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Skoda is setting the big new Kodiaq SUV up to be one of the best-sellers in its class with an aggressive pricing strategy that sees it actually coming in cheaper than a basic (and smaller, but mechanically-identical) Volkswagen Tiguan.
With a starting price of €28,795 for a front-drive Kodiaq with five seats and the 125hp 1.4-litre turbo petrol engine, that makes it one of the best-value SUVs around on a price-per-space basis. A seven-seat layout is a €1,000 extra on basic models, so that makes it significantly cheaper than any other seven-seat SUV.
It gets a little pricier if you want a diesel, though. The cheapest 2.0 TDI 150hp diesel model, in Ambition trim, which comes with a DSG automatic gearbox as standard, kicks off at €35,495. Add seven seats to that and it's still significantly cheaper than an equivalent Kia Sorento or Hyundai Santa Fe, although all prices exclude a standard delivery charge of €600.
The entry level Active trim models include a host of impressive features, including 17-inch Ratikon alloys, cruise control, Bluetooth, 'Climatronic' air conditioning and the clever Smartlink technology for Smart Phone integration with the infotainment system. The Ambition trim level offers 18-inch Triton alloys, keyless engine start, silver roof rails and front and rear parking sensors. The top-of-the-range Style trim level includes additional features such as 19-inch Triglav alloys, keyless car unlock and keyless engine start, full LED headlights, Alcantara upholstery, interior ambient lighting, a rear-view camera and an eight-inch Columbus Navigation system.
Cathal Kealey, PR Manager at Skoda Ireland commented: "We have seen unprecedented interest in the new Kodiaq and with the competitive prices and impressive specification announced today we are confident that customers won't be disappointed. If customers would like to see this impressive new SUV in dealerships before it goes on sale in March, they can visit www.skoda.ie and check out where this car will be available to view over the coming weeks."
The Kodiaq also comes with a host of connectivity features. Smartlink+ smartphone integration system containing Apple Car Play and Google Android Auto is now available as standard. The Columbus Navigation and Infotainment system, which is standard on the Style trim line, also comes with an additional 4G LTE SIM card slot to enable a high speed Wi-Fi hotspot within the car (although data plans are sold separately) and a host of additional connected services from Skoda Connect: Mobile Online Services offer enhanced real time route planning, real time parking and petrol prices in the locality, customisable newsfeed, weather, customisable points of interest, in addition to other online services.
A second Skoda Connect solution, which is also standard on all trimlines, offers additional functionality like remote access to the vehicle via the new Skoda Connect Mobile App in addition to a number of additional driver assistance solutions. One such driver assistance feature is the Emergency Call (e-Call) function, which will automatically call the emergency services once an airbag is activated - to further improve occupant safety.