The Czech car maker Škoda Auto is focusing on occupant protection by offering robust car models on the market. The brand has rolled out a robust armoured version of its popular offering, the Kodiaq sports utility vehicle, in the UK. The bulletproof Kodiaq SUV has been developed in collaboration with UTAC Special Vehicles, a British security company, and Škoda. It takes inspiration from the facelift version of the Superb Armoured, of which about 500 units have been sold globally since its premiere in 2018.
According to the company, the armoured Kodiaq can withstand a variety of handguns, rifles, grenades, and high explosives. Just like the Superb Armoured, the bulletproof Kodiaq satisfies PAS 300 and PAS 301 requirements of the Civilian Armoured Vehicle standard. The PAS 301 certification is only given to models that can pass certain valuation tests and that feature better acceleration, payload, handling, maximum speed, and braking. During these tests, the vehicles go through 200 rounds of ammunition.
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The new bulletproof Kodiaq SUV is being offered with several interior and exterior enhancements. It features subtle exterior amenities that make it look identical to the standard version. The armoured Kodiaq comes equipped with revamped strobe lights on the bumper, grille, and tailgate. Skoda offers the Kodiaq SUV in a five-seat configuration and a range of engine options. It is loaded with four-wheel drive and boasts more than 2,000 litres of boot space.
Inside, the bulletproof Kodiaq is packed with bullet-resistant glass and steel armour for passenger safety. It houses an "8-inch touchscreen communications hub" with special controls for siren systems, emergency lighting, Android Auto functionality, and Apple CarPlay. Skoda has also updated the suspension and brake units on the Kodiaq to provide the same drivability as the outgoing version. Also, the tyres now have a retention system that keeps them from coming off the wheels even when they are completely deflated.