Skoda Kodiaq's production starts; SUV to be launched in India in 2017

Czech automobile-manufacturer Skoda has commenced series production of the brand's first seven-seater SUV at Kvasiny plant in its home country. The carmaker had unveiled Kodaiq in a private event in September ahead of the public debut at 2016 Paris Motor Show. Named after Kodiak Island in Alaska, home of the 680kg Kodiak bear, the SUV has already been confirmed for India launch in 2017.

The Kodaiq units from Kvasiny plant is targeted for European markets and sales will commence by the end of 2016. For India, Skoda is expected to use Complete Knock-Down (CKD) and the SUV will be assembled at Aurangabad facility.

Kodiaq is the first SUV extracted from the VisionS design study concept, which Skoda unveiled at the 86th Geneva Motor Show in March. Kodiaq's design is influenced by Czech cubism and the tradition of Bohemian crystal art.

It features precise and crisp body lines and a face similar to the current generation cars of Skoda. Signature C-shaped tail lamps get LED treatment. The SUV will be available in a choice of 14 paint finishes and three trim levels – Active, Ambition and Style.

The SUV is based on Volkswagen Group's modular transverse matrix (MQB). Skoda will offer Kodaiq in a choice of five engines: two TDIs and three TSIs. Engine in the range of 1.4-litre to 2.0-litre will develop power output from 123bhp to 189bhp. The most powerful petrol engine, the 2.0-litre TSI, will develop 177bhp, while the most powerful diesel engine, the 2.0-TDI will belt out 189bhp.

Depending on the engine, there is a 6-speed manual gearbox or DSG transmissions with six or seven speeds. All engines will feature engine Stop-Start system and brake energy recovery.