Following months of anticipation, Skoda’s all-new SUV – the Kodiaq – has finally been unveiled in Germany.

The seven-seat model is almost as large as a Range Rover and measures 4.7 metres in length, but its price-tag is slashed by about a third in comparison.

The Kodiaq is Skoda’s first venture into SUV territory and is a clear indication that the Czech brand aims to step it up a notch with a distinct improvement in terms of refinement.

The car is perfect for families who demand plenty of versatility from their vehicle. The cabin is spacious and the third row of seats is ideal for children. And when it comes to storage, the Kodiaq delivers on every count. The boot capacity is huge with a 720-litre limit in five seat format. Drop those seats flat and the capacity increases to a whopping 2,065 litres.

At launch, the vehicle will be available with a choice of two diesel and three petrol engines ranging in size from 1.4 to 2.0-litres. Fuel economy will be about 56.5mpg with emissions at 131g/km. In addition, buyers will be able to select from two or four-wheel drive variants.

The car is named after a breed of bears that inhabit the Kodiak islands off the coast of Alaska and is the latest in Skoda’s line-up to feature what the company calls ‘simply clever’ features. For example, there are door edge protectors which flip out on opening to prevent scratches, an ice scraper is housed in the fuel filler cap, there are electric child safety locks and an umbrella is stowed in the front door armrest.

The Kodiaq, which has a towing limit of 2.5 tonnes, will be priced from about £23,500 and the first models are expected for delivery next spring.