Kodiaq moment
Skoda is hitting the Kiwi SUV market with a brand new model.
them is powered by a 132kW/ 320Nm 2.0-litre TSI turbo petrol, the other a 140kW/400Nm 2.0-litre turbo-diesel. Both these vehicles have a seven-speed DSG auto, and pricing is $54,290 and $58,290.
All the models boast a number of Skoda’s Simply Clever features. These include umbrellas stored inside the passenger doors, door edge protectors that pop out when the doors are opened, digital voice enhancement that uses the audio system to broadcast conversation between those aboard while travelling at speed, and Skoda’s Smartlink+ connectivity which allows owners to access data on the vehicle using a smartphone.
Kodiaq also offers a range of new technologies, some of them standard and several of them optional extras. The options include trailer assist that takes over the reversing of trailers or caravans into parks, and manoeuvre assist which minimises the risk of crashing to something while reversing.
It’s all very impressive – little wonder then that a large number of people have already expressed their interest in the vehicle.
There’s one downside however: The worldwide demand for the Kodiaq is so strong that just 380 have been allocated to New Zealand for the remainder of this year.
‘‘Globally, Kodiaq has sold out this year,’’ says Skoda NZ’s marketing manager Ross Hill.
‘‘But look out for 2018. Next year we’ll double sales of the Kodiaq, and at the same time we’ll be adding another SUV in the Karoq.
‘‘When sales of those two vehicles are combined, we could well sell more than 1000 SUVs next year.’’