We like Skodas, don't get us wrong. But their best attributes are usually frugality and affordability. Like accounting or dentistry, they wouldn't work in a superhero movie unless it's a parody.
When the accountant or dentist feels bad about not being able to do pull-ups, he buys a Porsche 911. Of course, Skoda can't do that, but it did something that feels like a mid-life crisis of a very successful car company.
Have a listen to this video from the German division called "Emotional Trailer." Not only are they making the Kodiaq appear as sexy as a Sports Illustrated model, but they're even trying to pass it off as a powerful, growling bear of a V8 SUV.
We think the fake sound resembles a HEMI, but it has a bit of AMG flavor too. Most V8s don't even sound that good, and you certainly don't get the eargasm from any 4-cylinder unit.
The Skoda Kodiaq will be available at launch with a choice of two diesel engines and three gasoline ones. The diesels are the two familiar 2.0 TDI units making 150 and 190 PS, while the TSI range kicks off with the 125 PS 1.4, followed by its 150 PS brother and the new 2.0 turbo with 180 PS.
Further down the line, there will also be a 240 PS diesel with that twin-turbo from the Passat. We've sampled all these engines in our test drivers, and we can tell you that none sound like a HEMI.
Us making fun of it will never affect the popularity of the Skoda Kodiaq. However, ever since the Octavia, the Czechs have been overly proud of their work.
Let's reminisce with a sample of the press release from 2013: "Never before has an Octavia appear so dynamic, and at the same time as timelessly elegant, distinctive and assured on the road as this model."
What the heck are they talking about? It's now become clear that the Skoda press office looks at photos and videos of American muscle cars when they write their releases.
Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida. Full profile
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