Kodiaq enters its second generation with new interior tech, more space and electrified powertrains
Flagship SUV receives design makeover plus mild- and plug-in hybrid power for the first time
Skoda has confirmed details of the new version of its largest SUV, which will be revealed fully in the autumn before going on sale in early 2024.
The second-generation Skoda Kodiaq gains more interior space, electrified powertrains for the first time and a host of new interior technology. The Czech firm previewed the model by revealing a camouflaged prototype.
The new Kodiaq will be sold with two petrol and two diesel engines, ranging in power from 147bhp to 201bhp. All-wheel drive is available on top-rung models.
The Kodiaq also gains hybrid power for the first time. Opening the model’s electrified range is a 147bhp 1.5-litre TSI mild-hybrid petrol engine, while a 201bhp plug-in hybrid tops the range.
The firm says the PHEV model, which uses a 25.7kWh battery, is capable of more than 62 miles of range on electric-only power. It can be charged at speeds of up to 50kW.
All engines are paired with a seven-speed DSG automatic transmission, apart from the plug-in hybrid model, which is only available with a six-speed DSG.
In addition to its overhauled powertrain line-up, the Kodiaq will gain an exterior redesign. The new SUV is 61mm longer than the previous Kodiaq. That enables it to offer 910 litres of boot space in five-seat form, with the seven-seat version providing between 340 litres (all seats raised) and 845 litres (just five seats raised).
The Kodiaq’s interior has been almost completely overhauled. Skoda has relocated the model’s gearlever onto the steering column for the first time and installed a new, larger 12.9in touchscreen.
In the rear, a new storage compartment houses cupholders and a touchscreen display cleaner, while Skoda’s familiar umbrella is stowed in the driver’s door.
“The Kodiaq has been an absolute success for Skoda ever since its launch in 2016, when it kick-started our SUV campaign,” said Klaus Zellmer, Skoda chairman.
“With its powerful and crystalline design language, spacious interior and excellent value for money, it attracted many new customers and won renowned international awards. The second generation has all the prerequisites – including a plug-in hybrid version – to add another great chapter to this success story.”
The Kodiaq will be produced at the firm’s Kvasiny plant, which currently builds the smaller Skoda Karoq, Skoda Superb and Superb iV.
Skoda says it is investing €12 million (£10.47m) into its production line to prepare for the plug-in Kodiaq iV, installing new manipulators, conveyor belts and chassis assemblers.
The firm previously described its internal combustion line-up as “an important mainstay” during the brand’s transition to an electric-only model range. As such, the new Kodiaq will be followed by four new all-electric Skoda models by 2027.
Skoda claims the Kvasiny facility will produce up to 410 new Kodiaqs per day at peak production levels. This will be helped by the production of the Superb moving to Bratislava, Slovakia, from early 2024. Production of the first pilot vehicles, meanwhile, is already underway.
“The preparations for the production of our upcoming second-generation Kodiaq are already in full swing. As is typical for Skoda, we are again using existing infrastructure while cleverly integrating new technologies,” said Michael Oeljeklaus, Skoda board member for production and logistics.
“However, comprehensively adapting and further future-proofing an assembly line that remains in operation is a highly demanding task both technically and logistically. At the same time, we have also successfully redistributed and optimised our model production and were thus able to free up additional capacity.”
Skoda will hope the Kodiaq holds its position as one of the company’s best-selling models, having shifted 740,000 units worldwide since its initial 2016 launch.
Source: Autocar
