It will look remarkably similar to the Vision S prototype we saw in Geneva.
If we look beyond the obvious, we are facing a strategy of the VAG Group richer in SUV, but with the idea that the various brands of the Group do not step on each other. That is, it is logical to think that the new product will not cannibalize other similar within the group. So let's see where the new model can fit in.
Ruling out the premium brands, the Kodiaq's natural competition will be the Nissan X-Trail, Renault Koleos (coming soon), Hyundai Santa Fe or Kia Sorento. The D-segment SUVs are the breeding ground for Premium brands, which account for around 70% of sales in Europe. With a length of 4.7 metres, there is enough space for the third row of seats.
Within the same VAG Group, the SEAT Ateca is positioned below, available from 18,600 euros with the 1.0 TSI three-cylinder engine (the only one in the segment with such a small engine), and always with five seats. Although the Ateca and the Kodiaq will be manufactured together in Kvasiny (Czech Republic), they will not fight for the same type of customer.
Volkswagen will have a partial overlap with the Czech cousins, depending on which version we're talking about. The Tiguan measures 4,486 mm, is a bit bigger than the Ateca (4,363 mm), and is positioned above it. Just check that the base engines of the Ateca (1.0 TSI and 1.6 TDI) are not available for the Tiguan, not to mention more luxurious options or engines above 200 hp.
We have yet to see a larger version of the Tiguan, with a longer wheelbase for the third row of seats, designed to please audiences such as the North American or Chinese. Let no one be surprised if there are many parts in common between the Kodiak and the Tiguan "long" (for lack of a more precise name). Škoda shouldn't cannibalize sales, this brand is approached as a smart buy, and Volkswagen is a brand with more cache.
The Ateca, Kodiaq and Tiguan are based on the modular MQB platform.
Still from the Czech brand, the current SUV offering is the Yeti (length 4,222 mm) on its own, with 1.2 TSI and 1.4 TSI petrol engines (between 110 and 125 bhp), diesel between 110 and 150 bhp, and, regardless of engine fuel, six-speed manual or seven-speed DSG gearboxes. The price of this model is in the range of 14,000 to 17,000 euros, rounding. An alternative to the Kodiaq will remain the Scout, a camperized family Octavia, even more focused on the road, and for five occupants.
In this way, in my opinion, the orchestra The VAG SUV Band will be able to have a very complete and well harmonized scale in terms of supply in a market that is beginning to saturate the SUV concept, but still has room to make good profits if it is spun fine enough, and the play of the bear is. This offer of compact and mid-size SUVs covers a large number of potential customers with very diverse purchasing power.
Expect the Kodiaq to feature the same engines as the recently unveiled Tiguan, at the very least the 1.4 TSI (125bhp) and 2.0 TDI (115bhp). We expect all-wheel drive as an option for the intermediate power step, in the 1.4 TSI and 2.0 TDI (150 hp). Above we will have more powerful versions, probably below 200 hp, with all-wheel drive as standard and DSG automatic transmission. The price, logically, similar or lower than the "long" Tiguan with the same engine, gearbox and traction system.
