UK prices and specifications for the all-new Skoda Kodiaq have been announced ahead of its showroom debut early next year. Skoda’s first ever seven-seater SUV will start from £21,495 for petrol engined models when ordering starts in November, but the prices for entry-level diesels have not yet been released. In the meantime, diesels are available from £27,245. The Kodiaq will be available from launch in four trim levels, five engine options, two and four-wheel drive, and a choice of manual or DSG gearboxes.

The range comprises three familiar trims; S, SE and SE L along with a new Edition grade to coincide with the arrival of the Skoda’s first ever seven-seater SUV.

The range starts with the S model. The specification list includes LED daytime running lights, 17-inch Ratikon alloy wheels, leather multifunction steering wheel and manual air-conditioning. S models also feature Front Assist, KESSY Go, Swing touchscreen infotainment system, DAB digital radio and SmartLink for seamless smartphone connectivity. Initially at least, the S model is available with a 1.4 TSI petrol engine only.

SE models do include diesels from the start, which are priced from £27,245 (2.0 TDI 148 bhp). Standard specification includes 18-inch Elbrus alloy wheels, sunset glass, cruise control and rear parking sensors. Customers also get a Bolero touchscreen infotainment system with eight-inch display, dual-zone climate control, rain and light sensors and auto-dimming rear view mirrors. Seven seats are available as a £1,000 option in SE trim.

Further up the range, diesel SE L models start from £30,595. Among the equipment highlights are seven seats, which now become standard, powered tailgate, 19-inch Sirius alloy wheels, and Columbus navigation system with WiFi. Drive Mode Select, Alcantara upholstery, heated front seats and full LED headlights are also included as standard on all SE L models.

Topping the range from launch is a new Edition trim grade. Created to showcase the Kodiaq’s exceptional range of equipment, Edition models start from £32,695. Standard equipment includes 19-inch Triglav alloy wheels, seven seats, leather upholstery, metallic paint and chrome roof rails. Technology features include Lane Assist, High Beam Assist, wireless charging and phone box, and Blind spot detection.

Diesel models

*Not available at launch

Skoda says that while the Kodiaq is just 40 mm longer than the Octavia, it offers a larger-than-average interior for the SUV segment. The interior length is 1,793 mm, elbow room is 1,527 mm in the front and 1,510 mm in the rear. Head room is 1,020 mm in the front and 1,014 mm in the rear.

Rear legroom measures up to 104 mm. The middle seat row can be folded 60:40, features individually adjustable backrests and can slide lengthways by 18 cm as standard. The third row of seats can be folded neatly into the floor space to create a larger load area. And with a volume of 720 to 2,065 litres (5-seater with the rear seats folded down), the Skoda Kodiaq offers the largest boot within its class.

Skoda Connect makes its debut on the Kodiaq and is divided into two categories:

• Infotainment Online services – that provide more information and real-time navigation details.
• Care Connect – that provides remote access as well as assistance.

Infotainment Online includes online traffic information, Google Earth and Google Street View, fuel prices, parking information, online news, weather information and ‘My Points of Interest’ services.

Care Connect features an eCall emergency call system that is triggered after an accident, along with a notification function for minor accidents as well as a breakdown call. Proactive Service is also included in the Care Connect services. When this is activated, all of the required data is sent to the garage in a timely manner before a vehicle’s service.

Also included is Care Connect Remote Access. Integrated with the ŠKODA Connect app, it can be used to access and control additional services and allows routes to be transferred from home to the navigation system in the car.

For the first year of ownership, Care Connect is included on all trim levels, and Infotainment Online is fitted to all vehicles specified with satellite navigation systems.

Skoda says the new Kodiaq is available with the broadest range of driver assistance systems ever offered in one of its cars. These include systems such as Trailer Assist that can take over steering when reversing slowly.

Other systems integrated into the Kodiaq include Front Assist – including City Emergency Brake (standard on all models), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Assist, Blind Spot Detect and Rear Traffic Alert. Safety systems include Driver Alert, Emergency Assist (DSG only), Crew Protect Assist, Multi-Collision Brake and Travel Assist with Traffic Sign Recognition.

The Kodiaq launches in the UK with a choice of two diesel engines. All engines feature Stop-Start system, brake energy recovery and a thermo-management system that contributes to low consumption.

The diesel line-up features a pair of 2.0 TDI units with outputs of 148bhp and 187bhp. The 187bhp version can be specified with a manual 4×4 transmission, two-wheel drive DSG and 4×4 DSG, while the 187bhp unit is fitted with a seven-speed DSG 4×4 transmission only.

The Kodiaq’s all-wheel-drive system features an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch. The control unit constantly calculates the ideal driving torque for the rear axle. Loss of traction is said to be virtually eliminated due to a control system that is dependent on driving status. When in overrun or at low load, drive is via the front axle, which saves fuel.

Off-road mode can be selected by the simple touch of a button (optional for the all-wheel-drive versions in combination with Driving Mode Select). Here, the chassis, engine management and brakes adjust their operation specifically to rough terrain. This mainly involves pulling away, traction and deceleration. In off-road mode, Hill Descent Assist helps the driver to safely master driving downhill over rough terrain by braking appropriately.