Skoda KODIAQ is OFFICALLY the name of Skoda’s new SUV

Skoda has announced that its new large SUV – previewed by the recent Vision S Concept – will be the Skoda Kodiaq when it goes in to production.

The Skoda Vision S SUV Concept debuted at the Geneva Motor Show in March, previewing an upcoming larger SUV from the Czech car maker, a car we expected to be called the Kodiak. Which it is – almost.

Skoda has revealed that their new SUV – when it does arrive as a production model – will carry the KODIAQ badge. That’s  Kodiaq with a  ‘Q’, not Kodiak with a ‘K’.

According to Skoda, the odd spelling of the name – with a ‘Q’ at the end – is because the Alaskan native language of Kodiak Island – where the Kodiak bears live – puts a Q at the end of animal names, so they thought they’d do the same. Either that, or Kodiak with a ‘K’ was already trademarked. Interestingly, Skoda’s press release says:

ŠKODA will usher in a new SUV campaign with the introduction of the Kodiak when it makes its public debut in the second half of 2016.

Yes, even Skoda managed to spell the name with a ‘K’ in their press release. Kodiaq with a Q clearly takes getting used to.

Still, what’s in a name (as Juliet said), when what matters is what it is, and what it is is Skoda’s foray in to a large-ish SUV segment with a car that’s 4700mm long, has seven seats and, according to Skoda, “offers remarkable performance both on and off the beaten track“.

No doubt Skoda will deliver more information on their SUV with a Q between now and its debut at the Paris Motor Show in the autumn, and teach their auto correct that Kodiaq mustn’t be changed to Kodiak in their press releases.