Ibin Ajayan Automobiles and Skoda Auto have said they are jointly celebrating “15 years of success in Qatar” with the launch of the new Kodiaq in Doha.
At the launch that took place on Thursday at the re-branded showroom of Ibin Ajayan Automobiles, Skoda’s Octavia, which has been given a facelift, was also revealed.
Skoda’s regional director for sales (Asia and Middle East), Stefan Timmermann, said at the launch that the Kodiaq marks the beginning of Skoda’s SUV campaign in the country.
The Kodiaq has a “sporty appearance, crystalline design, class-leading safety and a host of ‘simply clever’ solutions”.
With a length of 4.70m, a seven-seat configuration and the “largest boot space within its class”, the Skoda Kodiaq represents the brand’s strengths, design that is full of character, extraordinary interior space, practical intelligence and innovative technology on par with vehicles from higher segments, according to a press statement.
“Wherever we have launched the Kodiaq so far, the feedback and the order intake are exceeding our expectations. We have markets where you place an order today and the expected delivery time will be the first quarter of 2019. Knowing that, I am very curious but confident how this beautiful Kodiaq will do in Qatar and the Middle East,” Timmermann said.
“We are thrilled to introduce the first large SUV from Skoda to Doha’s market,” said deputy managing director of  Ibin Ajayan Group Ayman Farouk. “The Skoda Kodiaq will be a game changer in its segment as well as a breakthrough product. It’s no secret that Kodiaq is offering everything our brand promises. It has features that are premium and innovative even for SUVs in higher segments. With its striking design, guaranteed performance, comfort and safety and the best in next-generation technology, I am sure Kodiaq will attract audience interest,” he said.
Farouk said their company and customers were not only welcoming the new Kodiaq but also celebrating 15 years of success and great relations with partners Skoda Auto.
“The Octavia is also getting a new facelift on this occasion,” he said.
Skoda sales manager for the Middle East Martin Kolar also attended the launch.
The Kodiaq boasts of spacious interiors, a large boot space with a volume of up to 2,065 litres, and is equipped with “state-of-the-art” infotainment systems and new connectivity features.
The Kodiaq’s rear seats can be folded in the 60:40 ratio and two more seats in the third row are available as an optional extra, making the vehicle Skoda’s first seven-seater.
The range of petrol engines consists of two 1.4 TSI engines and one 2.0 TSI. On an average, the engine returns a fuel efficiency of 16.25km/litre. The Kodiaq accelerates from 0-100km/h in 10.1 seconds and reaches a top speed of up to 192km/h.
The nine airbags come as standard, reiterating Skoda’s strong emphasis on safety and remains the segment benchmark.
For the first time, the Smart Link all-in-one app also integrates SmartGate in the Kodiaq SUV – alongside Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and MirrorLink standards. Meanwhile, the new showroom of the local importer and distributor “meets the latest standards stipulated by automobile makers”, the statement noted.
“The re-branded showroom elements ensure a great customer experience that leads to making the right decisions when it comes to the most suitable model and accessories for their needs,” Timmermann added.