Urban SUVs continue to reign at the top of automotive popularity. According to data from the DataCenter company, last year every second (53%) new model sold in Lithuania was an SUV body. However, there is one segment of crossovers that is getting more attention, as there is a much smaller selection than elsewhere. These are family SUVs with up to seven seats.
A modest offer
Bigger, more powerful, more passable, with more equipment and the most popular type of body. In addition, they can carry more passengers or a more solid portion of luggage if necessary – since their inception, larger SUVs have been most appreciated for their versatility. Experts agree that one such car usually solves all the needs of medium or larger families.
However, in Europe, the range of seven-seater SUVs has never shone with abundance. The situation looks even more modest if you exclude the segment of luxury models and count the more affordable mid-range cars. Among the new models sold in our country in 2023, the Peugeot 5008 (22 units sold), Kia Sorento (31 units), Hyundai Santa Fe (56 units), Toyota Highlander (81 units) can be noted. ) and the clearly separated Škoda Kodiaq (601 units).
Since its debut in 2016, the Czech model, which has gained great popularity and breathed life into the segment, has already sold more than 841 thousand units worldwide. Last year, the generation of the model that is going to the end of production was still the third most demanded Škoda model in Lithuania after the bestseller Octavia and the small crossover Kamiq.
This year, the new generation Kodiaq will hit the streets. In April, the manufacturers invited journalists and brand ambassadors from all over the continent to get a closer look at the new model in the vicinity of Barcelona (Spain). There is also more information about the successor of the popular family SUV and its new capabilities. So what can drivers expect?
He relied on trump cards
Vaidotas Žala, Škoda’s ambassador to Lithuania, who participated in the presentation of the new Kodiaq, pointed out that after a closer look at the new car, it becomes obvious that the Czech company’s engineers relied on previously popular trump cards when creating it.
“Spaciousness, practicality and technologies that at times seem to be “knocking” on the door of a higher segment. I also immediately drew attention to the significantly improved sound insulation, which is due to the better aerodynamic properties of the new model and the new generation acoustic windows”, revealed V. Žala.
The new model is built on the latest version of the Volkswagen Group’s MQB platform, which is characterized by advantages in various areas: from the possibility of implementing innovative technologies and new, more efficient hybrid drives to increased passive safety due to a stronger construction.
Manufacturers do not hide that both the Kodiaq and the new generation Volkswagen Tiguan are built on this platform, which is why they share some technical solutions. The German SUV is also popular in our country – 686 units were sold last year, but the absolute majority of them were smaller five-seater versions.
The Kodiaq’s identity is clearly distinguished by a noticeable change in the exterior design: it is complemented by elements of the company’s new “Modern Solid” design language, such as the two-row matrix LED headlights. This lighting system allows you to drive on the highway with the main beam permanently on, and the drivers coming from the front are not dazzled, as the technology that detects them temporarily turns off the necessary light segments. These are reactivated after passing.
The interior of the new SUV attracts attention with a variety of sustainable materials: from wool and recycled textiles to ecologically dyed leather. In addition to the traditionally solid space, the new concept interior solutions with a 10.25-inch digital driver’s instrument panel and a 13-inch central screen and innovative new functions catch the eye. For example, the center console is equipped with three Smart Dials programmable rotary controls that allow them to assign the desired functions and change their options conveniently and quickly.
Traditionally, the Czechs have extended the concept of practicality again with useful details: an ice scraper made of recycled materials, a cleaner for the often greasy central touch screen or a ventilated fast wireless mobile phone charger.
More space and security
The new-generation Kodiaq has grown 61 mm to 4,758 mm, with a wheelbase of 2,791 mm. The capacity of the trunk has increased even more – in the five-seater version it is now 910 liters (previously it was 835), and when driving seven, you can still store 340 liters of things – like a compact hatchback. The maximum luggage space has also increased by 40 liters and now reaches 2105.
Let’s compare: the 4966 mm long SUV Toyota Highlander can hold 332 liters of luggage in the seven-seater version, 865 in the five-seater, and the maximum capacity is 1909. The 4810 mm long SUV Kia Sorento’s trunk volume changes from 187 to 616 and 2011 liters, respectively.
Kodiaq manufacturers offer a wide selection of drive types, from traditional internal combustion engines to a plug-in hybrid system that makes its debut in this model and allows for a range of about 100 km in electric mode alone. The latter consists of a 1.5-liter gasoline engine, an automatic 6-speed dual-clutch gearbox transmitting power to the front wheels with an integrated 85 kW electric motor and a 25.7 kWh battery.
It can be charged with a power of up to 50 kW, which allows energy reserves from 0 to 80 percent. refill within 25 min. The total system capacity is 150 kW/204 hp.
Traditionally, the SUV will also be offered with an all-wheel drive system. The new dynamic suspension control system with separate compression and release valves can be selected on higher trims. This technology allows for more precise setting of suspension work parameters, so manufacturers offer up to seven driving modes.
Attention is also paid to the safety of the SUV. The first-generation model received the maximum five-star Euro NCAP rating in 2017, and in the new SUV, manufacturers have further expanded both active and passive safety technologies. For example, cornering or collision avoidance assistants have been installed, as well as updated driver assistance systems, including adaptive lane keeping function and adaptive cruise control technology.
“When it comes to kitting out the car, my options would also include a panoramic sunroof and a Canton sound system.” For me, high-quality sound in the car is very important, and the large sunroof allows for much more light in the cabin, which is so desirable when the period of gloomy Lithuanian weather sets in,” commented V. Žala, who tested the new Kodiaq.
