POLICE cars have always had a way of turning heads — whether they’re patrolling the highway, cruising through the city, or deployed in a special operation.
One question that keeps coming up is whether police-spec vehicles are genuinely different under the skin compared to what the public can buy, or simply standard models slapped with stickers and emergency lights.
The truth is, police vehicles come in several categories serving different operational purposes — and some are developed with specifications that never make it to the public catalogue.
That’s exactly the case with the second-generation Škoda Kodiaq police variant, which has now entered service with the Czech Republic Police.
352 Units of the New Kodiaq Delivered for Police Duty
A total of 352 units of the second-generation Škoda Kodiaq were handed over in November 2025 for use by the Czech Republic Police.
The fleet will serve across multiple units, including general patrol and traffic police, covering daily operations, traffic management, and emergency response duties.
The development of this police Kodiaq involved close collaboration between serving police officers and Škoda engineers in Mladá Boleslav.
Real-world operational experience gathered from the first-generation police Kodiaq fleet was used as the primary reference — ensuring every improvement was grounded in genuine field requirements, not just cosmetic changes.
RS Turbo Engine and Specially Tuned Chassis
This is no ordinary Kodiaq. Power comes from the sporty RS variant, driven by a 2.0 TSI turbocharged petrol engine producing 262hp.
It’s paired with an all-wheel drive (AWD) system, DSG automatic transmission, and specially tuned DCC+ adaptive dampers.
The combination of powertrain and chassis allows the vehicle to deliver high performance, stability, and consistent control — whether on a routine patrol or responding urgently to an emergency.
Upgraded Brakes and Instant Sport Mode
This Kodiaq will be used by both patrol and traffic police units, with several specific upgrades to support those roles. One of the most noticeable differences is the fitment of 18-inch alloy wheels, replacing the standard steel wheels with plastic covers.
These wheels allow better cooling for the upgraded brake system — a more heavy-duty setup sourced from the 7-seat SUV variant — and are built to handle the demands of sustained operational use.
Another key feature is the ability to instantly switch the powertrain and chassis settings to Sport mode at a moment’s notice. This gives the driver immediate access to the vehicle’s full performance capability without fumbling through menus — exactly what you need in a fast-developing situation.
A Fully Loaded Emergency Lighting System
Beyond the reflective markings, emergency lighting is one of the most critical elements of a police vehicle. The Kodiaq’s lighting system has been comprehensively modernised, with the primary blue and red light bar mounted on the roof.
Additional lights are integrated beneath the front windscreen, on both sides of the front grille, and inside the rear doors — ensuring visibility is maintained even when the boot is open.
Blue and red strobe units are also fitted to the rear bumper and front fenders, making the vehicle identifiable from virtually any angle in any operational situation.
Operational Cabin and Spy Mode
The emergency lights and siren are controlled through a dedicated panel inside the cabin. Below the climate control unit, a dedicated space is provided for radio equipment installation.
The cabin also features several practical additions — a safety hammer for breaking windows in emergencies and an additional interior rear-view mirror to monitor detainees in the back seat.
One of the most unique features is the spy mode, which allows the vehicle to operate without its headlights on. Unavailable on the standard model, this capability is particularly valuable for covert surveillance operations at night.
Given the significantly higher electronic load, the police Kodiaq is also fitted with an auxiliary battery and an upgraded charging capacity to match.
Boot Layout Configured for Each Role
Boot organisation differs depending on the unit’s role. First response vehicles are equipped with a locked long-arm firearm storage case, while traffic police vehicles feature a metal frame with two sliding drawers that can be opened out into a compact workstation.
This space is used to store documents, identification cards, and breathalyser equipment, alongside a new document holder system designed to stop paperwork from flying off in the wind during roadside duties.
Despite all these additional fittings, the Kodiaq’s boot still offers a usable capacity of 910 litres for other equipment.
Rear Seats Designed With Detainees in Mind
The rear seating area has also received several Simply Clever Škoda touches tailored specifically for police use. The seatbelt buckle position for detainees is placed on the door-side of the seat, allowing officers to fasten it without having to lean over the person being detained.
The seatbelt can also be pre-positioned by hooking it onto the front headrest in advance. To simplify post-operation clean-up, the rear seats are upholstered in synthetic leather.
Front Push Bar and the PIT Manoeuvre
One of the most striking features on the new police Kodiaq is the front safety push bar, specifically designed to execute the PIT manoeuvre.
In this procedure, the police vehicle makes controlled contact near the rear wheel of a suspect’s car, causing it to spin out and come to a stop.
This system has already been used on previous police versions of the Kodiaq and Octavia, with its effectiveness proven in real operational deployments.
Also Deployed Across European Police Forces
The use of the second-generation Škoda Kodiaq isn’t limited to the Czech Republic alone. The same model is also in service with the state police of Hesse in Germany and has passed approval testing for law enforcement use in the United Kingdom.
In Austria, police signed a five-year contract in 2025 for up to 2,000 Kodiaq units, while Škoda police vehicles are also deployed in Croatia, Hungary, North Macedonia, Kosovo, and Albania.
