Skoda is kicking off its major SUV campaign with the new Kodiaq. The 4.7m long car is claimed to offer the largest boot capacity within its class and will be available with the option of a third row of seats.  It goes on sale at the beginning of 2017.

The company says that with the Kodiaq, it is entering a new market segment that is growing quickly across the world – the large SUV class. With this campaign, Skoda wants to engage new customer groups, increase its market share and further strengthen its position in international markets.

“Our new Skoda Kodiaq SUV is a great all-rounder”, said Skoda 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 Skoda Kodiaq is a strong presence on the road.”

The Skoda Kodiaq has plenty of space. With a capacity of up to 2,065 litres, the five-seater is said to boast the largest boot within its class. Adjustable rear seats come as standard, with backrests that can be tilted as required. There are new concepts, including door-edge protection that deploys automatically to avoid damaging the vehicle in garages or car parks and a sleep comfort package with special headrests for long trips.

Skoda believes the Kodiaq is at the top end of its segment in terms of infotainment. The top-of-the-range Columbus and Amundsen systems come with a WiFi hotspot and as an optional extra, there is an LTE module for the Columbus system – which establishes an internet connection using the fastest mobile communications standard currently available. Passengers can use this to browse online content and send emails using their mobile phones or tablets.

The new mobile online services from Skoda 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. An 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 Skoda Connect app. They can be used to check, configure and find a car from remotely via a smartphone.

The Skoda Kodiaq offers the intelligent pairing of car and smartphone. The SmartLink platform, with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, MirrorLink and SmartGate, is optional for the entry-level Swing infotainment system but a standard feature for the more advanced infotainment systems. A Phonebox with inductive charging connects the smartphone to the roof aerial and charges it wirelessly.

The Skoda Kodiaq features a wide range of driving assistance systems. The Area View cameras, new for Skoda, 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 compliments Front Assist. Parking Distance Control with braking function, also new, provides support with parking manoeuvres – the Kodiaq brakes automatically as soon as it detects an obstacle.

When the Kodiaq launches at the beginning of 2017, it will be available in a choice of five engines: two TDI diesels and three TSI petrols. A range of transmission options are available – six-speed manual gearbox, DSG transmission, front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.