New Skoda Kodiaq SUV Does The Nurburgring Rounds

With the Skoda Kodiaq getting ready for its debut at the Paris Motor Show later this year, the Czech automaker is still currently busy putting prototypes through their paces.

These images were taken on the Nurburgring circuit, where a fully covered up Kodiaq was being flung through corners the way very few production-ready models probably ever will by their owners.

Design chief Jozef Kaban recently stated that his company is “entering a new segment with our first large SUV above the Yeti. And at the same time, the Kodiaq is the first model with the new Skoda SUV design language.” Kaban went on to say that the Kodiaq is an extremely versatile car. “It is exceptionally spacious and with compact external dimensions, it delivers the best overall package in its class.”

Skoda’s largest SUV will ride on the VW Group’s MQB platform and should measure the same as the concept at 4.7 meters long allowing it to challenge the likes of the Hyundai Santa Fe and KIA Sorento. We’ve yet to see the interior of the Kodiaq, but as Kaban puts it, will emphasize form and functionality with “an atmosphere that is also elegant, comfortable and functional at the same time.”

In Europe, it’s expected to get a base 1.4-liter TSI petrol available with 125 PS (123 HP) and 150 PS (148 HP), the latter with a cylinder deactivation system, and a 1.8-liter TSI petrol producing 180 PS (177 HP). There will also be three diesels, an entry-level 1.6-liter TDI rated at 120 PS (118 HP), and a 2.0-liter TDI, with 150 PS (148 HP) or 190 PS (187 HP). The concept had a four-wheel drive petrol-electric hybrid powertrain, which Skoda could borrow from the VW Tiguan GTΕ.

Photos: CarPix For CarScoops