Skoda introduced the KodiaQ, the first large SUV

The Kodiak represents a number of firsts for Skoda - the first large SUV and its first seven-seater - but like all products of the company, it should be a very good value

• Kodiaq seven seats will compete with the Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento
• Three trim levels, four-wheel drive, five engines available
• Due to go on sale in early 2017

This is the first picture of the new Skoda Kodiaq. A large SUV with up to seven seats, the vehicle is first sold by the company, and will reach dealerships early next year.

At 4.7 meters long, Kodiaq almost exactly the same size as the Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento, which will be the two biggest rivals.

Although this is the first time Skoda has made SUV, he still has the appearance of familiar company, with a bold grille flanked by narrow lights. The rear lights incorporating LED, and buyers will have a choice of 14 colors.

Inside, too, the car is packed with features that will be familiar from other Skodas and other models in the Volkswagen Group. Perhaps more importantly, Skoda claims the cabin is more spacious than many of its competitors, with class-leading boot capacity.

The rear seat is split 60/40 and can be folded down, and move backwards and forwards up to 18cm, and the backrest angle can be adjusted individually. Then, for the first time in a Skoda, there is a third row of seats, making Kodiaq seven-seater.

In five-seat mode, the boot capacity of 720 liters, but that rises to a class-leading 2065 if you fold down the seats; and, with the optional front passenger seat fold-down, the car can carry items up to 2.8 meters in length.

In accordance with the slogan 'Simply Clever' company, this car also has some neat features, including door-edge protection. When the door is opened, the protective pop out automatically to prevent the metal edge of the door hitting anything. When the door is closed, they fold back.

The Kodiaq will also be available with a number of security-related systems and driver-assistance, some of which are new for Skoda, though many have been seen in other cars of the Volkswagen Group. This includes Trailer Assist (which can automatically steer the car when towing at low speed), surround-view camera, City Emergency Brake (which works at speeds of up to 21mph) and Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Assist and Blind Spot Assist.

Also available will be the latest in connectivity and technology, with all models come with a 6.5-inch display. As an option, this can be upgraded to a 8.0-inch touch screen, and buyers can also specify things such as sat-nav, CarPlay Apple and Android Auto.

In all, three trim levels and five engines - two diesel, three petrol, all with stop-start system - will be available. Detailed specifications were not revealed, but Skoda has said the less powerful of the two 2.0-liter diesel engine will average 56.5mpg and emits 131g / km CO2; and the entry-level 1.4-liter petrol engine has the vital statistics of 47.1mpg and 140g / km.

Gasoline and most powerful diesel engine comes only with a semi-automatic transmission seven-speed and four-wheel drive, but most of the engine can be paired with either two or four-wheel drive.

Among the options would Driving Mode Select, which allows the driver to choose between Normal, Eco, Sport and individual mode, which adjusts the operation of such things as engine, automatic gearbox, power steering and air conditioning. In the four-wheel drive models, this can be combined with off-road mode, which tailor the way the engine, brakes and chassis behaves to use far from the Tarmac.

There has been no word on how many Kodiaq will cost, but we hope the car will be cheaper than its main rival, showing a starting price of less than £ 25,000.

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