The Skoda Kodiaq SUV will cost from £21,495 when it arrives in UK showrooms in April 2017.
The price is highly competitive, significantly undercutting what are expected to be the Kodiaq’s major rivals such as the Nissan Qashqai.
Order books open in November for the car, Skoda’s first seven-seater SUV and regarded as the Czech manufacturer’s most important new model for some time.
Six engines will be available – the three petrol options ranging across a 1.4 TSI unit of 125hp in front-wheel-drive and six-speed manual gearbox, a 150hp manual version with a 4×4 gearbox or DSG six-speed auto in both FWD and 4WD, and a 2.0 TSI with 180hp and a seven-speed version of the DSG box with 4WD.
All three diesels are 2-litre units. Buyers will be able to choose from initially a 150hp with a six-speed manual gearbox and 4WD or the seven-speed DSG in both front and 4WD versions, and a range-topping 190hp version, with the DSG and 4WD.
Some months after launch an entry-level 115hp version of the 2.0 TDI will join the range, with FWD and a manual gearbox only.
Skoda will offer 24 versions of the Kodiaq across the three familiar trim levels of S, SE and SE L, plus a new range-topping grade dubbed Edition.
Entry-level S models include as standard LED daytime running lights, 17-inch alloy wheels, a leather steering wheel with controls on it, manual air-conditioning. the Front Assist driver-aid, and a touchscreen infotainment system with DAB digital radio and the SmartLink smartphone connectivity.
SE models start from £22,945 – or £1,000 extra with seven seats. The alloy wheels grow to 18 inches, and tinted glass, cruise control and rear parking sensors are added, along with an eight-inch version of the infotainment system, dual-zone climate control, auto wipers and headlamps and auto-dimming rear-view mirrors.
Major additions to the SE L specification, costing from £28,595, include the seven seats as standard, 19-inch alloys, a power tailgate, a navigation system with WiFi, drive modes, Alcantara upholstery, heated front seats and LED headlamps.
Finally the new Edition grade, from £30,695, includes a bespoke 19-inch alloy design, metallic paint, chrome roof rails, wireless charging and a host of driver aids, among them Lane Assist, High Beam Assist and Blind spot detection.
Skoda has made no secret of regarding the Kodiaq as the spearhead of a crossover offensive – industry sources suggest the range will eventually grow to five separate models.
