Skoda’s new large SUV is to be called Kodiaq. It refers to the Kodiak bear that lives on the homonymous island off the southern coast of Alaska. The name does not exactly roll off the tongue, and its spelling is derived from the language of the indigenous people – the Alutiiq.
Skoda says it will be launching the new model campaign in the SUV segment with the new Kodiak model and it will be aired in the second half of 2016.
Living alongside around 14,000 people on Kodiak Island – a harsh yet fascinating landscape located off the southern coast of Alaska (57°N 153°W ) – there are around 3,500 Kodiak bears. The Alutiiq, the natives, call the bear Taq uka 'aq – the letter "q" at the end is characteristic of animal names. By including this in the model designation of the new large SUV, Skoda says it proves the respect for the Alutiiq language. At the same time, the "q" creates a distinctive name for the unique new model.
Size, strength and command of the great outdoors – the eponymous bear and the Kodiaq share common traits according to Skoda. The Czech carmaker says the new SUV, at 4.70 metres long, can comfortably seat seven and performs excellently both on and off the beaten track. It adds that the hidden power of the predator can also be seen in the design of the Kodiaq – its distinctive, muscular lines representing dynamism, robustness and protective strength.
Another parallel highlighted by Skoda between the Kodiak bear and the new Kodiaq SUV is their family spirit. Standing up to three metres tall and weighing around 400 kilograms, Kodiak males are one of the largest and strongest bear species. In contrast to some other species, they live peacefully and socially: They form social bonds, share experiences and play together. Some Kodiak bears will even share their best locations for catching salmon. Skoda says that this is where these intelligent animals develop “Simply Clever” tricks and techniques, just like the many operating solutions of Skoda cars.
‘Discover new ground’ – this is the motto under which the Czech carmaker will be launching the new Kodiaq. The Skoda Kodiaq will make its public debut in the second half of 2016, with the launch planned for early 2017.
