Skoda reveals Kodiaq seven-seat SUV ahead of Paris

Skoda’s first large SUV to make debut at Paris and set to hit Australia Q3 2017.

While Volkswagen’s plans for expanding their SUV range to include a seven-seat Tiguan Plus are technically still under wraps, sister brand Skoda has already showed its hand with the Kodiaq, the brand’s first SUV model with a seven-seat option.

On the outside, the Kodiaq carries over much of the shape and styling of the recent Vision S concept, but underneath is based on Volkswagen’s ubiquitous MQB platform - the same platform that underpins the current Golf and Passat.

Measuring in at 4,697mm in length, 1,882mm wide, and standing 1,676mm tall the Kodiaq is notably shorter and narrower than the likes of other seven-seater capable SUVs in the market today such as the Ford Territory and Toyota Kluger, though it is similar size to the Mitsubishi Outlander.

Despite occupying a smaller footprint than most large SUVs, Skoda says they have managed to carve out a generously sized interior with a cabin that is 40mm longer than the cabin length of the Octavia, and offer up to 1,527mm in elbow room up front with 1,510mm in the rear. The second row of seats is able to be moved lengthways by 18cm, and offer up to 104mm of legroom.

Following up on their claim of maximising space, around the back Skoda claims that the Kodiaq offers the largest boot in its class with a cargo space of 720-litres, which can be expanded up to 2,065-litres with the rear seats folded down.

The Kodiaq’s seven-speed dual-clutch transmission is a new variant to the brand, and has been designed to handle up to 600Nm of torque.

There are plenty of creature comforts options available on the Kodiaq, such as a three-zone climate control with independent controls for the rear seats, heated, ventilated, and electrically adjustable front seats with memory functionality, foot-gesture opening electric tailgate, and the aforementioned third row of seats.

Driver assistance options are pretty extensive too on the Kodiaq with features such as Tow Assist that takes control of the steering when drivers are reversing with a trailer, Manoeuvre Assist which will apply the brakes automatically should it detect a close-enough obstacle behind, Area View surround-view camera system, Front Assist with City AEB, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Assist, blind spot detection, Rear Traffic Alert, Driver Alert drowsiness detection, Crew Protect Assist pre-collision preparation system, Multi-Collision Brake, and a camera-based Travel Assist with Traffic Sign Recognition system.

On top of that the Kodiaq can also be specified with the XDS+ electronic differential lock, and Adaptive Dynamic Chassis Control adjustable suspension.

As for powertrain options, the Kodiaq will be available in Europe with three engine choices representing five powertrain variants available, comprising of a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel available in 110kW/340Nm and 140kW/400Nm guises, a 1.4-litre petrol with power outputs of 92kW/200Nm and 110kW/250Nm, and a 2-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol boasting 132kW and 320Nm of torque.

These engines are mated to a choice of a six-speed manual, or six- or seven-speed dual-clutch transmissions. According to Skoda, the Kodiaq’s seven-speed dual-clutch transmission is a new variant to the brand, and has been designed to handle up to 600Nm of torque. The seven-speeder is available for both 2-litre petrol and diesel power units, whereas the 110kW 1.4-litre petrol variant is the sole model in the range to utilise an optional six-speed dual-clutch.

While both the range-topping 2-litre petrol and the 140kW diesel variant will come paired with an all-wheel drive system as a standard, it is an optional extra for both the 110kW 1.4-litre petrol and 110kW 2-litre diesel power units.

Both dual-clutch transmission options and all-wheel drive system is unavailable for the entry-level 92kW 1.4-litre petrol mill, which makes do with a front-wheel drive setup and a six-speed manual.

Whilst the Kodiaq will make its public debut at the Paris Motor Show later this month, its Australian arrival is set for the third quarter of next year. Exact pricing and specifications of the Australian bound models are yet to be finalised.

Does the Kodiaq appeal to you? Tell us what you think in the comments below.