RAY MASSEY says Skoda is charging buyers extra fees to use built-in features

Has Skoda lost direction – or just the plot? Bosses say they will charge buyers an extra fee to activate features already built into the car, such as the navigation system.

Only when a new owner pays an additional fee to download the relevant software can they use the navigation system. And that is just the beginning.

The brand is also exploring other paid “on-demand” features, including adaptive cruise control and auto-dimming of the headlights via the infotainment screen.

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

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

Rocky road ahead: The pricing policy of the new Kodiaq could cause a backlash

But it is a contentious area. An angry backlash forced BMW to abandon plans to charge a monthly fee for access to heated seats that were already installed in their cars.

Although no official pricing has been announced for the latest Kodiaq, it’s expected to be a step up from the current first-generation range, which costs from £35,000.

The newcomer is larger and more spacious than its first-generation sibling introduced in 2016.

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

There are two petrol and two diesel engines, coupled to a 7-speed automatic transmission.

The entry-level petrol engine with 1.5 TSI and 150 hp (110 kW) is the first mild hybrid and is complemented by the more powerful 2.0 TSI petrol engine with 204 hp (150 kW). The two 2.0 TDI diesel variants produce 15 hp (110 kW) and 193 hp (142 kW). The most powerful versions with diesel and gasoline engines are four-wheel drive.

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

The Kodiaq features a range of large alloy wheels ranging 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 adjustment, a 10-inch instrument cluster and a 13-inch infotainment screen, as well as optional head-up display and massaging seats.

The environmental labels include the absence of chrome and the textiles, which are either made from 100 percent recycled polyester or 40 percent from natural wool.

There are four equipment variants: Loft, Lounge, Ecosuite and Sportline.

There are two petrol and two diesel engines, coupled to a 7-speed automatic transmission

Other key features include a redesigned cockpit area with three physical “smart dials” for adjusting climate control and infotainment

The new version is 61 millimeters longer at 4,758 millimeters and the wheelbase is 2,791 millimeters

According to Skoda, the second generation of the Kodiaq – named after the Kodiak bear from southern Alaska – has “grown moderately” compared to its predecessor.

The luggage volume has also increased, growing by 75 liters to 910 liters in the five-seater version, without the rear seats having to be folded down

A hot and sporty vRS version – with an expected 270hp 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine – is also being planned.

Skoda says its second-generation Kodiaq – named after the Kodiak bear from southern Alaska – has “grown moderately” compared to its predecessor, “but with great impact.”

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

Together with the width of 1,864 millimeters and an almost unchanged height of 1,659 millimeters, there is more space in the interior.

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.

The luggage volume has also increased, growing by 75 liters to 910 liters in the five-seater version, without the rear seats having to be folded down. With the rear seats folded down, the maximum capacity increases by 40 liters to 2,105 liters.

Behind the third row of seats, the seven-seater now holds 340 liters – around 70 more than before – and 845 liters with the third row of seats folded down (plus 80 liters).

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

Klaus Zellmer, CEO of Škoda Auto, said: “Our brand new flagship SUV has everything it needs to be a worthy successor to the Škoda Kodiaq range.”

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

He added: “We have also expanded our range of highly efficient powertrains and introduced a plug-in hybrid with an electric range of over 62 miles to further advance our commitment to sustainable mobility.”

“Since its launch in 2016, the Kodiaq has played a crucial role in Škoda’s growth and has always been well received by our customers.” “The new Kodiaq is perfectly positioned to continue this successful legacy.”

Jeep launches the fifth generation Wrangler

Jeep has launched its fifth-generation Wrangler just as the five millionth Wrangler was sold worldwide.

Prices start at £60,785 and the vehicles will go on sale early next year, complete with an attractive new blue-grey color called ‘Anvil’.

Prices start at £60,785 and the vehicles will go on sale early next year, complete with an attractive new blue-grey color called ‘Anvil’.

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

• There are more than 50,000 public electric vehicle (EV) charging points in the UK, according to new data from charging point mapping service Zapmap. The 50,000th charger was an ultra-fast device from MFG EV Power, installed at a petrol station in Weston-super-Mare, Somerset. Zapmap predicts that at the current installation rate, the UK is expected to reach 100,000 chargers next August.

The number of complaints about car maintenance and repair is the highest

Consumer complaints about car maintenance and repairs have peaked this year, the Motor Ombudsman says, citing “the pressures associated with the cost of living crisis”.

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

Consumer complaints about car maintenance and repairs have peaked this year

This means that more than 3,763 complaints have been received so far and it is predicted that there will be more than 5,000 disputes by the end of the year.

More than half (52 percent) of new complaints came from diesel cars, followed by gasoline cars (40 percent), electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles (both 4 percent).

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