Car Oscars 2017: Skoda Kodiaq is a huge and modern SUV

Skoda (a brief history) made a splash with its large modern crossover called Kodiaq. The name of the car is associated with the Kodiak bear, which lives on the island of the same name off the southern coast of Alaska. The name comes from the language of the locals — Alutiik. About 3,500 Kodiak bears live with 14,000 people on Kodiak Island, a charming, rugged region off the southern coast of Alaska. The inhabitants of Alutyik call the bear «Tak uka’ak». The letter «q» at the end is typical for the names of animals. By adding the letter q to the name of a new model of a large SUV, the Czech manufacturer proves its respect for the language of the locals.

The Skoda Kodiaq is 20 centimeters larger than the Volkswagen Tiguan (description of the car), on the platform of which it is assembled. With up to seven seats, the Czech SUV rides more than comfortably, and for those who want a more extreme driving experience, there’s a sport mode.

The top diesel version has 190 horsepower and is equipped with the optional Driving Mode Select function, which allows you to change the operation of the engine and DSG transmission, power steering, air conditioning and other systems in Normal, Eco, Sport and Individual modes. The 4×4 versions also offer a Snow mode which is designed for driving on snowy roads and has no speed limit. This mode regulates the operation of the ABS, ASR and ACC, as well as the engine control unit. If you really want to shove the Kodiaq into mud or drifts, Off-road mode is also available at the touch of a dedicated button. However, it is available as an option for the 4×4 and Driving Mode Select versions.

Buyers can choose between two diesels (the second is 150 horsepower) and three petrol engines. The most powerful petrol engine is a two-liter one with a maximum power of 180 hp. The most powerful diesel and petrol units are available only with the 4×4 system, while for the rest of the options it will be possible to choose modifications only with front-wheel drive.

Kodiaq is huge (characteristics), it can be ordered with seven seats (the third row is for children). The Czech SUV is the most spacious rear support in the segment. Even riders who are 180-190 centimeters tall can easily cross their legs without touching the shoes in the back of the front seats. The Jeep also offers the largest cargo area in the class at 720L, which can reach 2065L with the second row backrests down.

The Kodiaq, like the Superb, has branded folding umbrellas hidden in the two front doors in special niches. An absolute innovation in the automotive industry is a simple mechanical device that protects the Skoda door and the sheets of a parked car from scratches and dents. When the door is opened, the edge is closed with a strong rubber seal. It automatically retracts when the door is closed!

The Skoda Kodiaq comes with a wide range of accessories. The Area View camera system provides information about the environment around the vehicle on the navigation screen. If you decide to tow a trailer, the tow assist system makes it easier to maneuver your vehicle in reverse. The new occupant protection system is available in combination with Front Assist. The parking distance assistant has an active braking function.

The Skoda Kodiaq can be equipped with a lane keeping assist, a parking assist system and a traffic assist system that recognizes traffic signs.

The infotainment systems are based on Volkswagen MIB technology. They offer a variety of features and interfaces, all equipped with capacitive touch screens. The best Columbus and Amundsen multimedia systems come with a wireless router. As an option, the Columbus system can be equipped with a high-speed Internet (LTE) function.

The new mobile online services from the Czech company are compatible with LTE internet connection and fall into two categories: online infotainment services provide information and navigation, and Care Connect service guarantees assistance in case of car damage or emergency. The eCall emergency assistance system, which will be mandatory for all new vehicles in Europe from 2018, is now part of the Care Connect service.

The Kodiaq reaches new dimensions in terms of intelligent connectivity between car and smartphone. Compatible with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, MirrorLinkTM and SmartGate, the SmartLink platform is available as an option for the Swing infotainment system, which is part of the base equipment. Phonebox is an inductive charging system for a smartphone with a rooftop antenna, charging wirelessly.

Dimensions:

• Length, mm: 4697
• Width, mm: 1882
• Height, mm: 1655
• Wheel base, mm: 2791

Weight: 1795 kg

Trunk volume: 720-2065 l

Tank volume: 60 l

Skoda Kodiaq 2.0 TDI DSG 4×4:

• Engine: Type: in-line, 4-cylinder, turbo
• Working volume, cu. See: 1968
• Maximum. power, hp at rpm: 190 at 3500-4000
• Maximum. torque, Nm at rpm: 400 at 1750-3250
• Transmission: 7-speed automatic DSG
• Maximum speed: 205 km / h
• Acceleration 0-100 km / h: 7.8 sec.
• Average consumption: 6.3 — 9.0 liters
• Base modification price: $39,000.
• Model base price: $27,000.