Skoda VisionS
Skoda VisionSmedia.skoda-auto.com

Czech automobile-manufacturer Skoda Auto has confirmed the global unveiling of its first seven-seater SUV, the Kodiaq, on Sept. 1 in Berlin. Ahead of the premiere, the SUV will make an appearance at this year's Tour de France grand finale. The new SUV of Skoda will lead the racers through the Paris boulevard of Champs-Elysées to the finishing line, the company said in a statement.

The Mladá Boleslav-based carmaker recently teased the images of the Kodiaq and revealed its specifications. The Kodiaq is the first SUV to be extracted from the VisionS design study concept that Skoda unveiled at the 86th Geneva Motor Show in March. The Kodiaq's design will be influenced by Czech cubism and the tradition of Bohemian crystal art. It will feature precise and crisp body lines and a face similar to the current generation cars of Skoda.

The Kodiaq will measure 4,700mm in length. It will be offered in a choice of five engines: two TDIs and three TSIs. The most powerful petrol engine, the 2.0-litre TSI, will develop 177bhp. The SUV will be offered in six-speed manual and DSG transmissions in front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive formats. The SUV will also flaunt Driving Mode Select and Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC). Using these, the operation of the steering, accelerator, DSG transmission and suspension can be configured in multiple modes. The Kodiaq is based on the Volkswagen Group's Modular Transverse Matrix (MQB) platform.

Skoda claims that when used in its five-seater layout, the Kodiaq will boast the largest boot within its class. The longitudinally-adjustable rear seats come as standard in the SUV while the backrests can be tilted as required. The SUV comes with plastic door-edge protection that deploys automatically to avoid damaging the vehicle in garages or car parks.

After the global unveiling, the Kodiaq will be showcased at the Paris Motor show in October. The market entry of Kodiaq has been scheduled for early 2017. Kodiaq's India launch is expected in mid-2017.