Škoda has built an armoured version of its Kodiaq five-seater large SUV, built to withstand bullets and grenade blasts.

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Developed as a joint project with British-based security experts UTAC Special Vehicles, it joins the existing Superb Armoured and is designed for the ultimate in occupant security.

As with its armoured sibling, launched in 2018 and updated with new features and greater personal security last year, the Kodiaq Armoured is fully certified to PAS 300 and PAS 301 Civilian Armoured Vehicle standards.

Extensive modifications include special bullet-resistant glass and armoured steel protection for the passenger compartment – equipping the Kodiaq Armoured with bullet resistance to various handguns and assault rifles, along with blast resistance to both grenades and high explosives.

Stringent testing, as part of the certification process, has put this to the test and the armour-plated Škoda was subjected to more than 200 rounds of ammunition, plus an assessment of blast resistance to the vehicle side, roof and underfloor.

The new armoured model is also equipped with uprated suspension and braking systems to accommodate the weight increase, while all four wheels are fitted with a tyre retention system that prevents the tyre from leaving the rim, even when deflated. This allows the driver to maintain control of the car at all times even in the event of punctures. Acceleration, maximum speed, handling and braking, along with payload, have all been tested as part of the certification.

The armoured edition also gets an emergency lighting and siren system along with an eight-inch touchscreen communications hub with GPS, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality.

As with all previous armoured variants, the Kodiaq was developed with the full co-operation and technical support of Skoda, and designed to look as similar to the production model as possible.

As with the Superb Armoured, customers can choose from a range of powertrain options, along with four-wheel drive. It’s available solely in five-seater guise and boot space stands at more than 2,000 litres.

Prices haven’t been announced but, as with the Superb Armoured, are likely to start at around £150,000 (c. €150,000).

Target buyers include police forces and private security firms with VIP clients. Since the first-gen Superb Armoured was launched in 2018, nearly 500 have been sold around the world.