A strong start for Skoda’s first large sports utility has inspired the distributor to broaden the selection.

A SECOND diesel version of the Kodiak has come on sale and a sports-flavoured edition will be added next year.

This news today from Skoda New Zealand, following recent confirmation that demand for the new car is so great it has been bringing in a five-seater edition it initially didn’t think it needed simply to meet demand.

Overwhelming consumer demand is also cited as the reason for adding a second turbocharged diesel engine.

Until now, Kodiaq’s compression ignition opportunity has been limited to the most expensive and highest specification version, the $58,290 Style TDi whose 2.0-litre presents as the most muscular engine in the family, with 400 Newton metres torque plus 140kW power.

Now, however, there’s another same-capacity choice, which steps down a tier in trim – to Ambition Plus format – and also drops back in power and torque, presenting 110kW and 340Nm. However, it also matches to a seven-speed direct shift transmission, retains four-wheel-drive, has similar thrift (Skoda claiming an optimal 5.7 litres’ per 100km) and presents a significant saving, with a recommended retail of $49,990.

It is the second Ambition Plus version, the other coming with a 1.4-litre turbopetrol also creating 110kW, but also 110kNm less torque.

Skoda NZ has not made clear about sales expectation for the new derivative, but with full leather interior, triple zone air conditioning, front heated seats and an infotainment system with integrated satellite navigation, it delivers a strong specification.

Meantime, the Auckland operation has announced intent to launch, in March next year, a Sportline trim and technology enhancement for the top line Style models.

The upgrade, pictured today, delivers 20-inch alloy wheels and performance tyres, a gloss black radiator grille, black wing mirror housings, body-coloured protective door strips and an individually designed rear bumper. Roof rails and tinted windows are also standard.

Motorsport influenced seats with silver stitching and Alcantara/leather covers, and silver-coloured pedals made from stainless steel and aluminium stand out within the black interior. It gets gearshift paddles and a three-spoke sports leather steering wheel.

It gets a digital Performance Monitor within the central display. It displays oil and coolant temperatures, acceleration and boost pressure. The lap timer for example allows the driver to subsequently analyse statistics for each lap.

Price has yet to be announced.

The Sportline is just the beginning of a performance drive for Skoda’s largest car, with the brand already confirming that despite its family-first configuration it will ultimately come in a hard-out RS version.

Said Skoda NZ general manager Greg Leet: “The Kodiaq SUV has been a game changer for Skoda in New Zealand, doubling our relevance in under a year.

“The new SportLine brings a more aggressive design package inside and out. With so many Kiwis looking for a combination of form and function in one car, we can’t wait to launch it here.”