Skoda Kodiaq local details confirmed
VW’s budget brand flips it position with premium line-up for SUV introduction
Skoda is set to reverse its role as Volkswagen's budget brother with its first entry into the popular compact SUV segment.
The Czech-based company revealed its seven-seat Kodiaq soft roader at the Paris motor show with the local division confirming early details of the model line-up.
Skoda Australia boss Michael Irmer told Australian media at the show that the Kodiaq is due to arrive in local showrooms from mid next year, initially offered with a 2.0-litre turbo charged petrol four cylinder that produces 132kW of power and 320Nm of torque.
A turbo diesel, producing 140kW and 400Nm, will follow later in the year.
Both will come standard with the seven-seat configuration, all-wheel drive and seven-speed dual-clutch transmissions.
While Irmer said it was too early to discuss a pricing strategy, it is clear that the premium focus will position the Kodiaq above the Volkswagen Tiguan on which it shares it basic underpinnings and mechanicals.
The Tiguan is available in Australia with an entry-level model that features two-wheel drive, a manual gearbox and a less powerful 110kW 1.4-litre turbo charged four cylinder that costs $31,990. A comparitive model with the same engine and drivetrain starts at $41,490 (plus on-roads), indicating that the Kodiaq will likely start in the low $40k bracket when it arrives.
"We will focus on the top end with this model, as this is what we believe the customers want in Australia," Irmer said.
Skoda would not rule out expanding the range with additional Kodiaq variants in the future, including smaller, more efficient engine options, a front-wheel drive variant and even a five-seater model.
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