Skoda to charge buyers extra to use features built into cars

Has Skoda lost its direction – or just the plot? Its bosses say they will charge buyers extra to activate features already built into the car, such as sat-nav.

Only when a new owner pays extra to download the relevant software will they be able to use the navigation system. And that’s just the beginning.

The brand is also exploring more paid “on demand” features, including adaptive cruise control and automatic headlight dimming from the infotainment screen.

It was revealed in Berlin as the Volkswagen-owned brand unveiled its second-generation Kodiaq SUV with up to seven seats across three rows, which is due to hit UK showrooms early next year. For the first time, the range will include a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version with an electric-only range of more than 62 miles.

Martin Jan, Skoda’s head of sales and marketing, told Autocar magazine: “We are trying to explore on-demand features and give customers the option to order the features online.”

But this is a controversial area. An angry backlash forced BMW to abandon plans to charge a monthly fee for access to heated seats already fitted to their cars.

Although no official prices have yet been announced for the latest Kodiaq, expect them to be an increase on the current first-generation range, which costs from £35,000.

The newcomer is bigger and more spacious than its first-generation sibling, launched in 2016.

The Kodiaq iV PHEV has a 26.7 kWh battery and 150 hp. 1.5 TSI petrol engine to deliver a total of 204 hp. to the front wheels via a 6-speed direct-shift automatic transmission.

There are two petrol and two diesel engines mated to a 7-speed automatic gearbox.

The entry level 1.5 TSI 150 hp (110 kW) gasoline is the first mild hybrid and is joined by the more powerful 204 hp. (150 kW) 2.0 TSI petrol. The two 2.0 TDI diesel variants provide a power of 15 hp. (110 kW) and 193 hp. (142 kW). The most powerful diesel and gasoline engines have all-wheel drive.

The first plug-in hybrid version of the Kodiaq can be charged via 11 kW wall boxes and AC charging points, as well as 50 kW in DC fast charging points. Energy is also recovered during braking. Even with the batteries there is 745 liters of luggage capacity (910 liters in non-PHEV versions).

The Kodiaq has a range of large alloy wheels from 17 to 20 inches and nine exterior colors.

Other key features include a redesigned cockpit area, three physical “smart dials” for climate control and infotainment adjustments, a 10-inch instrument panel and 13-inch infotainment screen, and an optional head-up display and seats with massage.

Eco-friendly features include no chrome and textiles made from 100 percent recycled polyester or 40 percent natural wool.

There are four trim levels: Loft, Lounge, Ecosuite and Sportline.

Hot and sporty vRS version – with an expected 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine with 270bhp. – is also under preparation.

Skoda says the second-generation Kodiaq – named after the Kodiak bear of southern Alaska – is “moderately grown” compared to its predecessor, “but to great effect”.

The new version is 61 millimeters longer at 4,758 millimeters and has a wheelbase of 2,791 millimeters.

Added to the width of 1,864 millimeters and the almost unchanged height of 1,659 millimeters help create more interior space.

In the seven-seater version, passengers in the third row of seats now have 920 millimeters of headroom, 15 millimeters more than in the predecessor.

Boot capacity has also increased, rising in the five-seat version by 75 liters to 910 liters without folding the rear seats. With the rear seats folded down, the maximum capacity has increased by 40 liters to 2,105 litres.

The seven-seater now holds 340 liters behind the third row of seats – around 70 more than before – and 845 liters with the third row seats folded (an increase of 80 litres).

The maximum cargo capacity of the seven-seater is now 2,035 liters, 30 liters more than the first generation.

Klaus Zellmer, CEO of Škoda Auto, said: “Our all-new flagship SUV has what it takes to be a worthy successor in the Škoda Kodiaq line.

“It takes the Škoda features that our customers value to the next level: more space, more functions and more efficiency. It makes daily research even more rewarding.”

He added: “We have also expanded our range of high-performance powertrains by introducing a plug-in hybrid with an electric range of over 62 miles, reinforcing our commitment to sustainable mobility.

“Since its launch in 2016, Kodiaq has played a crucial role in Škoda’s growth, consistently striking chords with our customers. The new Kodiaq is ideally placed to continue this successful legacy.”

Jeep launches fifth generation Wrangler

Jeep launched its fifth generation Wrangler – just as it celebrated the five millionth Wrangler sold worldwide.

Prices will start from £60,785, with the vehicles arriving early next year, along with a new blue-grey color called ‘Anvil’.

With new styling tweaks including the seven-slot grille and additional safety features such as drowsy driver detection and lane departure warning, there will be just two trim levels – Sahara and Rubicon.

• The UK has surpassed 50,000 public electric vehicle (EV) charging points, according to new figures from charging point mapping service Zapmap. The 50,000th charger was an ultra-fast unit from MFG EV Power installed at a service station in Weston-super-Mare, Somerset. Zapmap predicts that at the current rate of installs, the UK is likely to reach 100,000 chargers next August.

Peak of car service and repair complaints

Consumer complaints about car servicing and repairs have peaked this year, the motoring ombudsman says, citing “pressures linked to the cost of living crisis”.

In the three months to September 30, 1,348 new complaints were received, which is 9% more than the same period last year, 10% more than the second quarter of this year and 13% more than the first three months of this year.

That makes more than 3,763 complaints so far and predicts it will register more than 5,000 disputes by the end of the year.

Diesel cars accounted for over half (52 per cent) of new complaints, followed by petrol (40 per cent), electric vehicles and hybrids (both 4 per cent).

Powertrain and engine problems accounted for 51 percent, followed by transmission, fuel and exhaust problems.