With the ŠKODA KODIAQ, ŠKODA is entering a new market segment that is growing quickly across the world – the large SUV class. With this campaign, the company wants to engage new customer groups, increase its market shares and further strengthen its position in international markets. The ŠKODA KODIAQ demonstrates where ŠKODA stands today, and it also points to the future – with a variety of new technology and future-oriented features in terms of connectivity, including mobile online services for the best information and safety.
“Our new ŠKODA KODIAQ SUV is a great all-rounder,” said ŠKODA CEO, Bernhard Maier. “It combines an active sense of vitality with the brand’s classic qualities – a high degree of functionality and an outstanding amount of space. As always, in the design process we have focused on offering a little bit more car, and as a result, the best vehicle in the segment. In addition, with its emotive design, the ŠKODA KODIAQ is a strong presence on the road.”
Full of character: transfer of design language into the SUV segment
Even at first glance, the ŠKODA KODIAQ is a true ŠKODA: with a design that is full of character and emotion, and thereby brings the brand’s new design language into the SUV segment. In day-to-day use, it offers a variety of qualities for family, leisure and business. Whether as a five- or seven-seater, the ŠKODA KODIAQ has plenty of space for everyone and everything. In addition, with a capacity of up to 2,065 litres, the five-seater boasts the largest boot within its class. The longitudinally adjustable rear seats come as standard, the backrests can be tilted as required.
Ease of use, excellent workmanship and the ‘Simply Clever’ philosophy are ŠKODA’s defining characteristics. The ŠKODA KODIAQ introduces new and extraordinary concepts, including plastic door-edge protection that deploys automatically to avoid damaging the vehicle in garages or car parks. There is an electric child safety lock for the youngest passengers as well as a sleep comfort package with special headrests for long trips.
At the top of the segment: connectivity solutions
With innovative connectivity solutions, the ŠKODA KODIAQ is at the top end of its segment. The infotainment elements originate from Volkswagen Group’s second-generation Modular Infotainment Matrix. They offer numerous functions and interfaces, and are all equipped with capacitive touchscreens. The top-of-the-range Columbus and Amundsen systems come with a WiFi hotspot. As an optional extra, there is an LTE module for the Columbus system – it establishes an Internet connection using the fastest mobile communications standard currently available. Passengers can use this to browse online and send emails using their mobile phones and tablets to their hearts’ content.
The new mobile online services from ŠKODA are compatible with LTE, and are divided into two categories: the Infotainment Online services provide information and navigation, and the Care Connect services provide breakdown and emergency assistance. The eCall emergency button, which will be required for all new cars in Europe from 2018, is already now part of the Care Connect service. Other online services run via the ŠKODA Connect app. They can be used to check, configure and find a car from afar via a smartphone.
The ŠKODA KODIAQ reaches a new level when it comes to the intelligent pairing of car and smartphone. The SmartLink platform, with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, MirrorLinkTM and SmartGate, is optional for the entry-level Swing infotainment system. SmartLink is a standard feature for more advanced infotainment systems. The Phonebox with inductive charging connects the smartphone to the roof aerial and charges it wirelessly.
Reliable support: driver assistance systems
In the ŠKODA KODIAQ, a wide range of driving assistance systems is available. The Area View cameras, new for ŠKODA, display the car’s immediate surroundings on the monitor. When a trailer is attached to the large SUV, the Tow Assist system takes over manoeuvring when reversing slowly. The new predictive pedestrian protection function complements Front Assist. Parking Distance Control with braking function, also new, provides support with parking manoeuvres – the ŠKODA KODIAQ brakes automatically as soon as it detects an obstacle.
Furthermore, additional driver assistance systems are available for the ŠKODA KODIAQ. They keep the car at a safe distance from vehicles in front, make it easier for the driver to change and stay in lane, alert the driver to important traffic signs and assist when parking.
Powerful and agile: engines and chassis
When the ŠKODA KODIAQ launches at the beginning of 2017, there will be a choice of five engines: two TDIs and three TSIs. The most powerful petrol engine, the 2.0-litre TSI, provides dynamic driving performance with a power output of 132 kW (180 PS); it works just as efficiently as a lower capacity powertrain thanks to a newly developed combustion process. The high proportion of high-strength steel in the body makes the ŠKODA KODIAQ unusually lightweight – another important factor in its efficiency.
A range of technology is available for the transmission – six-speed manual gearbox, DSG transmission, front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. The large SUV from the Czech Republic negotiates all types of streets in a balanced and comfortable, yet dynamic and nimble way. The driving experience becomes even more appealing when the car features Driving Mode Select and the new Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC). Using these, operation of the steering, accelerator, DSG transmission and suspension can be configured in multiple modes.
The new ŠKODA KODIAQ feels equally at home on rough terrain. Upon reaching the end of the road, the off-road mode supports the driver when using four-wheel drive. At the touch of a button, all the relevant systems – engine management, assistance systems, electronic chassis systems, such as ABS and ESC, as well as the suspension if combined with the optional DCC – automatically adjust to off-road conditions.
160707 ŠKODA is beginning its SUV campaign with the ŠKODA KODIAQ(1)
