Almost simultaneously with its launch in Europe, the Skoda Kodiaq has started production in China at the Shanghai-Volkswagen Joint Venture. The Kodiaq sits on the same platform as the Volkswagen Tiguan L (a.k.a. Allspace) and offers 5-seat or 7-seat configurations. It’s the first of a full line-up of new Skoda crossovers to be launched in China, which will include the slightly smaller Karoq, a compact crossover below that model, named Kamiq and a top-of-the-line Kodiaq Coupe to rival cars like the Honda UR-V. The Chinese Kodiaq is available with two engine choices: a 1,8T with 180hp/330Nm with either a 5MT or a 7DCT, and a 2,0T with 220hp/380Nm mated to a 7DCT. A 1,4T with 150hp is expected to expand the line-up later. Dimensions are similar to the European version: 4.697/1.882/1.655mm with a 2.791mm wheelbase. Prices start at 189.800 yuan and run up to 269.800 yuan (€24.600,- / US$27,600 to €35.000 / US$39.200), which is slightly above the Chevrolet Equinox (174.800 yuan), but a lot cheaper than the Volkswagen Tiguan L (223.800 yuan).
