWD (Front Wheel Drive) Kodiaq features curb weight of just 1,452 kg. That similar platform also underpins the new Skoda Superb.

On dimensions, the Kodiaq measures 4,697mm in length, 1,882mm in width and 1,676mm in height, while the class-leading wheelbase of 2,791 mm gives it immense interior space for the seven occupants. The boot space of the SUV is also top in the segment, after folding the third-row, it features boot space of up to 2,065-litre.

Beneath the front-end, the Kodiaq SUV will be offered with five engine options - two diesel TDI and three petrol TSI. The petrol-powered SUV will be available with the choice of two 1.4-litre and a 2.0-litre engine configurations, while the diesel-powered variants continue with the conventional 2.0-litre unit in two different states of tunes. The engine unit can be paired with a 6-speed manual or DSG automatic with 6- or 7-speed transmissions. Ture to be called SUV, Kodiaq will also be offered with both front and all-wheel drive options along with the various driving modes.

The first-ever features of the SUV include Clever touches (a self-deploying plastic door edge protector that prevents scratches on the doors while parking on the tight spaces), electric child safety lock, and sleep comfort seats with special packages. Other technology-genius feature includes a touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and several latest connectivity services.

We’ll also see Skoda Kodiaq being launched in India as a flagship SUV by the next year, and it will be slotted above the Superb. On the competition side, it will lock its horns in the country against the likes of Ford Endeavour, Hyundai Santa Fe, Toyota Fortuner, etc.
Get latest and updated information about automobiles on our Google Plus Community Speed Gears.