Second-gen Skoda Kodiaq makes its debut

SKODA has revealed its second-generation Kodiaq SUV this week, the first all-new Kodiaq in seven years now offered with diesel, petrol, mild hybrid (MHEV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) drivelines, many for the first time, as well as an array of new technology and vastly different looks.

The seven-seat Mazda CX-8, Nissan Pathfinder and Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace competitor will go on sale in Australia later next year.

Locally, pricing and specification are still a long way from being locked in. However, GoAuto understands only the turbocharged petrol engine is on the cards for the land Down Under, adding 18kW to the current offering; the 2.0-litre four-cylinder now making 150kW and 320Nm and still coupled with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) and all-wheel drive.

In other markets the Skoda Kodiaq will be offered with a 110kW/250Nm 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol ‘four’ with mild-hybridisation, a seven-speed DCT and front-wheel drive, and a 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel ‘four’ in two states of tune (110kW/360Nm or 142kW/400Nm) and again coupled to a seven-speed DCT driving the front- and rear wheels respectively.

Importantly, Skoda will also introduce a PHEV version of the Kodiaq for the first time. With total system power of 150kW and 350Nm, the front-wheel drive model features a 110kW 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol ‘four’ paired with an electric motor and a six-speed DCT.

Power is stored in a 25.7kWh battery pack which may be charged via an 11kW AC or 50kW DC charger. Skoda says the Kodiaq PHEV can travel up to 100km on electric power alone.

The new Kodiaq grows slightly over the outgoing model to now measure 4758mm in length (+61mm), 1864mm in width (-18mm), and 1657mm in height (+24mm). The wheelbase is unchanged at 2791mm. The drag coefficient is listed at 0.28Cd.

The larger proportions are said to elicit more rear seat headroom (+15mm) and an increase in cargo space; the boot now offering 340 litres (+70 litres) in seven-seat mode and 845 litres (+80 litres) in five-seat mode.

With stylistic changes reflecting those of the recently updated Skoda Octavia, the Kodiaq will now offer alloy wheels that range in diameter from 17- to 20 inches, the option of matrix LED headlights, an illuminated grille, and on Sportline variants, 19- or 20-inch alloys, adaptive dampers, a sports steering wheel, and black highlights both inside and out.

The cabin now sports a larger central infotainment array – up 3.7 inches to 12.9 – a 10.25-inch instrumentation array, head-up display, a column-mounted transmission selector, massaging front seats with heating and ventilation, dual wireless phone charging pads, four USB-C outlets, and an optional 14-speaker Canton premium sound system (likely on Sportline variants and above).

Grade dependent upholstery offerings include recycled cloth, microfibre and sustainably tanned leather with contrasting stitch work. The carpets and headlining are likewise made from recycled materials.

Safety technology becomes more advanced with the availability of nine airbags, long-range blind spot monitoring, auto high beam and traffic sign recognition joining adaptive cruise control, lane centring, and even remote parking. Over-the-air software updates and advanced route planning systems are also included.

The Skoda Kodiaq continues to perform steadily in terms of Australian sales with a year-to-date total of 1239 units – or 12.2 per cent more than the same month last year (September). The current model range is priced from $51,890 to $69,290 plus on-road costs.