Skoda recently launched the Kodiaq GT and announced that it is destined to serve as the automaker’s flagship product on the Chinese market. With a "GT" badge, one would assume that the Kodiaq GT would be about extreme performance but, in its best form, it pumps out just 217 horsepower. It does feature some enhancements inside, though, so at least it has that going for it. All four Skoda products currently offered in China are SUVs – the Kamiq, Karoq, Kodiaq, and Kodiaq GT.

2019 Skoda Kodiaq GT

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2019 Skoda Kodiaq GT
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Pros
Cons

Dr. Ralf Hanschen, President of Skoda China, said: "The Skoda Kodiaq GT is an important milestone in Skoda China strategy. Being the first coupe SUV in our model range specifically designed for the Chinese market. We are confident that this sporty and stylish Skoda model will appeal to new customer groups and provide an even more impressive driving experience for our customers in China."

2019 Skoda Kodiaq GT Exterior

The Kodiaq GT is largely based on the standard Kodiaq, apart from a few changes on the body. The LED headlights and LED daytime running lights are housed in the same unit, with fog-lamps placed much higher than the conventional setting. A little lower is the three-dimensional bumper and a front spoiler as well, with wide air inlets to make it look aggressive.

From the side, you’ll realize how steep the roofline slopes at the back. In fact, it’s so steep that it falters with the headroom inside. A prominent crease runs from the headlight to the taillight, and the side skirts are dressed in black plastic that don’t just break the monotony, but are also practical in case of some mild off-roading. The roofline merges with the flat tailgate well, giving the Kodiaq GT a dynamic profile. Wheel arches are square-ish and the tires fill the wheel wells nicely.

The rear is a typical Skoda, with sharp cuts and creases, and a bold, in-your-face look. The tailgate gets a cut in between, looking like an arrow, with SKODA branding embossed in individual letters. A reflective tape runs down the loading sill along the entire width. This is accentuated at the bottom as well, with the black diffuser.

2019 Skoda Kodiaq GT Interior

Step inside the cabin, and you’ll be welcomed to a familiar, yet distinct layout. The waterfall center console is ergonomically perfect with all knobs and buttons falling into hand perfectly. When seen from the side, there is a gap to slide in the knick-knacks. This is bound to remind you of Volvo's design styling. The ‘Virtual Cockpit’ is highly customizable as per your needs and, in terms of connectivity, the Kodiaq GT comes standard with Wi-Fi access, Apple CarPlay, and Mirrorlink, among a host of other features.

To quote the company, "in the interior, the eye is immediately drawn to the high-quality materials and fully customizable Virtual Cockpit, which comes as standard. As is typical for Skoda, there are numerous practical ‘Simply Clever’ ideas. With Wi-Fi access and MirrorLink™, Apple CarPlay and Baidu’s Carlife, the Kodiaq GT is always online and at the cutting edge of connectivity."

2019 Skoda Kodiaq GT Drivetrain

This is where the ‘GT’ tag gets justified. Power is sent to the front wheels via a seven-speed DSG automatic transmission. The same engine is available in a slightly powerful avatar that produces 217 horses and sends power to all the four wheels through the same seven-speed transmission. In terms of safety, the Kodiaq GT is well-equipped with features like Blind Spot Detection, Adaptive Cruise Control with stop-go functionality, Front Assist, etc.

2019 Skoda Kodiaq GT Pricing

There is no announcement on pricing yet, but expect it to be about $4,000-$5,000 (~28,000-35,000 Yuan) more expensive than the regular Kodiaq. The car will be launched at the Guangzhou Motor Show, which takes place between 16 and 25 November 2018.

Final Thoughts

The Kodiaq GT is a very important product for Skoda in the People’s Republic of China. It’s the Czech manufacturer’s flagship product, plus it’s exclusive to the country. Dimension-wise, the car is the same as the Kodiaq, but it’s more powerful and has a sportier interior as well. There will be a majority of people who will go for the Kodiaq GT instead of the Kodiaq; which was their first preference. So, a part of the sales that the manufacturer is getting from the Kodiaq GT is essentially from people who were already buying a car from Skoda. If seen from this perspective, the GT needs to eat up sales from other automakers, and not split and share with the Kodiaq.

Further Reading

Read our in-depth review of the 2017 Skoda Kodiaq.

Read our review of the 2019 Skoda Kodiaq RS.