Taming the bear.
Czech automaker Skoda will be arriving at the Geneva motor show in style, if one of their headlining new models is any indication. The big Kodiaq SUV will be on hand, but in a new Laurin & Klement variant, bringing a whole new level of plush to the nameplate.
For the uninitiated, ‘Laurin’ and ‘Klement’ were the surnames of the company’s founders, Václav Laurin & Václav Klement. In fact, the bicycle manufacturer that the pair bought in 1895 that eventually became Skoda was first called ‘Laurin & Klement.’ Fast forward to 2018 and the L&K name designates the poshest variants in Skoda’s lineup.
On the Skoda Kodiaq L&K, expect to find a unique chrome grille, full-LED headlights, a slightly-revised rear bumper, and 19-inch alloy wheels in a unique design. Inside, the Kodiaq L&K is differentiated from its proletariat siblings by things like soft leather upholstery, a Canton audio system, aluminium pedals, and the obligatory smattering of ‘L&K’ badges.
Debuting first with the Kodiaq L&K before trickling down into other Kodiaqs are a range of revised engines. The new motors kick off with a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol mill capable of 112kW, before rising to a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol, which puts out either 135kW or 142kW depending on tune. If you’re keener on an oiler, you’ll be happy to know that there will be a 2.0-litre turbodiesel mill available in either 112kW or 142kW guises.
All-wheel drive will be standard on the most powerful mills, and those with all-paw traction will also gain the option (yes, option) of adding Adaptive Chassis Control suspension to the kit list.
We’ve received no communication by Skoda Australia about the possible introduction of the Kodiaq L&K, though we’re pretty sure that we’ll see the new engines in our Kodiaq SUVs sooner rather than later.
For more information on Skoda, check out our Showroom.
