The second generation Skoda Kodiaq is available to order now in Ireland, with prices starting from €53,670 for the 2.0 TDI, 110 kW (150 hp ).
The new Kodiaq is offered exclusively with seven-seats, with the exception of the newly-introduced Kodiaq plug-in-hybrid five-seat arrangement, priced from €57,590.
According to Skoda Ireland, deliveries are set to commence in June "at the earliest", with "high demand" expected.
Finance is available courtesy of Volkswagen Financial Services (VWFS ) with personal contract plan (PCP ) rates starting from 4.9 per cent APR.
Widely praised as the model that made Skoda a true global player, the Kodiaq has been one of the Czech brand's most successful models, with more than 850,000 sales worldwide.
Skoda unveiled its second generation Kodiaq in Berlin last October, claiming that the new model promises to pick-up where the original left off.
Physically, the new Kodiaq is even bigger and more imposing. It has grown by 61mm in length and now stretches to 4,758mm. Boot volume has increased by up to 75 litres over its predecessor. Meanwhile, Skoda says the Kodiaq’s aerodynamics have also been improved, with a new drag coefficient of just 0.282.
From the outside, the new generation Kodiaq demonstrates its new 'Modern Solid' design language with a protruding grille that can be ordered with 14 light elements forming a striking light strip between the LED headlamps.
A revised Skoda logo sits atop the reshaped bonnet, while shiny chrome makes way for 'Unique Dark Chrome' matt surrounds. LED Matrix headlights and rear LED dynamic indicators will feature as standard on the majority of models.
Inside, a new 13 inch infotainment display takes centre stage and provides the driver with essential information, navigation and infotainment. Skoda 'Smart Dials' feature for the first time in a Kodiaq. These three, intuitive multifunctional controls are positioned below the infotainment display for ease of access and feature small colour screen displays.
Measuring 32mm in diameter, Smart Dials are functional and physical, providing the driver with instant access to essential functions such as climate control without having to delve into multiple menus on a touchscreen.
In addition, the automatic transmission gear selector has been repositioned to the steering column, creating more space in the centre console. All the practicalities of the seven-seat configurations have been retained from the outgoing model.
Concerning powertrains; the second-generation Kodiaq showcases a versatile range of modern and highly efficient engines, including petrol, diesel and hybrid options.
For the first time, the Kodiaq is available with hybrid technology. According to Skoda, the plug-in hybrid powertrain for the Kodiaq iV offers a system output of 150 kW (204 hp ) and an all-electric range of more than 100 kilometres on the WLTP cycle.
Meanwhile, mild-hybrid technology comes in the entry-level 1.5 TSI with 110 kW (150 hp ).
Today, diesel engines account for 96 per cent of Irish Kodiaq sales, and the brand claims this trend is likely to continue.
The new Kodiaq is available with two 2.0 TDI diesels, with 110 kW (150 hp ) and 142 kW (193 hp ), the later mated to a 4x4 all-wheel-drive transmission.
Diesel versions of the Kodiaq are HVO (Hydrated Vegetable Oil ) ready. Used in combination with diesel fuel or exclusively, HVO fuel is said to have the ability to reduce CO2 emissions by up to 90 per cent.
