Except for minor adjustments to the rear suspension, the Skodiaq did not require reinforcements.
Episode 1 of series 16 featured Jeremy Clarkson driving the Skoda Yeti, the Czech automaker’s first SUV. The TG crew put a 100-kilogram (220 lb) roof rack on a fully-standard Yeti, and then landed a 600-kg (1.323 lb) helicopter on top. This was to demonstrate the ruggedness of the high-riding, quirky vehicle made in Kvasiny.
Skoda pulled a similar stunt using the facelifted Kodiaq. The firm’s largest SUV, the Yeti, was not strengthened before it became a helipad. The VW Group brand states that the rear suspension needed to be strengthened in order to “ensure the axles are optically balanced.”Below is the scene with Yeti from Episode 1, Series 16. This episode aired originally in January 2011.
TG actually did it more spectacularly than the car, as the helicopter landed on top of the Yeti’s roof. With its roof-mounted steel structure, the Kodiaq was still standing. Its purpose is to evenly distribute the weight. Skoda explains that the platform, which is made of wooden boards, was attached to the roof frame. It replaces the roof rails on the standard version.
The Robinson R22 red helicopter costs $325,000 and weighs in at 622 kg (1,370 lb). Skoda’s flagship SUV was displayed with this unusual accessory at the Robinson Helicopter Session 20,21. This meeting of helicopter pilots and owners took place at Mlada Boleslav.
A mid-cycle update to the Kodiaq brought matrix LED headlights, a 2.0-liter gasoline engine to the sporty RS model. This replaces the twin-turbodiesel unit that was on the Kodiaq before. The three-row SUV, named after the largest brown bear, is also available in a more sleek GT specification with an aerodynamic roofline. However, this model is only sold in China.