WE’VE already seen Volkswagen and Seat’s interpretation of a Qashqai killer and now it’s Skoda’s turn to tease us with details of its forthcoming mid-sized crossover.

Called the Kodiaq, the new SUV is built on a stretched version of the platform used for the Seat Ateca and the VW Tiguan Mk 2, and it’ll cost somewhere in the region of £23,000 when it goes on sale later this year.

Interestingly, however, the Kodiaq uses the longest version of the VW Group’s modular transverse matrix (MQB) platform which means it will be significantly longer than the Seat and the standard Tiguan. In fact, at 4,700mm long and 1,882mm wide it’s nearer in size to the Hyundai Santa Fe.

That allows Skoda to fit a couple of extra seats in the boot – something you won’t find on the Seat Ateca (for now) because it won’t sit on the stretched MQB.

The long wheelbase and short overhangs point to the large interior and the wheel arches are slightly angular – a key element of Skoda’s latest SUV design language A choice of 14 paint finishes is available – four standard colours and ten metallic colours and three trim levels – Active, Ambition and Style.

Although the Kodiaq is just 40 mm longer than the Skoda Octavia, it offers a larger-than-average interior for the SUV segment. The interior is characterised by bold vertical elements, such as the four large air vents and a large display splits the instrument panel into two equal sections for the driver and passenger. It’s all very safe and sensible but some rivals do the ‘surprise and delight’ thing rather better.

The high-quality workmanship as well as the logical and easy-to-understand operation are typical of ŠKODA and the large circular instruments have a precise and clear design. The steering wheel is available in a choice of different versions – one of which is heated. The optional tri-zone climate control, has its own control panel for the rear seats.

As an option the front seats can be heated, ventilated and adjusted electronically; the latter also includes a memory function. The rear seats are also extremely versatile: they can be folded in the ratio 60:40, can be moved lengthways by 18 cm as standard and the angle of the backrest is individually adjustable. Two more seats in the third row are available – the Kodiaq is Skoda’s first 7-seater.

As an alternative to the standard fabric seats, a fabric/leather combination and leather or Alcantara are offered. Optional ambient lighting adds an individual touch to the interior and is built into the door trims and can be set to ten different colours.

With a volume of 720 to 2,065 l (5-seater with the rear seats folded down), the Kodiaq offers the largest boot within its class and if the optional folding passenger seat is chosen, the SUV can transport items up to 2.80 m long. An electrically operated tailgate is available.

The engine line-up is a familiar cast: two TDI and three TSI engines, running from 1.4 and 2.0-litres, with power outputs from 92 kW (125 PS) to 140 kW (190 PS). The diesel and petrol engines feature turbocharged direct injection and fulfil EU6 emission standards. All engines feature a Stop-Start system, brake energy recovery and a powerful thermo-management system, contributing to low consumption.

The 2.0 TDI is available in two versions. The first version generates 110 kW (150 PS) and 340 Nm. The top-of-the-range version delivers 140 kW (190 PS) and 400 Nm. The entry-level TDI averages 56.5 mpg and 131 g CO2/km while the most powerful diesel accelerates the large SUV from 0-62mph in 8.6 seconds and reaches a top speed of 130 mph.